‘One crucial thing every woman starting her career should know is the importance of self-advocacy’ Mary Ernest Mbago for Career Quick 5
Mary Ernest Mbago is a Creative Writer at Femina Hip, passionate about crafting content that focuses on economic empowerment, citizen engagement, climate change, and sexual reproductive health and rights. Her work with Fema Magazine involves creating engaging articles that inform and inspire young people, particularly girls, to effect positive change in their communities.
As a Creative Writer, she is responsible for producing compelling content and conducting community outreach activities.Her role also encompasses coordinating various production tasks to ensure seamless operations.
Holding a License and Certification in “Menstruation in a Global Context: Addressing Policy and Practice” from Columbia University, she was recognized as a delegate at the World Bank Global Youth Summit. She is an SDG Champion, as well as a Social Media Consultant, Communication Expert, Production Manager, Influencer,Writer, and demonstrating strong leadership abilities.
With a background in graphic design, social media coordination, and project management, coupled with a deep commitment to community service and social impact, she is driven to empower and educate youth. In this Career Quick Five interview, she shares her thoughts on women skilling up in the workplace, and must-have female artists on her work playlist.
1. What skills are essential for women to succeed in the modern workplace?
To succeed in the modern workplace, women need a combination of adaptability, technical proficiency, communication skills, leadership, emotional intelligence, and networking abilities. Adaptability allows women to adjust to new challenges and changing environments quickly, while technical proficiency ensures they stay current with industry-specific technologies and tools. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for clear and efficient interactions. Leadership skills enable women to guide teams and projects successfully, and emotional intelligence helps in understanding and managing their own emotions as well as those of others, fostering a positive work environment. Networking abilities are essential for building and maintaining professional relationships that can support career growth and open new opportunities.
2. What learning methods do you prefer to stay updated in your field?
I stay updated in my field through a combination of online courses, conferences, networking, and reading industry publications. Online courses provide flexible and accessible learning opportunities that help me acquire new skills and knowledge at my own pace. Attending conferences allows me to gain insights from experts, stay informed about the latest trends, and engage in meaningful discussions with peers. Networking, both online and in-person, helps me build and maintain professional relationships that can lead to collaborations and new opportunities. Additionally, regularly reading industry publications, such as journals, blogs, and research papers, keeps me informed about the latest developments and innovations in my field.
3. How do you deal with difficult workplace dynamics and conflicts?
When dealing with difficult workplace dynamics, I maintain professionalism by staying calm, composed, and focused on finding solutions rather than getting emotional or defensive. I listen actively to understand the perspectives and concerns of all parties involved, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued. Clear and concise communication is essential in addressing issues directly and respectfully, avoiding misunderstandings and fostering open dialogue. I seek common ground by identifying shared goals and interests, which helps in finding mutually beneficial solutions. After the situation is resolved, I reflect on the experience to learn from it and identify strategies to prevent similar issues in the future.
4. Who are 3 female artists that are must-haves on your work playlist?
I like Beyoncé for her empowering and energizing tracks that boost motivation. Adele’s soulful and calming songs help me focus, and Celine Dion’s powerful and emotive vocals inspire and uplift me.
5. What is that one thing every woman just starting out her career should know?
One crucial thing every woman starting her career should know is the importance of self-advocacy, understanding your worth, setting clear goals, seeking mentorship, speaking up, and prioritizing continuous learning for professional development.
