We have ambitious goals at SoFi Technologies - to transform the way people think about and interact with personal finance. The industry is going through an unprecedented change, and our employees, like Content Writer/Editor Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman, are at the forefront. Sulaiman is here to share how he’s helping to drive the growth of our brand so we can fulfill our mission, all while achieving the work-life balance that allows him to bring his best self to work.
Before we get started, tell us three things that others may not know about you.
Sulaiman:
- I hold an Australian Permanent Resident visa;
- At one time, I wanted to be the Anthony Bourdain of New Jersey (my place of birth);
- I regularly watch the soap opera General Hospital.
Wow, what a variety! And on top of that, you’re a writer who has spent the majority of your career as a freelancer. What made you decide to go ‘in house’?
Sulaiman: I’ve held full-time jobs most of my career as a professional journalist, but in my free time I would freelance to build up my experience and supplement my income. I would commit numerous hours toward work and side gigs, often burning the midnight oil. I knew I needed to make a change to provide a better work-life balance, and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to join an amazing team here at SoFi.
We love to hear it - and have seen a lot more research around how finding work-life balance and prioritizing your mental well-being is more important than ever. You decided to join SoFi in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other than looking for better work-life balance, why’d you decide to make the jump?
Sulaiman: I saw the global COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity for pursuing my personal and professional goals. It was a unique time where workers like myself suddenly had a renewed sense of value. There’s no reward without taking risks, and the tight labor market and so-called ‘Great Resignation’, on top of the new normal of working from home, placed me on an uncharted path that guided me to SoFi. I tell people that having the opportunity to work here in the role that I have as a Content Writer/Editor is an offer I couldn’t refuse.
"I saw the global COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity for pursuing my personal and professional goals. It was a unique time where workers like myself suddenly had a renewed sense of value."
Tell us about what you do here.
Sulaiman: I primarily write and edit educational SEO content for Lantern by SoFi. Providing Members with insights about personal loans, student loans, and auto loans is a major part of my job as a Content Writer/Editor, as well as enhancing our existing content and contributing ideas for growing our business and brand.
How have your freelance skills helped you excel in this role?
Sulaiman: I believe my freelance skills help me to quickly learn and adapt, which is essential when working for a fast-growing fintech. A big moment for us came when President Biden announced his broad student loan forgiveness plan in August 2022. My skills as an experienced journalist, accustomed to working on tight deadlines, prepared me for that day. Upon hearing the news, I produced an updated Lantern by SoFi student loan forgiveness article and made the necessary updates to other articles on our site reflecting the Dec. 31 payment pause extension.
Working in coordination with the Content Team, I’ve implemented the urgent updates using our content management system. The other priority I had that week was to draft urgent updates to the following articles: “Can You Get Student Loan Forgiveness if You Refinance?” and “Should I Refinance My Student Loans?” These efforts paid dividends: Lantern’s organic search traffic in August increased by 115% over July, and much of that boost came from a 323% increase in Lantern’s student loan organic search traffic month over month.
"I believe my freelance skills help me to quickly learn and adapt, which is essential when working for a fast-growing fintech."
What has surprised you about working at SoFi?
Sulaiman: I was surprised by how such a quickly growing company with more than 4,000 employees in our SoFi-ety (our SoFi Society; SoFi-ety! That’s what we call our people) could create such a welcoming and unifying environment for everyone. To see the company executives, especially our CEO Anthony Noto, make themselves visible and regularly accessible while pushing this company forward, I must say that surprised me. I love the All-Hands weekly meeting, and I really feel as if we’re one big family here at SoFi.
Your passion for where we are going is infectious! Thanks for your dedication to growing our brand so we can fulfill our mission of helping people achieve financial independence. If you want to be on this journey with us, apply today! We’re hiring.
The individual featured is a SoFi employee. Their personal experiences, obviously, do not take into account your own specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. Results will vary.
SoFi receives compensation in the event you obtain a loan through the Lantern marketplace. The Lantern website is owned by SoFi Lending Corp., a lender licensed by the DFPI under the CFL, license number 6054612, NMLS #1121636 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Loans may not be available in all states.
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