Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,148,906 members, 7,802,936 topics. Date: Saturday, 20 April 2024 at 04:16 AM

When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! - Career - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Career / When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! (42142 Views)

Quitting My Lucrative Job For A Degree In Canada / Degrees Are No Longer Enough: It's Time To Learn A Skill! / Rejoinder To When A University Degree No Longer Guarantees A Job (2) (3) (4)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) ... (11) (Reply) (Go Down)

When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Nobody: 12:39pm On Sep 09, 2015
Good afternoon, everyone.

I'm writing tthis due to two reasons. There's a thread on FP where someone's said sometimes he almost regretted going to school. I'll post the link to that thread later. Also, a few days ago, maybe even over a week ago, a friend of mine sent me a text message as early as 6 am, complaining how joblessness has been frustrating him. In the message, he claimed he was about to go into depression and that I should advise him.

My friend and I have come all the way through the same secondary school back in Lagos. He later went to read Marine Engineering from UST, Port Harcourt, the same city where I now work. I called and spoke at length with him. He saw my points. And it's some o these points I'm now sharing here.

A wrong Reason For Going To school!

A vast majority of us believe that the sole aim for going to acquire a degree or some other higher qualifications is to secure a job. That's a terrible mindset! It's the most inappropriate reason for undertaking a challenging process like getting a degree. I used to think that way too. But I was fortunate to have read Rich Dad, Poor Dad and other inspirational books during my ND days. From those books it became clear I was in school to reduce my ignorance and to increase my capacity for usefulness.

When you have a wrong mindset like this, you set up yourself for frustration when the job doesn't come at the right time. It creates tension, envy, depression and may even lead to a suicide. But when you have the right mindset, it prepares you for the challenges ahead, and may force you into doing or learning other skills that may prove invaluable in the future. We didn't go to school for the sole purpose of getting a job. It was a mindset sold us by the society and our parents, but we have to change it. NOW!

The World Doesn't Owe You A Job!

This was the second point I discussed with my friend. My dad told me how jobs were waited for them even before they finished school. That time don pass! A few top politician may achieve that for their fortunate kids, but the vast majority of us knew before hand that that won't be our case. With that belief, we have set up ourselves for unnecessary tension and frustration. The world doesn't owe you a job. The system doesn't owe you a job. You've got to go and fight for your place. You've got to hustle and create a niche for yourself.

Your Degree Isn't A Guarantee For Success!

We need to change our mindset about a lot of things. I never doubted the fact I was going to secure a job after my higher Institution but I also knew my certificate isn't necessarily a guarantee for a job. In fact, I had gone to Lagos hustling with my fishing boat and wood engine boat when I got a letter for my aptitude test. I was still reading and making the necessary contacts as I was paddling my canoe. My hatred for poverty and lack was so great I wasn't even willing to narrow down my success to a paper- a degree/certificate. People saw me as I took my engine and boat to hustle opposite the Nigeria Ports Authority in Lagos, moving passengers from the villages to Apapa township. I didn't bother. I knew it was temporary. But in between when I would secure that dream job, I couldn't ask my parents for money. They've done their best.

I was always prepared for any aptitude test. I had a lot of past oil and gas questions and answers. I never failed to browse relevant sites. I was able to pass the aptitude test, the oral interview and landed the proverbial dream job. I give Him all the glory.

To all those believing Him for a great job, do not pass this moment complaining and whining; they will only lead to chaos and disaster. Look for something SMALL to do. Start small little. Just do something.

There's no free meal anywhere anymore. Don't let that degree prevent you from taking up that cleaning job. Don't let it stop you from taking that security job. It's all a process. Don't let your degree stand in your way. Your degree is supposed to give you a PLATFORM from which you could shoot into any angle and area. Why allow it to become a hindrance to you? Opportunities abound; open your eyes.

Till date I keep learning new skills. There's NO job security anywhere. I'm always conscious of the future. I'm not relenting. I'm not carried away by the little pleasure of the moment. I've got TOMORROW in view.

Change your mindset, and you've changed your life.

The world owes you NOTHING! Forthwith, get busy and believe God for that mega paying job.

Wishing you all a successful career. Thank you!

Lalasticlala, please move this message to the appropriate quarters!

