“If you fail to plan, you have planned to fail” goes the popular quote.

And if “Looking for a job is a job in itself”’, according to Bishop David Oyedepo, it means all passing out Corps Members who want a job or business would be immediately employed after completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Though differently perceived, NYSC is an important phase of Graduate Development in Nigeria; and since it is compulsory, “Discerning Graduates” have chosen to make it count in their career development plan.

As another batch just passed out, the question on the minds of many will be: ‘So what’s next?’
The truth is, that question ought to have been answered a year ago during the orientation camp exercise. If however, you are yet to answer the question, here are 5 options for you to choose from.
Remember, you must plan it i.e. choose what you want to do before you pass out.

1. Get a Job: This most likely, will be the preference of every graduate but the reality that there are no jobs stares us in the face. To however accurately position yourself to get a job, you need to have a problem solving mentality. You must know the problem you can solve for possible employers (Make a list of 10 across industries & sizes – Big, Medium & Small Enterprises) and develop a strategy for connecting with or creating your own Job.
Job search checklist: https://mindthegapng./2012/10/05/top300-job-searchcareer-development-checklist/

2. Go Back to School: First degree has become so basic and a getting a second degree might well give you an advantage. If you are not pursuing a professional certification, then further study (masters or vocational training) should be an immediate option after passing out. This should help you develop yourself in other to increase your chances.

3. Become an Intern: Corps Members from 2012 Batch A could be particularly disadvantaged in getting a quick assimilation to the Job Space. This is because of the new posting policy i.e. Corps members will be posted to the Rural health sector, Education sector (Primary and secondary school), Rural and infrastructural development sector and Agricultural development sector.
Organizations are now offering short 3 months, medium 6 months and up to one year internship opportunities. Search for and position for one to prove yourself.

4. Start a Career Research Project: If none of the above seems possible or you are in a waiting period; get busy #FollowYourPassion. Know everything you can about a chosen career path: as an Employee or Entrepreneur. Start a Personal Career Research Project in your home with your Laptop & Internet, worst case your smart phone (though I think it’s a shame for a graduate post NYSC not to have a personal Laptop).

5. Start a Business: Join a Franchise, Start at an Incubator with a Social Enterprise model.
By all means, don’t stay idle, you loose value if you don’t get busy. The next 3 months are your Premium Employment Time. Remember a new batch of Corps Member will pass out soon and that reduces your chances.

Trust you are Good2Go!

Do register to be a part of our digital skills training sponsored by Google Nigeria at digitalmeng.mindthegap.ng

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