Oluwatosin Oguntunde- Blog
- January 15, 2024
- 26 views
How To Secure Funding For Your Startup?
You have a brilliant startup idea, but each time you try to figure out where and how to get funds for it always feels like you’re solving a Rubik’s cube. Before you begin to execute the main part your ideas, it’s important to figure out the right funding sources that’ll help your startup succeed. In this article, we’ll share helpful tips on how to go about securing funds for your startup. Write A Business Plan Creating a business plan is an important aspect of securing funding for your startup. A business plan speaks volumes for your startup because it entails your startup’s goals, strategies, and vision for the future. This plan should be comprehensive enough to show your potential investors, lenders, and grant providers how you plan to achieve your goals and objectives. It also helps by showing how your idea will make money in the long run. A solid business plan should include the following information Crafting the best business plan takes effort because your potential investors expect it to provide a clear, accurate, and concise overview of your business and its potential for success. If need be, you may hire a professional business plan writer to write it for you because having a plan not only helps you secure funds but also serves as a clear map to keep you on track as you work towards your goals. Build A Strong Network Networking is a powerful tool in the startup world but Identifying and connecting with potential investors is a strategic move. Attend industry conferences, networking events, and angel investor meetups where you can present your startup and engage with investors personally. Establishing a direct connection provides a platform for them to learn more about your startup beyond what they just read on paper or online. Seek individuals with expertise in your industry or who have successfully navigated the challenges of startup funding. Their guidance not only adds credibility to your startup but also provides invaluable insights into the process of securing funding. Remember, building a network is an ongoing and never-ending process. Nurture the relationships, express genuine interest in others, and be receptive to feedback. A strong network not only provides potential funding sources but also provides your journey with diverse perspectives and collaborative opportunities. Craft A Compelling Pitch A pitch is a brief and concise piece of information about your startup that highlights the business idea, value proposition, the problem your startup solves,the benefits of your product or service and lastly, mention why your startup has the tendency to succeed in your target market amongst competition. Your pitch should focus on key aspects that would be compelling enough to capture interest and attention. Your pitch is also important because if it’s well-structured enough to convince your potential investors, you can have your chances of securing your funding. A pitch in some cases can be a one-time opportunity, so it’s important to be well prepared and practice repeatedly in front of friends and business partners to sound fluent and confident and also to get feedback and criticisms to be able to perfect your presentation. Having a compelling pitch can never be overstated in securing funding for your startup. Choose Your Startup Funding Options. Securing money for your startup comes in various options. Some ways are classic, like loans from banks, while others are more modern, like crowdfunding or getting help from venture capitalists. But before choosing whichever one you want, let’s take a look at the different types of funding options. However, asking your close relatives for funding also involves your professionalism and transparency. Be transparent and honest by telling them the rewards and potential risks of investing in your startup. Lastly, you must approach them officially, highlighting your startup plan, your vision, and goals. This would give them the idea of engaging in a formal business transaction and agreeing to sign an agreement or a contract to avoid any future conflicts and misunderstandings. In conclusion, the journey to secure funding for your startup is usually a mix of strategy and relationship-building. From crafting a compelling business plan to choosing your preferred funding options, and perfecting your pitch. Remember, building a strong network is your secret weapon. Whether it’s angel investors, venture capitalists, or grants, each avenue opens doors to turning your startup dreams into reality. References:
- Oluwatosin Oguntunde
- Blog
- January 15, 2024
- 26 views
How To Write An Effective Resume For A Successful Job Application?
