REALITY OF LIFE AFTER CAMPUS

Fresh graduates

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.

In conclusion the transition from the college to the real world is not easy for most of us. However be ready to strive to get the best job offers from the best employers, but remember to temper everything you do with a realistic vision of what to really expect in the job-hunt and in getting job offers. Take to heart the advice from all the recent college grads that have come before you and been in your shoes and you’ll be better prepared and more satisfied with the real world.
Previous Post Next Post

Post a Comment

Post a Comment