After Graduation What Next?

I have written on this topic extensively, but I think every other year, I must find other ways to tune it. My kid sister just graduated top of her class in Journalism and Mass Communications and I really don’t know what the future holds for her – I bet she doesn’t either.

In a country with over 32 universities churning out over 30,000 graduates annually and with a poor economy, lack or scarcity of jobs, one wonders – After Graduation What Next?

When you ask yourself that question, the key is to initiate action, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Action breeds momentum, and momentum breaks the cycle of stagnation. We are vulnerable to paralysis when faced with daunting challenges.

Take time off

You have probably had sleepless nights over the last few years when at school, it’s time to cool off, hang out with friends, enjoy life a little as you prepare for the battle ahead. It’s not going to be easy, some will get jobs, others won’t, the rest will start their own businesses and probably hire those that didn’t get jobs, but whatever it is, take time off and reflect on who and what you want to be or achieve.

Explore new subjects, hobbies and experiences to expand your horizons and discover your passions. Take time to reflect on your interests, values and strengths. 

Look for Internship placements

Getting a fully paying job when you are just out of campus, regardless of whatever course you took will take a while, save for the lucky ones. As you wait on your luck, look out for internship placements that are in your field. You might not get paid but the skills you hone here will be very valuable on your CV, you might actually be retained full time if you play your cards well. Experiment with different experiences, internships and projects to gain hands-on experience and test out potential career paths. 

Exploration  

Explore various career paths, industries and opportunities that align with your interests and values. Don’t just jump for a job without fully knowing the consequences. When you start a career path, you have given up your life for that, so explore, get to know more before you come to a decision.

Find volunteer opportunities

Volunteering allows you to gain valuable experience, especially when related to your area of interest or long-term career goal. You can also develop both hard and soft skills, such as time management, task management, communication, adaptability, and leadership. These skills are transferable and improve your capabilities and make you a more valuable employee when you start working. You could even land yourself a permanent job.

Make your passion your job

If you have discovered your passion, you can make it your job after graduation. My kid sister has a passion for journalism, and that’s all she wants. This is what makes her happy, and it will be her job.

Work for your academic institution

You can also work for your academic institution in a wide range of roles. For instance, various universities and colleges hire their previous students as a member of their administrative departments. You could also apply to become an associate lecturer, but this is if you performed extremely well.

Get your master’s degree

If you are in no rush to get a job, you could go in for your master’s degree. By the time you graduate, you will be very many steps ahead of friends and this comes with a better job, higher position and even better pay.

Whatever you do after graduation, be proactive and keep your head high, the jobs might be on tortoise back but they sure will come.

Congratulations on graduation!