When applying for a job and you’re asked to show proof that you’re the best man for the job, how do you go about it? When applying for a job, the importance of a well-crafted resume cannot be overemphasized- when you’re not physically present, your resume fills in the gaps and speaks on your behalf. What Is A Resume? A resume, derived from a Latin word meaning summarize, is a document created by a person for the main purpose of representing their identity which includes skills, background, and experience. Resumes can be used for different reasons but they’re mostly used to obtain employment. When applying for a job, it’s important to understand that there are other qualified and professional applicants like you. Recruiters spend less than 30 seconds reviewing each applicant’s resume, which means if you want to stand out and make your recruiter captivated and curious about your application, your resume has to be unique. In this article, we’ll go through 7 steps you need to take to create a perfect resume. Choose Your Preferred Resume Format. In case you don’t know, there are three standard formats for writing a resume. What makes them different? Each format maintains the original resume sections but arranges them differently, and it’s best to pick the format that aligns with your work experience level and your professional goals. Add Contact And Personal Information. What’s the essence of having a perfectly crafted resume without having (correct) information about yourself on i? The best place to place your contact information and personal details(email and address) is at the top of your resume, this saves potential employers the stress of having to read through every single word on your resume before getting your information. Here’s a list of the information to put on your contact information section: Write Your Resume Summary Or Objective. Do you think you have the best skills, and qualities for that job? Here’s where you can convince your potential employers and recruiters that you’re fit, skilled, and capable for the role. Consider this section as your ‘elevation pitch’ moment when you sell yourself in less than 4-5 sentence lines. A resume summary: is a concise and comprehensive description of about 2-3 lines that highlights an applicant’s skills, qualifications, and career goals. If you have experience and have been in an industry long enough. A resume objective: if you’re a first-time job seeker, returning to work after a long period, changing jobs, or applying for a new role in the same company then a resume objective is what you need to show your recruiter what you can help them achieve with your skill set. The objective will cover a short statement that stresses what positive impact and skills you’ll add to the company. List Relevant Work Experience And Key Accomplishments One thing recruiters are mostly interested in is your work experience. What was your role in your previous job? How well were you able to deliver? What major achievements did you make with your skills? And lastly, what do I gain by employing you? As your recruiter reads through your resume, these are the questions that your work experience section should answer. The scope of creating a perfect work experience section is by adding your real accomplishments in every role and job. For each job, include at least 4 to 6 accomplishments and elaborate on them if needed. The recommended format to build your work experience section is to arrange it in a reverse chronological order Education Reference Your education section is also an opportunity to show forth your knowledge in your industry. Properly filling your education section with accurate information can help prove your worth and give you a massive edge over other applicants. Here’s how to arrange your education section orderly: Relevant Skills For The Job Description Creating a section for your skills is as important as the resume itself. These skills make your resume relevant to the position you’re applying for. It’s important to write at least 5 to 8 of your top skills. There are two types of skills you can include in this section: Add Additional Resume Section A typical resume would include all the above sections but what would make yours personalized and a little different? Extra information about yourself. Your resume could also include sections like this; Proofread And Edit You’re already 95% ready at this stage but typos and grammatical errors can ruin your resume and all you need is to proofread and edit. If you think it’s too overwhelming you can always ask a proofreader or a family member to help you to reread it and make sure there are no mistakes and errors. Aside from typos and grammatical errors, formatting errors can also be a problem, but you can keep these steps in mind as you edit your resume: Writing the perfect resume that I’ll land you that dream job is possible if you follow closely the steps discussed above. You should not also limit yourself, aside from the above steps, there are other key things you should incorporate in your resume like including keywords from the job description throughout your resume. Also, you might want to consider including a cover letter with your job application References:
- Oluwatosin Oguntunde
- Blog
- January 5, 2024
- 18 views
Top 10 USA Scholarships for Undergraduate & Postgraduate Levels in 2024.