342 Likes 70 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by tohpahz(f): 12:44pm On Sep 09, 2015
Lemme read..

Modified.. i have read..
Thanks for the post.
Lemme add to.that..
Going to school is different from getting an education.. , someone might go to school and graduate without getting educated..
It's better to be educated than 'bin schooled '

68 Likes 11 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by hahn(m): 12:48pm On Sep 09, 2015
True yarn

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Nobody: 12:48pm On Sep 09, 2015
Mikwus, MizMyColi, Francizy, joywendy, freeage7, bare1, Truckpusher, Teempakguy.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by PRINCENWAEZE(m): 12:52pm On Sep 09, 2015
But buhari body language will

8 Likes 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Nobody: 12:55pm On Sep 09, 2015
tohpahz:
Lemme read..

Modified.. i have read..
Thanks for the post.
Lemme add to.that..
Going to school is different from getting an education.. , someone might go to school and graduate without getting educated..
It's better to be educated than 'bin schooled '


Totally agreed. It's our mindset that determines our outlook!

8 Likes 4 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Specialist900(m): 12:56pm On Sep 09, 2015
True talk bro. One needs to find something to do atleast. The rate at which masters degree holders look for job these days without finding is a cause of serious concern.

Just, DO SOMETHING

13 Likes 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by tohpahz(f): 12:57pm On Sep 09, 2015
Specialist900:
True talk bro. One needs to find something to do atleast. The rate at which masters degree holders look for job these days without finding is a cause of serious concern.

Just, DO SOMETHING

Exactly!

10 Likes 2 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by tohpahz(f): 12:59pm On Sep 09, 2015
dearpreye:


Totally agreed. It's our mindset that determines our outlook!

Yeah.. that's why disappointment comes in wen ppl graduate and can't find something doing.. we have to program our mindsets positively and do something at least..

3 Likes 2 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Nobody: 1:00pm On Sep 09, 2015
Specialist900:
True talk bro. One needs to find something to do atleast. The rate at which masters degree holders look for job these days without finding is a cause of serious concern.

Just, DO SOMETHING

Everyone must wake up and smell the coffee. This isn't 1970. Things have changed. Everyone must endeavour to learn a skill or two!

9 Likes 2 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Nobody: 1:02pm On Sep 09, 2015
tohpahz:


Yeah.. that's why disappointment comes in wen ppl graduate and can't find something doing.. we have to program our mindsets positively and do something at least..

Exactly. We need to go for some forms of reconditioning! Otherwise, we've set up ourselves for calamities.

4 Likes 3 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by LaurelP(m): 1:04pm On Sep 09, 2015
Agreed, but not everyone has ur kinda determination, energy and willpower to take and sustain such jobs.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Nobody: 1:06pm On Sep 09, 2015
LaurelP:
Agreed, but not everyone has ur kinda determination, energy and willpower to take and sustain such jobs.

Then they are not that ready to become useful to themselves. They will eventually have no option when the tides become rougher.

4 Likes 2 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by prodiG(m): 1:13pm On Sep 09, 2015
abi o

1 Like 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Opinedecandid(m): 1:13pm On Sep 09, 2015
Skill, not degree is the way out!

11 Likes 2 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by jmoore(m): 1:13pm On Sep 09, 2015
interesting...



Good Grades Alone Can’t Guarantee Successful Life – Harris

Most students operate with the belief that a good grade is what is required to live successfully thereafter. But Steve Harris, a secondary school drop-out who defied all odds and social norms to become a published author, strategist and professional orator disagrees. In this interview with Vanessa Akuboh, the author of College Dropout to Corporate Sell-Out’ addresses this and talks about the Nigerian educational system and sundry issues affecting it

Do you think our present situation as a country has anything to do with the school system and quality of our education?

Most definitely. I believe over 95 percent of secondary school kids are ill suited for the courses they’re studying. You can run any random survey and find that 8 out of every 10 students will say ‘they gave me’ the course I’m studying.

I also believe that schools need to develop personality profiles for each student and it should be measured from primary school up to university level and that profile should be a guide for what each child should study, since it is an inventory of his gifting.

Besides, the quality of education available in a nation is directly proportional to the productivity of that nation. Garbage in, garbage out.



As a country, what can we do to at least reduce the adverse effects?

Well, I believe that every school should offer enterprise development courses and make it mandatory for each student. Personally, I believe the NYSC should be scrapped and should give way to a 1 year entrepreneurship and employability programme to get Nigeria working again.



A number of students and graduates believe good a grade is all that matters to ensure a successful life. Is there more?

