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Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Nobody: 8:12am On Sep 05, 2014 |
Let me make my contribution. I am a procurement analyst in an oil servicing coy in Nigeria. I started working first in a logistics warehouse before moving to the oil industry. I have a certification though in logistics. I will like to say that the OP is largely correctly because he limited it to fresh graduates. Fresh graduates can start off a career without MSc, certifications and 'long leg'. MSc, certifications and networking become more important as one gains experience. in the case of MSc: There are many recent graduates in the oil industry with MSc in top schools in the UK and US. These days, it seems most oil firms even prefer graduates from private universities like convenant university. Many of them are given internship opportunities probably because of referrals from their parents who are well-to-do and connected. However, BSc holders still have gone loads of chances. I participated in entry level interviews in my company. I have seen at least 3 MSc graduates in to schools in Europe (IFP, Herriot Watt, Imperial) who could not scale the interview. In same interview, some BSc holders passed and got offers. I know of a PhD holder in environmental science from Imperial College who did not pass the first stage interview. She is currently an intern with us. At least 2 BSc holders from Convenant university made it. Other BSc holders from schools in Nigeria, US, UK made it too. MSc counts but BSc holders have also got a chance at entry level. The story chances at for experienced hires. They may need to have masters. Certifications; I have got a certification because I read materials engineering but wanted to switch to logistics management. Certification can be good and has gotten me to this point in my career (I have APICS certification). But nothing beats a good grade and a good course. With a good grade and good course and smart brain, you can still go far (for a fresh graduate). Networking - Networking is not in itself bad. Getting referrals and recommendations are not bad. People still get jobs from 'oga-at-the-top' connection. I know someone a fresh graduate that joined Total cos his uncle is a senior director in Total. I also know 2 fresh graduates in Shell that got in through strong political influence. Same in the organization I work in. But there is still a place for merit in selection, for fresh graduates. For an experienced person, networking may even be necessary. I got recommendations from people whom I have worked with in the past. It helped me secure my current job. I also try to network as much as possible.But most entry level positions in my firm do not need any recommendation. Apart from political influence, what recommendation can a fresh graduate get? Fresh graduates are the luckiest people in the labour market because they are least affected by the influence of nepotism. It becomes harder as the years rolls away. That is why there is always the need to network. I will say, the OP is 80-90% right 4 Likes |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by dollyptosh(m): 8:29am On Sep 05, 2014 |
xfire: Following my recent write-up in the Nairaland thread ‘'Top 10 Most demanded jobs in the oil and gas industry”, and other posts and articles I have written in the past, I have received several questions that indicate that some fresh graduates still have a few misconceptions about what it takes to compete and succeed in the labour market. I decided to write on 3 misconceptions that some fresh graduates make, and hopefully this will be beneficial to many.Probably If I had rehearsed with you before going for my last interview it would have been a different story, I don't know my fate yet tho, but am not so positive about it. |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by tuwayz(m): 10:51am On Sep 05, 2014 |
Reading through threads by Mr Xfire I realise that Nigerians are very brilliant,intelligent and smart and not like what I hear on news but this keep me wondering why the country is not growing with so much talented personnels, I truly love this country and the people here, please can we make a difference in this country? Because we have all it requires to be great 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Nobody: 1:38pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
Dear Mixty, the portal belongs to an Electricity Distribution Coy currently recruiting into different positions after privatization. I believe you were NOT required to provide ANYTHING other than your professional details. Its okay to be skeptical about recruitment posts, just don't make stupid comments when you should be asking for further clarification where necessary. So if you're still in conflict, please don't apply. By the way, the portal closes sometime next week I think. All the best. Mixty: |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Nobody: 5:32pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
tuwayz: Reading through threads by Mr Xfire I realise that Nigerians are very brilliant,intelligent and smart and not like what I hear on news but this keep me wondering why the country is not growing with so much talented personnels, I truly love this country and the people here, please can we make a difference in this country? Because we have all it requires to be greatYes we could. But unfortunately the environment isn't so friendly and favourable. |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by xfire: 8:36pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
