How to build a career in international development

How to become an International Human Rights Lawyer

In this episode, host Anita Patrick speaks with Henrietta Ekefre, an International Human Rights Lawyer, Policy Advisor, and Consultant specializing in transformative justice, gender equality, and reparations for historical injustices.  Henrietta shares how she built her career in the global human rights field, from the strategic career decisions she took during her undergraduate studies, to working with organizations like the Clooney Foundation for Justice, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, Africa Judges and Jurists Forum, and how she continues to use the law as a tool for social transformation. What you’ll learn: * The work of an International Human Rights Lawyer * Henrietta’s strategy for choosing a law specialization * How to reverse-engineer your career path when you have a vision * How Moot Court competitions can open professional doors for young lawyers and law students. * Internships, fellowships and graduate programs for Human Rights and Advocacy professionals. * Experience working with international organizations like the Clooney Foundation for Justice * How to apply for and get funding for postgraduate (Master’s) degrees at universities such as the University of Oxford, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Pretoria. * Scholarship and funding strategies: what reviewers look for, how to demonstrate need, and how to choose the right referees for recommendation letters. * Managing burnout, vicarious trauma, and emotional fatigue in human rights work. * The role of empathy, safe spaces, and trauma-informed advocacy in sustaining meaningful change. * The importance of publishing research, op-eds, and think pieces to build credibility * How to deal with perfectionism paralysis and keep showing up for your work. Where to find Henrietta: Twitter/X: https://x.com/Henriettaekefre [https://x.com/Henriettaekefre] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/henriettaekefre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/henriettaekefre/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theiconichenny/ [https://www.instagram.com/theiconichenny/] Where to find Anita LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/] Twitter/X: https://x.com/anitasfire [https://x.com/anitasfire] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/ [https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/] What I Do For Work podcast on social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work [https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/ [https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork [https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork] Twitter: https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_ [https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_] #WIDFWPodcast Chapters 02:47 A day in the life of an International Human Rights Lawyer 06:26 The inspiration behind Henrietta's law career 07:46 Henrietta's strategy for choosing her law specialization 10:59 Course content, activities and opportunities for undergrad law student 15:07 Networking and experience opportunities 16:49 Planning ahead as a Law student 17:54 Finding Law internships that are relevant to your career 26:04 Clooney Foundation for Justice fellowship experience 29:09 Importance of networking 35:34 Creating a vision for your Human Rights career 38:29 What personalities thrive in Human Rights Law? 41:07 Balancing research and advocacy 43:27 The importance of empathy in Human Rights work 45:21 Pursuing advanced education in Human Rights 55:44 Tips for applying to graduate programs and getting funding 57:42 What scholarship reviewers look out for in applications 59:05 An example of how to prove the need for scholarship for post-grad applications 01:00:34 How to choose a good referee for your recommendation letter 01:04:14 Navigating mental health in Human Rights work 01:12:24 Creating safe spaces in advocacy 01:14:56 The importance of publishing one's work 01:18:03 Dealing with perfectionism paralysis #HumanRightsLaw #InternationalLaw #HumanRightsCareer #SocialJustice #LawStudents #AdvocacyWork #TransformativeJustice #Scholarships #StudyAbroad #OxfordUniversity #ClooneyFoundation #LegalFellowships #WomenInLaw #AfricaLaw #CareerInLaw #PostgraduateFunding #LegalResearch #PublicInterestLaw #MentalHealthAwareness #EmpathyInAdvocacy  career advice for aspiring lawyers in Africa Production and marketing by Anita Patrick

