Even with surrounding obstacles, Leila Namutebi broke her barriers by changing her perspective on her job search.
It is not every day that you come across people who recommend something that helped them to others. Good things are the best-kept secret. However, Leila Namutebi is a different gem. She recently opened up about her job search and how Fuzu helped her. If you are waiting to graduate, or just graduated and maybe looking for an inspiration to take you to the next day, Leila shares it all in her interview.
In just three words, who is Leila?
A go-getter who is confident and passionate.
You recently shared a story about your job search on Instagram, what prompted you to share that testimony with the world?
People do not know about Fuzu. I wanted my followers to know what Fuzu is and does. When I was looking for a job, a friend recommended using Fuzu. I joined the platform, created a profile and I started my job search which was successful.
In your post, you talk about applying for jobs that you are not fully qualified for with the plan of learning on the job. But the big question is, how did you ensure your applications still stood out?
The resources on Fuzu really helped me a lot. I made sure I read the job description and aligned my skills with the ones required for the job in my CV and cover letter. The only experience I had at the moment was an internship and working with family and friends which I highlighted in my applications.
You talk about setting aside 3 days a week for sending out applications, did you learn anything from the unsuccessful job applications?
I always asked myself, “what is the worst that could happen?” If you do not get any feedback from the application then that's all it is. Nothing else will change. I refuse to dwell on what does not work out. And besides, when it comes to online job searching, it is easier to send out applications. I am not incurring transport costs or going through the headache of travelling from one place to another. Such convenience with websites like Fuzu keep me going.
So what skills did you learn on the job and how has Fuzu helped you in your career journey so far?
My job has taught me a lot of skills. I was recently promoted! So it is a sign of growth and taking in all the advice positively. I have learnt how to manage a team. It is very important to have good leadership skills when it comes to managing people. In my position I work with a team of people who handle different responsibilities, and yet you have to collect them all.
Social Media management is a relatively new career, what made you choose this career?
I have just completed my final exams, not even graduated. There was no way I was about to start looking for a job in the petroleum industry without papers and limited experience in internships. This made me reflect on my skills; I realized I had been running my Instagram page for two years, and I had some knowledge of digital marketing and social media management. So why not look for opportunities in this field? That's how it all started. I now work in copyrighting, but social media management is just a subfield.
Copyrighting seems like a fun job, are there challenges in this field?
I do not want to call them challenges, they are opportunities for growth.
One, you need to be adaptable. Things in this field change so fast. The businesses are different as well as the industries, so you need to adapt easily. Two, be up-to-date. One needs to be aware of what is happening in almost every industry such that one can be able to design and personalize the content for your client.
For someone without a clue about what Fuzu is, what exactly can they expect from Fuzu?
One thing I liked about Fuzu, is that jobs are available daily. From Monday to Monday, there are always new jobs posted. Unlike in the past when you had to wait for Monday papers or Thursday newspapers to see job openings, Fuzu jobs are constantly updated daily.
They will send you notifications on new jobs, and every time you open your email, you will be able to get a reminder. Do not worry it is never too much.
There are resources available, I love the articles that make you
What is the most crucial decision you made in your career journey?
To show up. The decision to wake up every day is not just for you. It is for your bosses as well.
You mentioned the petroleum industry in your post, is this your dream career?
I can not say. The future comes with many opportunities and there is always room to make a good choice. But I am passionate about hair, and looking forward to skilling the youth through a social enterprise.
I love your Instagram page! How did you get to this point where you create content so effortlessly?
Sometimes we look for happiness in the wrong places yet it is found within us. Having gone through a period of feeling inadequate in everything I was doing, I decided to change my story. I appreciated myself more and that is how I embarked on my journey to self-discovery and growth. I shared my story on my Instagram page so that I can inspire other people like me. So, my content comes from a place of healing, growth and self-rediscovery.
Apart from visiting the Fuzu website, what else do you do to develop yourself in skills and knowledge?
I read a lot. I am always lost in books about entrepreneurship, financial development and also personal development.
Any last words for youths still trying to figure out their career?
Look within your skills, there are many things we do for fun or call hobbies yet they are good skills you can monetize. The job you studied for will finally come, but do not sit and just wait. Put yourself out there through the skills you possess.
