Professional success requires a clear plan and a strong sense of purpose. Yet the workplace is often filled with challenges and obstacles that make it difficult to stay focused, motivated, and committed.

For Rowan Ahmed, the tumultuous socio-political context in Burkina Faso added to the difficulties of transitioning to a new position and a new environment. “When I arrived, there had just been a coup d’état. During my time there, another occurred, and I got blocked outside the country attending a conference in Abuja. The instability added to the stress of being in a new environment, away from my husband and kids. I found it very challenging, but I learned a lot! It has been a life-changing experience, and I consider myself lucky.”
 

Posted to UNDP Niger, Nisrine Mbarki describes how an initial obstacle became an opportunity to drive positive change. “Some of my colleagues did not feel concerned about gender issues. I worked with the gender team at UNDP Niger to organize several capacity-building activities for the staff, explaining what gender was, and that it concerns us all. Eventually, their perspective on the subject changed completely.” Nisrine cites verbal communication as a key skill that she’s been able to refine. “I am constantly trying to learn how to communicate better, in a benevolent way; while knowing how to set boundaries, listen and take into consideration people's feelings.” 

Viviane Nobre is particularly proud of her role in helping to spearhead the first ever organization-wide film event at UNDP, in collaboration with the African Film Festival in New York. “This raised awareness about African and African diasporas’ histories, cultures and contributions to different civilizations.” She emphasizes the value of being exposed to different learning opportunities during her deployment at UNDP HQ. “One indicator of how much I have grown is that I am now able to work independently and with minimum supervision. I can see that my management trust both me and my competences.”

Also deployed to UNDP HQ, Abigail Ceesay sums up her professional journey as an AfYWL fellow as “exciting, empowering and deserved”. Her advice to future cohorts is to “prioritize your work and give it your all”. She adds, “Be professional, punctual, eager to learn and always offer a helping hand. However, do not forget how important it is to make personal connections with people. Oftentimes it’s easier to learn from people than books or the Internet.”