Thread by @RGAMeyer

"Sis I think I'm too old to..."
No. Nope. Absolutely NOT.
The only way to stay relevant in your industry is to constantly upskill.
Skill is still KING. No ageism can withstand skill and capability. A few tips on how I achieve this. Issa THREAD

You have to first map out the level at which you want to operate. So, you may find person in same profession. Read up or ask them about career progression. I had several mapped similarities - they grew by moving roles or locations and veering off, in line with industry changes

So, I knew I had to be in a "ready to take opportunities" state. First thing I therefore did, was to make sure I took multimedia courses in my 1st journalism degree. Fam, it was HARD. I was 27, steeped in print journo mentality so coding websites, producing radio sucked. At first

But, it started to get better. At Masters' level, I majored in Broadcast Journalism, and chose a documentary-making path as my final project, rather than solely writing a thesis. I soon began to use these skills to make podcasts for NGOs in West Africa, Europe, and earned income.

Fresh out of grad school, I also began to use this tip - even whilst employed, I set up job alerts for jobs I wanted in 2-5 years' time.
I'd just read the ads. Fastest way to notice the skills the industry needed. I quickly discovered video, smartphone shooting was on the rise.

So, I took short courses. Again, it was hard AF. But I hardly give up. 😂
By the way, I still have job ads alerts - it helps me keep tabs on my industry. You notice that more duties are added, as years pass. Fam, you MUST UPSKILL! But the secret is to know in WHAT SKILL exactly.

As my end-goal has always been to be an academic who also freelances, I couldn't neglect that side. Over the years, I have applied the same rules (yes, with job ad alerts), and I am currently working on these yardsticks. It is hard, but so far, so good! #WeMove

My point is:
Never let AGE stop you. It's irrelevant in the face of indisputable skill and savvy.
I'd rather worry about my mental and physical capability to work, than a bloody number on some birth certificate, walahi 😂😂

Because the BEST journos & Academic mentors I know are in their 50s, 60s - a few pushing 70. Distinguished, brilliant minds that keep upping their game & remain RELEVANT AF
I'd tag them but they may killl me for outing their ages 😂😂
So FORGET age, and ... REMEMBER to upskill!

PS - If you are really going to take up setting job alerts, don't forget to always set it to your desired end-location. For instance, even when in Nigeria, I always knew I wanted to end up in Europe, so I was always reading job ads there. Set your bar high. IT. IS. POSSIBLE 👏

Some of today's job alerts I'll be reading through in the next few seconds.
My broda, my sister...hustle oooo! 😊