As the year begins, the possibilities for your academic journey also expand. It’s a season of fresh beginnings, and what better way to embark on a new chapter than by exploring exciting scholarship opportunities in various countries? In this article, We’ll dig deep into the top 10 scholarships that you should be considering in the USA. Whether you’re an aspiring student eager to pursue higher education or an experienced scholar looking to further your academic journey: these are like special opportunities that help you follow your dreams without worrying about money University of Memphis Scholarships For International Students 2024 The University of Memphis Scholarships 2024-2025 present fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing both undergraduate and master’s degree programs. The University of Memphis was founded in 1912 and is a public research university, located in Memphis, Tennessee. Why University of Memphis? As a member of the UofM community, you’ll be opportune to live and find yourself in an international setting. The university offers diverse programs across various disciplines, taught by faculty qualified to provide college-level education, providing you with opportunities to enhance your knowledge. Check out the scholarship details below: To know more about the application process and eligibility criteria visit their official website Berea College Scholarships 2024 for International Students | USA The Berea College Scholarship is an all-inclusive undergraduate scholarship designed for international students. This fully funded scholarship ensures that 100% of enrolled international students receive 100% complete financial support during their first year of enrollment. This combination of financial aid and scholarships waves the costs of tuition, room, board, and fees. Check out the scholarship details below: To know more about the application process and eligibility criteria, visit their official website Cornell University Scholarship For International Students 2024 The Cornell University Scholarship 2024-2025 is a financial aid program designed for international undergraduate students based on financial need. This scholarship extends need-based financial support to accepted international students who have applied for financial aid and demonstrated financial need. Check out the scholarship details below: How to apply: To learn more about Cornell University Financial Aid For International Students, please visit the official website Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program 2024 | Fully Funded The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship program is available for students from Egypt pursuing undergraduate or master’s degree programs at leading universities in the USA. Selection is based on character and merit, reflecting academic excellence, entrepreneurial initiative, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The scholarships encompass full tuition, a living allowance, travel, and health insurance. Additionally, recipients have the opportunity for an internship position within the company. Priority will be given to candidates with limited or no previous experiences of living, studying, or working abroad. The Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program exclusively applies to the following universities: The University of Chicago, Stanford University, Harvard University, and The University of Pennsylvania. Check out the scholarship details below: To know more about the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program, for both undergraduate and masters degrees, eligibility criteria application requirements, and important details please visit the official website Yale University Scholarships 2024 (Fully Funded) The Yale University Scholarship 2024-2025 is a comprehensive financial aid package tailored for international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. studies. This scholarship covers a wide range, from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year, with the average need-based scholarship exceeding $50,000. Yale University offers several scholarships in the form of financial aid. For graduate scholarships, students have to apply to the departments of their choice because funding policies are different for each department. Graduate funding is determined by individual departments, not the university. For Ph.D. students, fully funded scholarships are very common. Every student must at least receive a scholarship that covers full tuition scholarship, hospitalization fellowship, and an annual stipend. Check out the scholarship details below: To learn more about the Yale University Scholarship and eligibility criteria, please visit the official website Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships 2024 The Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarship 2024-2025 offers full tuition coverage for international undergraduate students. These scholarships at Illinois Wesleyan University encompass full tuition and vary in the range of US$16,000 to US$30,000 per year. Check out the scholarship details below: Illinois Wesleyan scholarships come in two categories to know more about that please visit the official website to learn more about that Milton Fisher Scholarship 2024 The Milton Fisher Scholarship 2024-2025 is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship for US students. This scholarship supports tuition expenses and related supplemental educational costs, offering assistance of up to $20,000 per year. Unlike traditional scholarships centered around academic achievement and financial need, the Milton Fisher Scholarship has a unique focus. Its primary aim is to recognize and promote innovative and creative problem-solving. By honoring students who excel in this aspect, the scholarship seeks to make their higher education goals more attainable. Check out the scholarship details below: Please follow the following instructions to apply for the Milton Fisher Scholarship and check their official website ICSP Scholarships at the University of Oregon USA International students who demonstrate financial need and exceptional merit may apply for the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP). The ICSP scholarship has a cultural service component that requires students to give presentations about their home country to children, community organizations, and UO students, faculty, and staff. Check out the scholarship details below: To know more about the application process and eligibility criteria, visit their official website Horatio Alger Scholarship 2024 USA The Horatio Alger Scholarship 2024-2025 is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship exclusively available for American students, offering a substantial amount of $25,000. This scholarship is granted to 106 eligible candidates intending to pursue higher education at a college in the United States. Check out the scholarship details below: To know more about the application process and eligibility criteria, visit their official website.
