I had written a post earlier on this title and i think it deserves a follow up.
In Nigeria, fresh graduates usually don't look for jobs that matches their discipline (course of study) they look for whatever is available (LIMITED CHOICES) it doesn't matter what you studied, you can come across someone who read pharmacy working as a teller in the bank, this is common practice no fault of theirs though but for the kind of economy we have in Nigeria. This is not a say this situation is only found in Nigeria we have it in greater proportion.
In tertiary institutions, the retirement age is 65 years or 35 years in service and 70 years for a professor. Extending retirement age creates a clog in the system, makes entry difficult and movement within the system very slow. This and many other factors (connections, bribe etc) makes getting employment in the civil service really difficult. Joining the private sector will mean you have to have some form of employable skill and some years of experience, which again fresh graduate rarely posses any.
Nigerian fresh graduate have to come to terms with the bleak truth, the economy is not changing any moment soon, waiting for the government to fulfill their election promises of proving millions of employment is like waiting for your ship to come, what you end up getting is hardship. Go out and get your ship. Your choices were not just slim, they are getting slimmer by the day.
Here is what you can do to come out of the crowd quicker and increase your options.
1. Start your own business:
This would require one major thing, yes! i know you think i would say money, sorry to disappoint you, its not. Get knowledge, know business works, test your business hypothesis to see if it would be viable. Most people who want to go into business usually believe MONEY, is the first thing they need, right? WRONG!!! Money and a bad idea, means you have sufficient money to fund a bad business idea which ultimately ends here (archives of failed businesses)
2. Learn a skill:
Preferable programming, build apps, networking, catering, baking, tailoring etc: The world is evolving rapidly, change is swift and without notice. Have a skill.
3. Apprenticeship
Apprentice yourself to someone who is good at the business you intend to venture into and learn the ropes, and save yourself the heart ache of learning from your own mistakes
4. Internship:
Most persons who intern in a company or business tend to be considered for employment first, before external applicants. The unfair advantage here is, you already have you foot in the door, gained the experience and made a couple of friends.
P.S: Most businesses do not provide stipends for their interns, you might have to slog this one out on your own.
5. Read:
Yes read, how do you come up with ideas? not by looking deeply at the skies i know that for sure.
6.Writing
If you are good in writing, help people with their research work and get paid.
Comments
Post a Comment