How to pivot into a Project Management career

In this episode of What I Do For Work, host Anita Patrick speaks with Susanna Ozenogu. They discuss the intricacies of project management, Susan's journey into this sector and what it takes to thrive as a PM.  Susanna Ozenogu is a Program and Portfolio Manager with over a decade of experience driving transformation and building scalable systems across nonprofit, tech, finance, logistics, and consulting sectors. She's certified in PMP, CBAP, PMI-ACP, and Scrum. She brings together technical fluency, learning design, and human-centred leadership. Beyond corporate execution, she is a seasoned PMP trainer and facilitator, having equipped and mentored over 2,000 executives and professionals with the tools to lead projects and programs effectively. What you’ll learn: * The difference between project, program, and portfolio management. * What to do if looking to grow as a PM or pivot into the sector * How to approach certifications and the number 1 tip for acing professional exams like the PMP * The best practice for applying Project Management structures to real-life scenarios * How to know if Project Management is the right career for you * The key skills of a good Project Manager * How and why to be visible at work Where to find Susan and Zenog Consults LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sozenogu/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sozenogu/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sue.lenaya/ [https://www.instagram.com/sue.lenaya/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenog-consulting/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenog-consulting/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenog_jobs/ [https://www.instagram.com/zenog_jobs/] Where to find Anita LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/] Twitter/X: https://x.com/anitasfire [https://x.com/anitasfire] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/ [https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/] What I Do For Work on social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work [https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/ [https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork [https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork] Twitter: https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_ [https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_] #WIDFWPodcast Newsletter https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share] Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Understanding Project Management roles 05:23 Susan's journey from Journalist to Project Manager 14:26 Project Management exists in every field 18:01 Relevance of Project Management certifications 20:14 Susan's most impactful Project Management certification 21:57 3 tips beyond certificates for a career in Project Management 29:02 How to ace your Project Management exams 31:11 How to balance textbook knowledge and real-life application in Project Management 34:17 How to know if Project Management is for you 40:56 Staying updated in Project Management practices 44:26 On continuous learning 50:51 Absurdity in business practices #widfwpodcast #projectmanagementcareer #careerdevelopment career development, project management certifications, continuous learning, career transitions, project management in nigeria Production and marketing by Anita Patrick

Building a Career in Brand Strategy and Talent Management

In this episode, Anita Patrick chats with Kafilat Awotayo, founder of the Yellow company, about her path into Brand Strategy and Talent Management. Kafilat has worked with global luxury brands in her career and is now building a thriving agency at the intersection of Nigeria’s creative economy and commerce. She shares how she’s carved a space for herself in this industry, and the mindset shift creatives need to turn their skills into sustainable businesses.  What we discussed: * Why you must fight for your place if you want to build credibility at work * How proactive learning and shadowing can fast-track your growth * The role of trend forecasting in staying relevant and competitive * Why creatives should start thinking like corporations * Why build meaningful industry relationships that open doors * Working at an agency vs. in-house, which should marketers in Nigeria choose * The importance of networking and community engagement * Balancing Brand marketing and sales Where to find Kafilat and The Yellow Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaf.ilatt/ [https://www.instagram.com/kaf.ilatt/]  https://www.instagram.com/the.yellowco/ [https://www.instagram.com/the.yellowco/] LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/kafilatawotayo/ [http://linkedin.com/in/kafilatawotayo/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/yellowcomms/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/yellowcomms/] Where to find Anita LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/] Twitter/ X: https://x.com/anitasfire [https://x.com/anitasfire] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/ [https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/] What I Do For Work on social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work [https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/ [https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork [https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork] Twitter: https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_ [https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_] #WIDFWPodcast Newsletter https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share] Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:27 The work of a Brand Strategist 03:45 Kafilat's journey to Brand Strategy 10:11 Taking a gap year strategically 11:41 Maximizing internships for growth 14:27 Road to Kafilat's Yellow Agency 17:25 Transitioning from 9-5 to agency founder 21:21 Gatekeeping in the industry 23:27 The importance of data in marketing 25:07 Building relationships and networking 26:38 The role of creativity in commerce 28:36 The evolution of Yellow Management 29:57 Supporting the Creative Economy 36:59 Building a framework for creatives 38:59 The expanding creative economy 40:41 What you need to break into Brand Marketing 46:05 Agency vs in-house 47:58 Recap of the conversation 50:15 Mentorship opportunity with Kafilat Production and marketing by Anita Patrick

