The Batch A corps members had their passing out parade on March 14, 2019. One can only imagine the joy of finally being done with National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and the Community Development Service, CDS, which are always compulsory.
The Ex-corpers have now hung their jungle boots and folded their khakis. What they aren’t aware of yet is the fact that life as a Nigerian graduate just kickstarted. All the dreams and aspirations they had as students and could not wait to execute them after NYSC, well, it’s time to make it happen. It’s the right time to make use of all opportunities and the best of your time as your destiny is now in your hands.
Th first thing you have to know is that jobs in Nigeria are fewer than the number of graduates in the country. The struggle to get a job is real, if you aren’t just lucky, then they give the job based on “I know somebody.”
This isn’t a child’s play! It is time to dress up and carry the popular brown envelope, head out as early as you can and start submitting CV or attend interviews.This brings me to the next step. If plan A isn’t working, you have to try plan B.
Learn a Trade –
This might sound below you, you can imagine a graduate of Civil Engineering learning a trade? Learning a trade after NYSC does not speak less of you or stop you from still applying for white collar jobs. We now have top fashion designers, cake makers, make-up artists, hair stylists etc. who are making it big and doing so well in their field. Learning a trade is a good avenue to increase financially. Find something you are passionate about and go for training to become very good at it.
Further your education –
If you are career driven, it’s time to further your education by getting a Masters degree in any field of your choice. You can apply for scholarship programme from the likes of NDDC, search online and you will see numerous others to apply and hopefully you might just be among the lucky ones. Search through accredited institutions before applying for your Master’s programme. Getting your Masters degree or certification through courses elevates your CV.
No Job Is Too Small For A Start-
Some graduates are very selective with the kind of jobs they take, especially because of the salary while some feel that it’s not befitting of their status. “Wake up!” THIS IS NIGERIA.
Well, there is nothing wrong in thinking a certain amount is too small for a starter, but think about it, in this bad economy and lack of employment in the country, N70,000 is not that bad. Use this as a stepping stone and working experience to boost your CV for higher paying jobs. After all, you need at least three years working experience as required by some employers to get a better paying job.
We spoke to people who have gone through this phase, here is what the have to say:
After NYSC, I relocated to Lagos and started applying for jobs and attending interviews. As expected, a job didn’t come immediately. While waiting for a job, I was sponsored to go to Abu Dhabi for a brief holiday and cool off so I don’t get frustrated. I got a lot of hints there on how to improve my CV and the whole job searching techniques. By God’s grace, I got a job in the space of a year after NYSC. – Yani Bas.
After NYSC, I really had nothing to do, I kept submitting applications everywhere and attending job interviews. I stayed at home playing and spending time with my niece for about four months. I was encouraged by some friends to move to Lagos as it is easier to get a job over there, I started making plans to move to Lagos as jobs weren’t forth coming where I lived. I got to Lagos and started another series of job applications, I got a job in two weeks and I am glad I took that huge step. – Andee Essien
I really can’t remember what I did for the first few months, but I later went for my Masters in the U.K, came back and applied for jobs which weren’t still forth-coming even with my Masters degree. I later got a job as a manager at a top cab services company. – Esit Ofonmbuk
I knew that the labour market in Nigeria isn’t an easy one, I didn’t even think twice, I went for my Masters degree in the U.K, came back and got a job with a bank. – Princess Amaowoh
During my service year, I learnt how to make wigs, after NYSC, I started selling wigs while waiting to get a job. I got the job immediately earlier than I thought, so I’m working now and still making wigs as a side hustle.- Uby
In a nutshell, just before you dump your Khaki and jungle boots, ask yourself these questions:
What am I passionate about?
What are my opportunities ?
What skill do I have or can start learning?
Good luck!
