With the alarming rate of unemployment in Nigeria, the average Nigerian is now made to believe that after the first degree, he/she has to quickly embark on a Masters program or PHD in order to stand a chance of getting a job.

But the big question is this? What have you done with your first degree? You paid so much in school to get this degree. What value have you created with it so far before pursuing another? In this post we will be looking at how to turn your first degree into a profitable business.


Once you have obtained your first degree and have graduated successfully, here are steps to take to transform that degree of yours into a profitable business that will be worth your time and efforts.

STEP 1: Offer your services for free for a start:


Once you leave school, you can begin to apply for jobs, but while waiting for the job that may take years to come, you can offer your services for free to a local firm in your neighbourhood or state that is in line with what you have studied in school. Most of these growing firms are looking for cheap or free labours to us to do work. That's why they will not reject you. While in the firm, volunteer to be part of tasks that will expose you to the practical nature of the job.


STEP 2: Gain Practical knowledge, Skill and Experience:


Learn as much as you can from the boss, the staff. Be loyal and humble. You know the reason you are there, so do not let anything discourage you. If you happen to be a computer scientist or engineer, you will easily learn programming, networking, graphics, software from the staff for free too without paying, by so doing you are building skill. Even if you studied Accounting or social science courses, your presence in the organization will afford you the chance to learn practical skills from the staff of the firm for free.

STEP 3: Build your Network and clients:


Make friends, lots of friends, because those same staff who you are learning from today, are going to be your clients tomorrow, or refer clients to you tomorrow. Exchange contacts with people you meet daily who are in contact with the firm, whether professionals, clients, or suppliers. Build your network.

STEP 4: Begin as a Freelancer/Consultant:


At the end of your volunteer time, the firm may decide to employ you if you impressed. You can take it or decline. If you feel you have learnt a lot and you are ready to venture into the business world, I would suggest you begin as a freelancer/consultant because you require almost no capital to start as a freelancer/consultant. (A freelancer is someone who performs tasks, usually for multiple employers over the course of a year. A freelancer is somewhat like a free agent - he or she essentially sell their services to the highest bidder - except that they usually work for more than one employer.). Being a freelancer or consultant will allow you build income gradually till you can afford an office and hire staff of your own.

STEP 5: Build a Team:


Connect with other freelancers or consultants in the same field as you are so as to gain access to more paying clients/customers. Gradually build a team of professionals so that you too can outsource jobs you cannot handle alone.

STEP 6: Grow Big:


When you have built your reputation, and capital, expand!!! Get an office, hire staff, help people, live well, love God and enjoy your wealth. At this stage you will not need that white collar job you once applied for even when they invite you because you are now your own boss.

SOURCE: http://thinkysolutions..com/2013/09/business-101-how-to-turn-your-degree.html

Rather than waiting for jobs to come your way, create one. You say you need milk, and you sit at home waiting for cows to pass so you can milk them. No!!! If you need milk, go out, look for the cow and milk it.

Bible says that a man who folds his hands doing nothing will soon be swallowed up in poverty. Please read this image "curled from Richard Branson book..."Screw it, lets do it"