From DMs to Birmingham: How Networking Changed My Career Confidence.

This time two months ago, I did something I had never done before. I got on a plane from Ireland to Birmingham to attend the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum (MLSFF). I didn’t go with friends. I didn’t know anyone in the room. But I knew I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to be in a space built to amplify people like me — minorities in science. It was a bold decision. And now, I know it was the right one.

Toyosi at the MLSFF conference in Birmingham

📌Why I Chose to Go

I remember coming across MLSFF on LinkedIn. The title alone spoke to me — it was the first Europe-based life sciences conference centred on diversity, inclusion and the visibility of minoritised professionals. It wasn’t just about science; it was about belonging, about vision and about the future we’re trying to create. Still, I hesitated. Could I justify the travel? Would I know anyone? Would I even feel like I belonged? But something shifted. I decided to reach out — unprovoked — to some of the organisers and contributors whose names stood out: Dr. Emmanuel Adukwu, Oluwadamilola Racheal Okeyoyin, and Nicholas Farmer. I slid into their inboxes, introduced myself and asked a few questions. To my surprise and gratitude, they didn’t just respond — they welcomed me. That encouragement alone pushed me to believe that I was meant to be in that room. The experience reignited my passion for learning and gave me the confidence to pursue further education in my field.

📌The Power of LinkedIn and Community

So often, we scroll through opportunities thinking, “This isn’t for me,” or “I’m not ready yet.” But let this be your sign to take LinkedIn seriously. Not just as a job-hunting tool, but as a way to find your community — people who look like you, understand your journey and want to help you thrive. Through LinkedIn, I didn’t just find a conference. I found mentors. I found inspiration. I found a space that made me feel visible in a field where people like me are still underrepresented. And most importantly, I found the courage to show up.

📌What I Learned at MLSFF

Every single story I heard during that forum impacted me. From panel sessions on breaking barriers, to flash talks from students and professionals to hallway conversations that turned into deep reflections — it was an eye-opener. I didn’t walk away with just a certificate; I walked away with perspective. I learned that:

• Representation matters — not just visually, but in leadership, research, and policymaking. •

Networking isn’t about being the loudest in the room — it’s about being intentional, genuine, and brave enough to introduce yourself.

• Career growth isn’t linear — and that’s okay. Sometimes growth looks like traveling to a new city alone and coming back with more confidence in your voice.

📌Advice for Anyone Who’s Hesitating

If you’ve been thinking about attending a conference, reaching out to someone in your field, or sharing your journey publicly — this is your nudge. You don’t have to be “ready.” You just have to be open. Your next opportunity might not come from your immediate circle. It might be in another city. It might be in someone else’s DMs. It might be at an event you’ve never heard of until now. And you won’t know until you take that chance.

📌Final Thoughts

To those reading: don’t wait to be invited into the room. Build your network. Speak up. Apply. Show up. You never know who’s waiting to welcome you in.