Have you ever thought about what makes some young professionals stand out in their careers?

Recently, Rahmat Eyinfunjowo led an insightful session hosted by Aspire Institute, sharing powerful lessons on how to distinguish yourself and grow professionally.

One of the biggest takeaways was the power of personal branding. Platforms like LinkedIn aren’t just for job searching—they’re a space to showcase skills, share insights, and connect with the right people. A strong online presence can open unexpected doors.

Another key lesson was continuous learning. The job market evolves quickly, and the best way to stay relevant is by upskilling. Whether through webinars, workshops, or online courses, investing in knowledge keeps you ahead.

But what resonated most was the importance of asking for help. Many of us worry that seeking guidance makes us look inexperienced, but in reality, it demonstrates humility and a willingness to grow. It’s always better to ask for help than to make avoidable mistakes.

After this session, I’m motivated to improve my LinkedIn presence, take new courses, and actively seek mentorship. If you missed it, be sure to join the next one—it could be a game-changer for your career!

• Blog by Aime Ishimwe ALP'24

There were eager Aspire alumni looking at the screen, waiting for Mr. Rabie to begin his presentation on resilience. Each of us, with our own stories and struggles, answered his question—“What does resilience mean to you?”—with the same excitement as kindergarten children. I thought to myself, This is why I love being part of this community—we haven’t lost our enthusiasm for learning.

As I reflected on the question, I imagined the flower Galanthus pushing through a thick layer of snow to reach the daylight, much like a daisy growing from the cracks in concrete. I was already thinking about the Finnish term sisu—a deep and enduring form of resilience. Though distinct, it is a crucial element of Finnish culture.

Following that, Mr. Rabie asked us how we could apply resilience to our professional lives and language learning. The discussion was so engaging that it felt like a casual conversation at a café with a friend. I shared my struggles with learning a new language and how my resilience has paid off, as did several other alumni. We also talked about how we, as Turkish alumni, struggled with the ban on Discord during our cohort last year. Despite these challenges, I felt fortunate to have participated and completed the program.

Then, we did a Mentimeter activity on the three steps we would take in the face of rejection. My immediate thoughts were to clear my head and move forward with another application, assuming I had received an explanation for the rejection. Most responses were similar, except for one alumna who emphasized the importance of seeking feedback. Mr. Rabie also highlighted this point, and I completely agree—it’s essential for self-improvement and securing the opportunities we aspire to.

In conclusion, I truly enjoyed attending this alumni masterclass. I find it invaluable, as life doesn’t always treat us kindly. Last but not least, I would like to thank Mr. Rabie for delivering such a remarkable masterclass on this important topic.

• Blog by Yusuf Mutlu ALP'24

Congratulations on your outstanding achievements during your journey in the Aspire Leaders Program, as well as your ongoing dedication to personal and professional growth throughout our Extended Leadership Program! Your experiences are worth celebrating, and sharing them can help you build a powerful personal and professional brand — showcasing yourself as someone who's committed to growth and success.

When sharing your experiences in the Aspire Leaders Program or Extended Leadership Program, try to keep the following guidelines in mind!