Your Degree or Diploma alone Can not get you a job

I trust this message finds you well if you are a student either in a SHS, JHS or the Tertiary.
It is increasingly becoming common to have a large number of student graduates with Degree's or Diploma's. Due to how common this has become, employers are not interested in only the certificate of your study from the collage or the University.

The trend is changing in the field of work as subject to the classroom learning.
Employers are now looking for fast learning, Innovative employees to increase productivity of their firms/Companies/Organizations.

For you to acquire extra skills for yourself, it is important that you engage in non curricular  activities that will give you the needed exposure for you to be able function appropriately at the work place.
As a young person who aims to work in a new field of your choice, you need to start engaging yourself with Youth groups/Volunteer Clubs/Associations/NGOs/CSOs etc. Employers are always interested to see that a potential employee has a background of Volunteerism experience. It is objectively justified for them to employ you on the basis of your experience.

Don't be enclosed or too concerned with getting a first class degree because, that alone can not guarantee you a job. The job market is more competitive than having only a Degree or Diploma.

In 2016 when I applied for scholarship to continue with my first Degree at the University for Development Studies, I was required to add some non curricular engagements I have had over the past 4 years. I was shocked to see this as a requirement for the scholarship. Nonetheless, since I developed the passion of Volunteerism at my younger stage of life, I was able to add some of the engagements I have had before.
Also, engaging in non curricular activities will help you have access to many referees as possible. This invariably, will aid your smooth chances of getting recommendation letters even after you may have graduated from school at any point you may need it.

It is sad to see young people/students of today so much bookish oriented and too focus on getting a first class to the neglect of non curricular activities at their various learning environment.

For those who may have found themselves in the University, professionalism requires that you leave up to certain expectations after your graduation from the University.

Having said this, I will entreat you as you read this message to start making inputs towards engaging in non curricular activities because one day somewhere somehow, you will need it badly.

There is a saying that "the razor blade is shaper than a cutlass yet it can not cut down a tree". This tells you that no matter how the razor may be shaper, yet it can not be used to cut down a tree. Similarly, your possession of a First class Degree or Diploma alone can not take you everywhere in the academic/Job ladder. You need other  ingredients to prove your competencies and proficiencies.

"A candle looses nothing by lightening other candles"-common saying. 

Thanks for your audience

By Imoro Abdul Rahim
Founder and Executive Director of Infinite Research Institute
Tel: +233246098486
Email: imoro.abdulrahim.3@gmail.com