Having a good grade is important. Though I dropped out of school, I don’t advise others to do the same. But I believe personal development begins where formal education ends. A number of graduates or young folks study only to pass, but not to apply. I believe examinations are not a test of intelligence, but of preparation.

However, good grades don’t guarantee a successful life. That has to do with discovering purpose, living with passion, working with excellence and not giving excuses.

Young Nigerians believe that if you have talents, you don’t need to worry about formal education to make it. What do you think the Nigerian youth with this mentality should know?

Talent is just raw natural gifting from God, but it needs to be honed into skill through diligent, developed and disciplined focus.

A lot of young artistes think making music is just about getting a beat, placing a catchy, low IQ chorus and a lot of gibberish together, but real musicians can read music, play instruments and write music. My advice is educate your gift.



Some students believe that not everyone is cut out for entrepreneurship. What is your take on this?

I believe that not everyone is cut out to be a number 1; some folks are to serve faithfully as Number 2. In the same vein, not everyone can or will be entrepreneurs. Some will be what I call ‘INtrepreneurs’, that’s CEOs in employment and they’ll be fulfilled doing that. Everyone must find their place and fill it.



Nigerians are known to be loyal to brands, but we see many entrepreneurs springing out from the same line of business. How can a budding entrepreneur straight out of school or the NYSC stand out?

Business is very dynamic. I believe every entrepreneur must find their niche in order to stand out. Let me give you a clear example. A lot of people want to get into the events management business, but all they are concerned with is the glitz and glamour, setting up the backdrop and the pretty lights etc. But a little known niche in events management is cleaning the venue (before and after). Only an entrepreneur will notice that niche and leverage on it.



In your book , you wrote: “It is not what you have that limits you but what you have but don’t know how to use”. How does the undergraduate or someone straight out of school or even a college drop-out know what he has and what to do?

I believe it was Dr. Myles Munroe that said ‘when the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse is inevitable’. Until one discovers the appropriate use of their gift set or skill set, he’s sure to abuse it. To discover your passion, you need to determine what comes to you naturally or what problem frustrates you the most when it’s poorly done.



Source>> http://leadership.ng/features/interviews/376067/good-grades-alone-cant-guarantee-successful-life-harris

14 Likes 3 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by kennyman2000(m): 1:14pm On Sep 09, 2015
Nice one..

Check my signature for ur customised wristband

1 Like 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Miracle4Sure: 1:15pm On Sep 09, 2015
OkiezZzzzz
Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Nobody: 1:15pm On Sep 09, 2015
I saw all this before and while i was an undergraduate!

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by NotNairalandi(m): 1:16pm On Sep 09, 2015
If you want to be rich and happy forget university education!

What you know how to do best determines how much you will earn!

11 Likes 2 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by ibkgab001: 1:16pm On Sep 09, 2015
There is hopeeeee

1 Like 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Realdeals(m): 1:16pm On Sep 09, 2015
True talk

2 Likes 2 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by willian10: 1:16pm On Sep 09, 2015
Before I read this Ugo C. Ugo lemme comment 1st, Front page grin
Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by pet4ril(f): 1:17pm On Sep 09, 2015
Eyaa, noted though
Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by kkkp: 1:17pm On Sep 09, 2015
Lady F and introvert should situp..

9 Likes 2 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by willian10: 1:17pm On Sep 09, 2015
grin
Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by naijaboiy: 1:17pm On Sep 09, 2015
"THE WORLD OWES YOU NOTHING"

Noted...

I guess i'll have to accept that Job at the condom factory for now embarassed

19 Likes 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by jmoore(m): 1:18pm On Sep 09, 2015

10 Likes 1 Share

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Hatrik(m): 1:18pm On Sep 09, 2015
entrepreneurship is the best

9 Likes 3 Shares

Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by captainobvious: 1:18pm On Sep 09, 2015
.
Re: When Your Degree No Longer Guarantees Success! by Nobody: 1:19pm On Sep 09, 2015
The world doesn't owe you a job.
Very salient point. The so called 'illiterates' have realised and understood this point since ages, yet the self-acclaimed 'literates' have refused to.

32 Likes 6 Shares

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) ... (11) (Reply)

Travelling To Canada And Starting A Pure Water Business In Nigeria. / FG Begins Payment Of N30,000 To N-power Beneficiaries Today, Says Minister / What Is The Most Suitable Job For A Married Woman With Kids?

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 53
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.