How to break into Public Relations

In this episode, Anita Patrick speaks with Adanna Atuonwu, the Public Relations Lead at AFEX, one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, to unpack what it really takes to succeed in PR in Nigeria.From building media relationships across West and East Africa, to turning a Master’s degree into a career breakthrough, to managing challenging team members without burning out, Adanna shares practical lessons from her journey that every aspiring PR or communications professional needs to hear.This is a conversation about career growth, leadership, and thriving in structured organisations.What you’ll learn in this episode: * How to build and nurture PR relationships that actually move your career forward * Where to find networking opportunities (and why “horizontal networking” matters) * How a Master’s degree can unlock doors and how to maximise its full value * What it’s like to work in a structured, high-growth company * Key things to consider when choosing your first job * The mindsets and attitudes that set successful PR professionals apart * Practical tips for managing difficult reportees as a first-time manager Where to find AdannaInstagram [https://www.instagram.com/_diaryofada/]LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/atuonwuadanna/ ]Where to find AnitaLinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/]Twitter [https://x.com/anitasfire]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/] What I Do For Work on socialLinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work]Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/]Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork]Twitter/X [https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_]#WIDFWPodcastNewsletter [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share]Chapters00:00 Introduction00:53 What to expect01:24 Working in PR03:41 PR Lead day-to-day06:26 Productive times for working08:00 Building relationships as a PR expert12:14 Undergrad and Master's experience16:49 Getting value (and jobs) from Master's degree19:40 First year at AFEX21:48 Taking advantage of support at work22:57 Having good managers and being a good manager25:49 Handling reportees who need micromanagement30:43 Working in a place with structure35:11 Advice for choosing your first job37:14 Problems in the Comms sector39:52 Advice for working in PR40:52 Networking horizontally42:46 Where to find relationships44:45 Where to find Adanna45:12 Share What I Do For Work podcastProduction and marketing by Anita Patrick

How to build a career in international development

In this episode of What I Do For Work, Anita Patrick speaks with Pearl Utuk, a social entrepreneur and international development professional, about her journey from volunteering to finding career clarity. Pearl shares her experiences at the African Leadership Academy, the career uncertainty challenges she grappled with, and the importance of networking and preparation in achieving career goals.  What you’ll learn: * How volunteering can open doors to meaningful, high-impact careers. * Why networking isn’t just for formal events, and how to build connections anywhere. * Key technical skills needed to thrive in the development and social enterprise space. * How to prepare for opportunities even when your career path feels unclear. * How to embrace nonlinear career journeys and unexpected turns. * The power of documenting and sharing your work to attract new opportunities. * The role of faith during uncertain times. * Why every small contribution can create a ripple effect in your community. Where to find Pearl and Teach The Child LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearlutuk/⁠] Instagram [⁠https://www.instagram.com/teachthechild_/⁠] YouTube [⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TeachtheChild_⁠] Where to find Anita LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/⁠] Instagram [⁠https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/⁠] Twitter/X [https://x.com/anitasfire⁠] What I Do For Work on social LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work⁠] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/⁠] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork⁠] Twitter/X [https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_⁠] #WIDFWPodcast Newsletter [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share⁠] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Impactful Careers 02:46 Pearl Utuk's Journey in Social Impact 04:07 Day-to-Day Responsibilities at African Leadership Academy 06:11 Entering the Impact Space 08:26 The Role of Volunteering in Career Clarity 10:47 Building Skills and Overcoming Challenges 12:36 Finding Opportunities in Uncertainty 14:59 Developing Technical Skills for Social Development 17:51 The Importance of Networking and Documentation 20:07 Identifying Problems and Creating Solutions 36:31 Funding Community Projects 39:36 The Birth of Project Teach the Child 42:34 Navigating Career Opportunities 48:02 The Power of Networking 50:31 Transitioning from Project to NGO 57:07 Ambition vs. Contentment in Career 01:06:53 Mandela Washington Application Production and marketing by Anita Patrick