Hugo70: As a graduate of Industrial physics, wit work exp not related to oil n gas or construction coy. Pls watz d best certification that will give me best opportunity in construction n oil n gas. And probably d cost pls.As an industrial physicist, you want a single certification that will make you relevant both in construction and oil and gas? That one go hard oo. There is very little that relates both industries together. IT is relevant in the oil and gas but not so relevant in the construction industry. The only discipline that appears to be relevant to both is SAFETY. You wanna go that line? |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by xfire: 8:41pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
dollyptosh: Probably If I had rehearsed with you before going for my last interview it would have been a different story, I don't know my fate yet tho, but am not so positive about it.Hey bro, sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. I have gone for two different interviews after which I thought my performances were below par. Guess what? I was scaled through and the feedback I got was that I was one of the best in both cases. Sometimes, we set high standards for ourselves. So keep the hope alive. It's also important you learn from your mistakes. Every interview is a learning opportunity. ALL my interviews without any exception were learning opportunities. Keep improving. You will achieve your set goals. Cheers...... 2 Likes |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by xfire: 8:45pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
tuwayz: Reading through threads by Mr Xfire I realise that Nigerians are very brilliant,intelligent and smart and not like what I hear on news but this keep me wondering why the country is not growing with so much talented personnels, I truly love this country and the people here, please can we make a difference in this country? Because we have all it requires to be greatHey, thanks for that comment . There are many,many smart guys out there. Just that many of them do not come on Nairaland to impart their knowledge. Probably they do so in different ways. The answer to your concern is simple. It takes more than a number of brilliant Nigerians to change this country. I wouldn't want to go into political discussion as this is not the political section. Cheers..... 1 Like |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by xfire: 8:46pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
2sExy1: Yes we could. But unfortunately the environment isn't so friendly and favourable.Bros...I have you in mind oo. I will get back to you soon. Cheers.... |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by dollyptosh(m): 8:57pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
xfire:Hmmm got the message. It was actually my first time of going for an interview and truly have learnt from it. Thank you sir |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by dollyptosh(m): 8:58pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
xfire:. Hmmm got the message. It was actually my first time of going for an interview and truly have learnt from it. Thank you sir |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by iassiddiq: 9:02pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
that's good. |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Specialist900(m): 9:29pm On Sep 05, 2014 |
taiwolusol:wrong. I wrote a test with NLNG which we wrote with M.Sc holders. I know a good number of those M.Sc holders who didn't pass while B.Sc holders passed. |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by belindy(f): 1:11am On Sep 06, 2014 |
thanks a lot sir for the insight on misconception fresh graduates have. I noticed that the 1st criteria to landing a good job is your grade. ( your result) not necessarily attaining a higher degree or professional course, my question is, how does one with a poor grade( say 3rd class) get a job or there are no chances for them at all in the labour market. thank u. thanks a lot sir for the insight on misconception fresh graduates have. I noticed that the 1st criteria to landing a good job is your grade. ( your result) not necessarily attaining a higher degree or professional course, my question is, how does one with a poor grade( say 3rd class) get a job or there are no chances for them at all in the labour market. thank u 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Feex: 7:35am On Sep 06, 2014 |
