Advice to student graduate

By Dr. Ahmed Adamu

My students invited me for their graduation dinner, where I adviced them as follows:

Now you are graduating from University, and there is no guarantee for a perfect job for you, and now you fear that you lack competitive skills and experience required for the labour market. You may not be sure which industry you want to work in, you are full of thougth and facing uncertain life after University. So, I have 10 advices for you:

1.Dont let the world decide for you, pick a career of ur own choice and get a mentor to guide you through. Do have a career plan ranging from short term, medium to long term plan. Identify your strength and build your career on your strength.

2. Never get scared of job interviews, use interviews as a way of getting information and identifying whether the job is right for you or not.

3. Go for something you love over money

4. Education shall not end from University. You have been reading to pass exams, it is now time to start reading to learn. What are those your favourite areas of study? Identify them and broaden your knowledge. Read widely, and be above or exact reflection of your class of degree.

5. Always think positive and aim higher. Be dedicative, persevere and never give up. Best jobs are not suppose to be easy.

6. Dont expect much from government jobs, because only 1% of new jobs come from government. Think about creating jobs. You have choice to make, you can either be a job seeker or job provider. Be an employer not employee.

7. Dont compare your life with that of others, you are meant to be different and follow different path to success. Focus on your goal, identify what you want and concentrate on it.

8. Keep the network of your friendship (alumni) and inspire each other. Hear from the experience of each other. Find out about the career success stories of your colleagues so as to learn from them.

9. Most jobs out there require you to have experience, and if you are not given the job, how would you get the experience? I will advice you to get volunteer job or internship where you will work without or little pay. This will help you get the experience. While working as intern, ask for challenging assignment, and it will prepare you much better.

10. Be simple, humble and help one another.

I will miss you so much, and I hope none of you will be here next year to celebrate another graduation dinner.

Wish you alll the best. Till we meet again!