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31. Becoming employable

Some of the Co-opt students in the skills development programme at the office. Had so much fun with them. Missing them already before they are even gone back to varsity! Lol! 

Becoming employable as a recent graduate is a challenge that is faced even today. It's understandable, because for many of us who study through tertiary (i.e university/ colleges), we may have been exposed to the studying of the theory of the career, and not so much the practical part of it.

The challenge with being employable as a graduate stems from the fact that the work place requires more than just knowledge. In fact, the work place needs us to apply the knowledge we have. It needs us to bring solutions using the knowledge we have. More importantly, it needs people who will be efficient in the work they do.

If a company was to choose between an individual with only a qualification and an individual that has vast years of experience in the field of work that both individuals are applying for, the company would most likely take in the one with the experience. Why is that? It's because the individual is competent to perform well in the company, helping it to either stay performing well or progressing even more.

What I have discovered is that there is a solution to this issue. There are steps that you as a graduate or unemployable student can take. It is a matter of finding out.

Where I am currently completing my traineeship, there is a skills development programme that assists all current, even graduated students. Students are given exposure to everything accounting-related. More-so, they are given an opportunity to learn basic soft skills such as answering the phone, sending emails to clients and following up, under supervision of senior staff.

The purpose of this skills development programme is exactly what it is: to help students develop skills. Such programmes are provided by training offices and other organisations. It is ideal for any student to find one, be it in the field of work you wish to be in, or simply to acquire skills.

Some students may not even know which career path they want to follow. It wouldn't hurt to take advantage of any skills development programme in whatever field. Regardless of whether or not you will like the field, at least there is a skill/(s) that you will have acquired that may help you complete certain jobs that may open doors to other opportunities! There is a big difference between being unemployable with no skills and being unemployed with skills.

I trust the blogpost was insightful. Do check out the blog's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Student-talk-blog-For-learners-and-students-496094020519505/
You can share your thoughts, concerns, even questions for assistance.

Until the next blogpost. 😃




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