Prior to graduation, many undergraduates dream of seamless integration into the world of high paying blue collar jobs. Upon graduation, many are faced with the harsh reality of unemployment. The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics puts the unemployment rate in Nigeria at 10.4 per cent (at last quarter of 2015).

This article outlines 5 things you can do to survive the present economic hardships. Beyond survival, the application of the information provided will see you blossom financially.

1.IDENTIFY YOUR STRENGTHS AND AREA OF INTEREST.
Make out considerable time and commit resources to developing competence in your area of strength and core interest. This may include attending seminars, workshops, conferences and studying useful materials on the internet.

2.VOLUNTEER FOR ACTIVITIES IN THE AREAS OF YOUR INTEREST
Ponder on the following:
1. Do I consider what I stand to benefit in a relationship beyond what I have to offer?
2. Am I genuinely interested in people’s affairs?
3. Can I commit faithfully to a work that has no pay attached?
4. Am I sad at people’s progress?
5. Do I offer helping hand even when am not asked?

To connect with something, first you need to be within the view of that thing. It is unfortunate that most youth do not expose themselves to the right connection. They run away from activities and responsibility, meanwhile this are opportunities for exposure. It is very important for youths to join: voluntary associations, social groups, religious groups, and even make out time for seminars, sporting events, competition and religious events. These are avenues that provide the necessary exposure for the right connection.

Exposure to connection is important but then actual connection is even more important. After meeting you in an event, why should I make reference to you in times of opportunity? The answer is not far-fetched.

First, a show of a sense of responsibility and honesty. People need to embrace responsibility and see it as an opportunity to make a good impression through honest and committed performance. It is often said that: The reward of a good job is more work. When you perform excellently in a voluntary work, I will definitely remember you for a job that has a reward.

Psychologically, there is this sense of indebtedness for someone that does you a favor. If I am in the
position to offer opportunity, I will definitely remember someone that has impacted me over others that I met but never had an impact. We need to harness this psychological concept in gaining the right connection. People need to see the need of others as an opportunity for connection. We need to be genuinely and selflessly concerned about the need of others, there lies the: ‘Untapped benefit of selfless service’.

We really need to tap into the benefits of selfless service. Volunteering gives you a chance of growing your years of experience and sometimes aid employment via recommendation and validation from organizations you have volunteered with.

3.KEEP AN OPEN MIND TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Many job seekers wish to secure jobs with multinational firms particularly the oil and gas companies. While it’s good to dream and be ambitious, reality shows that only a few have the opportunity of working with the International Oil Companies (IoCs). More so, the recent crash in the price of crude oil has seen many IOCs lay off their employees.

It is therefore important that you keep an open mind to the possibility of being your own boss. Be inspired by the fact that the world wealthiest men and women are entrepreneurs. Open your mind and pay attention to the opportunities within your immediate environment.

4.LEARN TO MAXIMIZE THE BENEFITS OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Constructive use of social media can be of great benefit to unemployed individuals. There are accounts of individuals who got called up for interviews based on the information recruiters gleaned from their social media profiles and activities.

In developed countries, human resource personnel’s do an audit of potential employees Facebook profile before considering them for employment. This practice may likely find its way into Nigeria in no distant future.

Do you know that Facebook has a service called Instant articles which enables publishers, writers to monetize content on Facebook? Instant articles is particularly good for blog owners and individuals with good writing skills.

Do you also know that you can study, sit for a test to become a certified Facebook user, advertiser?

Do you know you can learn to use Facebook as a branding and advertising medium while driving sales for your products and third parties at a fee?

Sign up an account on Linkedin.com if you do not have one, Linkedin.com is a social platform where professionals network. Do not underestimate the power of an active and well-crafted LinkedIn profile as many individuals have gotten jobs and advanced their careers through connections made on the LinkedIn platform.

5.LEARN HOW TO NETWORK
When last did you make a new friend? Networking is simply reaching out to people with common interest.

How comfortable are you in getting along with individuals you meet for the first time? What are the best ways of initiating conversations with individuals who can add value to you, your business and career? Let the reality that an individual’s success is greatly influenced by his/her network inspire you to reach out to people who can add value to you.