belindy: thanks a lot sir for the insight on misconception fresh graduates have. I noticed that the 1st criteria to landing a good job is your grade. ( your result) not necessarily attaining a higher degree or professional course, my question is, how does one with a poor grade( say 3rd class) get a job or there are no chances for them at all in the labour market. thank u. thanks a lot sir for the insight on misconception fresh graduates have. I noticed that the 1st criteria to landing a good job is your grade. ( your result) not necessarily attaining a higher degree or professional course, my question is, how does one with a poor grade( say 3rd class) get a job or there are no chances for them at all in the labour market. thank uMehn...it's always harder for 3rd class student. It only means that you have to push harder. I have never seen a vacancy for 3rd class. So if you wait for only online vacancies, your chances are virtually non-existent. Spice up your degree with a PGD/Masters and certifications, and while you are doing that, start going round to distribute hard copy CV's to different firms. It's a lot of work for 3rd class but it has to be done. Don't limit the firms only to the big names as you can acquire experience in small/medium firms. As you acquire experience, you grade will begain to pale into insignificance. Wish you luck. 3 Likes |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by xfire: 10:55am On Sep 06, 2014 |
belindy: thanks a lot sir for the insight on misconception fresh graduates have. I noticed that the 1st criteria to landing a good job is your grade. ( your result) not necessarily attaining a higher degree or professional course, my question is, how does one with a poor grade( say 3rd class) get a job or there are no chances for them at all in the labour market. thank u. thanks a lot sir for the insight on misconception fresh graduates have. I noticed that the 1st criteria to landing a good job is your grade. ( your result) not necessarily attaining a higher degree or professional course, my question is, how does one with a poor grade( say 3rd class) get a job or there are no chances for them at all in the labour market. thank uI empathize with you. I have relatives that graduated with 2.2 and third class, and I'm fully aware of the stress they faced in the labour market before they finally made their breakthrough. I wrote an article on that on jarushub.com. Here is it. I hope you find it useful: www.jarushub.com/10-tips-for-graduates-with-2-2-and-lower-grades/ Cheers.... 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by justi4jesu(f): 8:57am On Sep 07, 2014 |
Hugo70: As a graduate of Industrial physics, wit work exp not related to oil n gas or construction coy. Pls watz d best certification that will give me best opportunity in construction n oil n gas. And probably d cost pls. AutoCAD and PDMS can boost your opportunities if added to your certificates. |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Nobody: 1:04pm On Sep 11, 2014 |
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Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Tiimmy(m): 9:26am On Sep 18, 2014 |
Hi, Please lets try and take note of some of the key words xfire used in his post. "Misconception" i.e views that are incorrect based on faulty thinking or understanding. And i honestly think this applies mostly to fresh graduates, as they have a very faulty mentality about securing a job. That been said, I do not think xfire is trying to imply that getting a masters degree, getting certifications or having connections cannot get fresh grads their dream jobs (else ill be forced to vehemently disagree with all three points ). However, I agree 100% with what has been listed, based on the mere fact that most graduates look towards getting certifications, getting an MSc. or having connections before working and improving basic writing, interview computer and communication skills. Having an MSc is great (I plan on getting mine soon), same with getting relevant certifications, but neither can hide or cover up for a graduates' frailties on the basic employable skills. "You need not have excellent computer skills – just basic" - I had the opportunity of meeting loads and loads of Nigerian graduates (from reputable Nigerian Unis), during my service year, who fall into this category; Its really sad that some Nigerian graduates do not have basic computer skills. Really really sad. Lastly, about the MSc. thingy, there are loads and loads of Nigerian grads with Masters degree from reputable university (Nigerian and foreign), who are still very much jobless. This is particularly common in the Oil & Gas industry, as most employers will favour experience above degree. I shared in an earlier post about one of my mentees. He had his BSc and MSc degree in a reputable university in the UK (name withheld ), he is currently having his internship (very embarrassing pay) with the company I work for, and is currently working under my supervision. Truths be told, I was and still am a little disappointed with his technical "know-how". I expected alot more with all the caliber of degrees he currently possesses. Loads of truth in here. Thumbs up xfire. 2 Likes |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by obiscolly(m): 11:03am On Sep 18, 2014 |
Thank you very much for the very educative piece. Pls Mr xfire, when moving from the FCMG firm to oil and gas, did they consider your previous experience or you applied as an entry level engineer? |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Nobody: 12:57pm On Sep 18, 2014 |
Mayb u shd write sth on communication and writing skilks so i can learn.please do....i js graduated 3wks ago |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by xfire: 1:44pm On Sep 18, 2014 |
