I once came across a video that got me deep in my thoughts. A young woman was carrying stacks of her résumé and multiple certificates—three degrees, a PhD, first-class honors, fluency in several languages. She had everything the society tells us should guarantee success. Yet, she was going door to door, applying for jobs she was overqualified for, and getting rejected at every turn.
Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke about her struggle, and in that moment, it hit me: this could be my reality too.
That was my wake-up call. It made me realize that talent, intelligence, and qualifications, while important don’t guarantee success. What truly opens doors is putting yourself out there.
We’ve all seen it happen before; someone less qualified lands an opportunity you would have been perfect for. The reason? They were visible! They networked! They took up space!
The job market isn’t just about meritocracy, it’s about access and access comes from relationships, reputation, and positioning.
Many of us are taught to believe that being exceptional will set us apart. But let’s be honest:
Being exceptional on paper doesn’t always translate to opportunity.
Being exceptional in the wrong field can leave you struggling for relevance.
Being exceptional in silence means no one even knows you exist.
In reality, being “exceptional” today means being adaptable, connected, and resourceful. It means understanding that your degree is just a foot in the door, but who you know and how you position yourself will determine how far you go.
In some ways, success follows the ‘friends of friends’ ideology—your network is your net worth.
The traditional belief that a degree guarantees a job is outdated. Skills are the real currency. But even skills alone aren’t enough if no one knows what you can do. Access to people is access to opportunities.
So what’s the way forward? If the opportunities aren’t coming to you, create them! If you’re constantly being rejected, reposition yourself. Instead of waiting for the world to recognize your worth, build something so undeniable that they have no choice but to take notice.
To be honest, trying to stand out would burn you out but you don’t need to kill yourself trying to be "the best" in a system that doesn’t even notice you. Instead, focus on being visible, valuable and connected:
Build a Personal Brand – Showcase your work online. Whether it's LinkedIn, Mirror.xyz, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or a personal website, let the world see what you bring to the table.
Learn to Sell Yourself – Develop a strong elevator pitch. Make sure people remember you not just for what you’ve studied, but for what you can do.
Find Your Tribe – Surround yourself with ambitious, forward-thinking people. A strong network increases your chances of hearing about new opportunities before they even become public. A friend once told me 'A forward-thinking person is a cruelty-free person.' They believe that if you win, they win, true success isn’t about stepping on others, but about rising together.
Create Opportunities Instead of Waiting for Them – Start a project, collaborate, or leverage your skills in spaces where they are valued.
Sometimes, applying yourself to the so-called “world standard” results in rejection, not because you’re not good enough, but because you’re meant to set a new standard.
Don’t wait for permission to step into the room. Build your own table, bring your own chair, and make yourself impossible to ignore.
The world isn’t just looking for qualifications—it’s looking for people who know how to take up space. Be that person!
This article came together while “I want you to know me by Sea Girls” played in the background, it resonates with everything I wrote.