Being the first Uni graduate from my father’s lineage (story for another day), all I wanted after school was a secure job. And thankfully, I was retained by a Federal University after my 1-Year mandatory youth service (NYSC). My career took off and I’d in the coming years, get a Masters and start a family.

Barely 3 years later, I became restless; I wanted more. I loved the corporate hustle and wanted to experience it. But then I asked: “which serious corporate entity hires a civil servant?” But somehow, I felt my case could be different. So I kept hoping, and seeking opportunities.

One afternoon, I received a phone call. After a brief intro (in French), the caller affirmed being impressed with my spoken French and informed me that there was a French-speaking role in an insurance multinational. I was ecstatic. And as you may have guessed, the process began.

From polishing my CV to preparing for virtual and physical interviews and to the back and forth emails, I put in my ALL. I was even flown to Lagos for a final session with the CEO. It was my first of such experience in almost 4 years of work. And as God would have it, I got the job. I even negotiated the pay, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Although leaving the civil service felt scary at the time for job security reasons, it remains one of my life’s best decisions as it has set me up for career growth and entrepreneurial strides. And looking back 5 years later, I’m glad I leaped.

Now think about this: I knew I had no prior corporate experience. It was even obvious from the interview process. Yet I didn’t let that stop me. Instead, I focused on articulating my skills, values and most importantly, my fluent French which I knew they needed. And that helped.

Please stop sabotaging yourself. You have something unique that your next employer or client needs. Just identify it, start honing it and make sure to passionately articulate it whenever your opportunity shows up. Because I promise you, your opportunity will come. And at that point, whether or not you’re fully qualified won’t really matter so long as you’re prepared.

Fortune favors the brave, and prepared.

PS: Got a similar experience? Please share below and let’s uplift others.