Tiimmy: Hi,Great. I am certainly not saying that having an MSc or couple of certifications is not essential. Like I noted, if I had graduated earlier, I would probably had gone for my Masters before thinking of a job. They may even be very necessary in some cases or career fields, but they are not a must-have to get a good job. Meaning that it can not be substituted for basic employability skills. Definitely, I am planning to go for an MSc in a top school. I will also get a few certifications along the way. But those will never substitute experience and technical know-how. @ the bolded above In most cases, technical know-how is gained by experience and personal intellectual ability not necessarily by additional degrees. I also have a similar example. I once gave an example of a PhD holder (from a top UK school) who is currently an intern in my department though he doesn't work directly under me as we are not in the same unit. He wrote the entrance skills test (for graduate engineer) about a year ago as a PhD holder but he couldn't scale through! Despite the PhD, he still needed pass the job tests to be considered for interview since he has no experience. He later applied for an internship position and was selected on the basis of his PhD in a relevant field (so his PhD still counted for him). But that's all he is for now - an intern. 1 Like |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by xfire: 1:48pm On Sep 18, 2014 |
pinkiepetite: Mayb u shd write sth on communication and writing skilks so i can learn.please do....i js graduated 3wks agoI have written about a lot of job and career related topics including CV writing and communication skills. Follow this thread and you should learn a lot: https://www.nairaland.com/1576265/achieving-dream-career-story-lessons 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by xfire: 1:55pm On Sep 18, 2014 |
obiscolly: Thank you very much for the very educative piece. Pls Mr xfire, when moving from the FCMG firm to oil and gas, did they consider your previous experience or you applied as an entry level engineer?Yes, it was counted in my interviews. Experience always count. Even for well-paying entry level positions, employers seems to be a bit more favourably disposed to graduates that have had similar or related experiences or activities. But fresh graduates have a bright chance. |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Tiimmy(m): 5:15pm On Sep 18, 2014 |
Hugo70: As a graduate of Industrial physics, wit work exp not related to oil n gas or construction coy. Pls watz d best certification that will give me best opportunity in construction n oil n gas. And probably d cost pls. Ever heard of instrumentation & Controls Engineering? http://timmsvillee..com/ |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by bobbyod(m): 6:09pm On Sep 18, 2014 |
ndcide:Abeg link me with your cousins na i brilliant too |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by obiscolly(m): 10:20pm On Sep 18, 2014 |
xfire: Thank you very much. Really appreciate! |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Gozychuks(m): 12:48pm On Nov 03, 2014 |
I am a graduate of Environmental Technology graduated with a 2:1. Am in my early 30's; age has not really helped my job search. I finished Nysc in 2011. I have not really worked in my line of study since then. I operate a mini poultry farm. But I really want a professional career am just using d poultry to pass time and gather resources. In my quest for experience I got a job with a PSP operator in Lekki last month. The job is not really professional and the pay is quite poor. I supervise the waste collectors as they carry waste bin and load the compactor trucks. The smell is quite terrible, people often run away from us... Anyway that is not the issue. The issue is that I am looking for how I can grow in Safety n Environmental mgt. I am planning to do Nebosh IGC next year. For now am trying to raise funds from my poultry biz n the job. Some people are telling me to rather go for Msc that Nebosh is waste of money since I don't have experience. What would you advise... What I really need is a job to gather relevant professional experience and this job isn't doing that for me... @ Xfire and others I would appreciate your advice, suggestions and opinions... Sorry for the epistle 1 Like |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Hanibal(m): 5:45pm On Nov 06, 2014 |
Good grades sha... those of us with 2.2 chai!! diaris God ooo |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Nobody: 12:54am On Nov 07, 2014 |
Hanibal:Bros diaris God o, me now con finish with 3.4 and i just tire bros.. i tire... well God dey |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by TheCode(m): 10:05pm On Nov 26, 2014 |
crixtex: Someone finished with 3.49 in my school. I do not know him in person but I remembered him in my prayers for a long while after I saw that list. I could only imagine his frustration. May the good Lord direct our steps. One important thing now is for one to remain solution oriented and not lose focus. One has to find ways to boost oneself. A masters program should be in order, to supplement the 2.2 degree and make bigger opportunities possible for this entry level stage. |
Re: 3 Misconceptions That Fresh Graduates Make About Getting Jobs In Nigeria by Nobody: 1:04pm On Mar 03, 2015 |
I love this thread. God bless the OP |
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