It’s been two years since I completed my university studies.
This period has been both existing and challenging, it has presented new
opportunities that I never anticipated, while at the same time, I have learnt
that things seldom go as we plan. When I joined campus I had the final year
students paint a rosy life after graduation, with well-paying white-collar
jobs, nice apartments and driving sleek automobiles. So I was so eager to
finish campus and live such a life but as the saying goes, no battle plan
survives contact with the enemy.
I studied so hard so I could secure those “white collar
jobs” once I’m done with my studies. I was so excited and was looking forward
to going into the world and start earning some good cash. Then reality started unfolding
when I started tarmacking in such of an internship. Am telling you getting an
internship became a nightmare that I almost gave up. I would wake up so early
and return home so late without any forthcoming opportunity.
Many graduates find themselves thrust into an unforgiving
world without warning. This is because most of us were not prepared on how to
tackle the most overwhelming issues and challenges we will face in the real
world. You have to learn job hunting skills such as networking, interview
skills and salary negotiation. You have to start learning afresh on how to live
on your own, do your cleaning and cook your own food. You have to learn how to
balance your professional life with your personal life. All these things are
not taught in college. You have to strive in this harsh world to learn them on
your own and remember never to give up. Have the “I can do this attitude” and
always trust in God.
When it comes to job hunting we all know how difficult it is
to find a decent, stable job. This is due to the increase in number of
graduates that exit our universities gates and colleges. Unfortunately the
number of jobs is lagging far way behind. For every job opening there will be
thousands of applicants. We find ourselves most of the time looking for
employment in those job website. It is good to apply those online jobs but I
recommend we go the tradition way of taking our CV personally to an
organization, which is more likely to yield fruits in your job search.
Another thing is that graduates should be ready for
entry-level jobs. I remember when I was in campus I had vowed never to take a
job paying less than a hundred thousand, little did I know that even getting a
job paying 30 thousand is a real hustle. This is a harsh reality we all have to
come into terms with especially when jobs are hard to come by. As a fresh
graduate you have to understand that most opportunities you will get are entry
level jobs. These are jobs that require you to work so hard and put in long
hours for a very meager pay. (This does not mean that you should jump at the
first job offer that comes your way) let’s have realistic expectation.
Learn how to deal with different people. You know back in
campus you were interacting with your age mates, who had the same likes as you.
You had a choice of choosing the kind of friends you want to hang out with. But
in the real world you have to learn how to deal with a wide range of people
each day. You will meet people with different attitudes, aspirations and
educational accomplishments. Most importantly this people will be your
colleagues and some of them your bosses. You have to deal with them despite any
differences you might have.