Why I helped another journalist get a global job, by Goodness Chibunna

After my last post, three people privately asked me the same question: “Why did you help another journalist secure a full-time position at an international media company when you weren’t in one yourself?”

Fair question. But here’s the thing — helping others isn’t about personal status. It’s about value, perspective, and experience.

Here’s why I had no problem guiding someone toward a global opportunity, even when I wasn’t in one at the time:

1. Knowledge isn’t limited by circumstance

At that point, I wasn’t in a full-time role, but did that mean I didn’t understand what it takes to get one? Of course not.

I had applied for and secured international opportunities before. I’d seen what works and what doesn’t. More importantly, I knew how to position a journalist’s experience in a way that speaks to global recruiters.

Think about a football coach — do they need to be on the pitch to guide players to victory? No. They bring knowledge, strategy, and an external perspective.

It’s the same in journalism.

2. Your position today doesn’t define your value

Not having a full-time job at that moment didn’t mean I had nothing to offer.

Opportunities come and go, but skills, networks, and insights remain. Many top professionals have faced career transitions, yet they still mentor, guide, and support others.

If we only shared knowledge when everything was perfect in our own careers, no one would ever learn from those who’ve been through tough seasons. And let’s be honest — if you’ve never struggled, how can you truly help someone navigate their own setbacks?

3. Helping others opens doors for You too

You see, while I was helping that journalist, I was also refining my own approach.

Guiding her enhanced my understanding, expanded my network, and strengthened the strategies that later led to my own opportunities. Helping wasn’t just about her success — it played a key role in my growth as well.

Booker T. Washington once said, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else”.

And isn’t that how life works? The more we give, the more we grow.

Truth is, I’ll always share what I know — because knowledge isn’t something to hoard. It’s meant to empower others, open doors, and drive impact.

So, to those who asked why I helped — the real question is, why wouldn’t I?