1honeybee:


Really? with or without a work experience in law or the traffic thing?

Yes, without work experience, fresh from University. He was just about to start his dissertation when he got the job. Even though, the vacancy stated first degree in Civil Engineering or a highly numerate degree

agitator:

Somebody already pointed this out. It is required in mostly research and development with past work experiences, not just the PhD

For most consultancy jobs, specialist knowledge is required, and that is acquired after some work experience.  You don’t require a civil engineering degree to become a transport consultant.  Just like you don’t need an IT first degree to become a Data Security Consultant.

.

The last time I checked on slb students and graduate career website, no mention was made of work experience for an entry level job in their research and development. All that was required is a Research master’s or PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, electronics, geology, geophysics, materials science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering or physics. The academic requirement for some entry level jobs are MPhil or PhD. Most companies are raising the bar. Some top companies like Nokia and Arup only recruits graduates with MSc or MBA qualifications. Very soon, a BSc or BA degree will be equivalent to an ordinary GCSE.

True that for consultancy jobs, specialist knowledge is required and not all are acquired from work experience. Some are acquired from specialist 2 semesters or 3 semesters MSc programme. Most involve field work and strong links with the industry. They were designed so that you can hit the ground running. That is why it is easy for people to change their career even after many years when they realise they had initially made a false start.

@Ajalenkoko,i must confess dat ur contributions in dis forum both in general and career has been greatly inspiring.sincerely speakin,i dey gbadu u.if u dnt mind,kindly send me ur mail address to my mail talk2skippo@gmail.com so dat i culd make more enquries.thankin u in anticipatn.

Literally, the word overqualified is somehow difficult to understand in the present system. Look at this instance – a PhD holder seeks for a job as a daycare teacher, what do you call this? Overqualified or not? Definitely, the guy cannot do the job which means guy man no qualified for the job and not overqualified. However, one can draw a conclusion that overqualified is a polite way of simply saying not qualified.

@Poster,
I have pondered on this too several times especially when I think of the amount nigerians spend on acquiring foreign degrees especially post-graduate ones.


From another view though, I have a degree in economics but have always functioned in the IT sphere as a trainer, dba, plsql scripter etc but when the there was an opening for a product manager, all eyes fell on me because of some of the latent skills(i.e apart from the technical ones) I possessed.

Put another way, an overqualified person now may well become an underqualified person in the next couple of years - too much future uncertainty.

Just my 2 cents

I don't buy the idea of what you guys termed overqualification especially the way these companies put it.

For me, I think if there's are open positions for entry levels; whether it is a fresh graduate with only BSc or with BSc & MSc or with BSc, MSc, & PhD or someone with inadequate (0- 1) years of experience; everyone of them should be passed through a tests and interviews to ascertain who best fits the positions.

I believe many organisations require certain levels of qualifications for their image branding rather than for the specific skills they claim to posses.

For example, a Bsc holder with 10 years of work experience is more likely to get the job done than a CFA holder with 3 years or a Phd holder with 2 years work experience.

However, even with the knowledge of this, companies want and are really proud to display the folks with lots of academic qualifications on their board.

They want to be able to say.

Dr Violent Hammersmith. MBA, CFA.

rather than a

Mr Violent Hammersmith Bsc {Hons}.

The former builds the company image and also projects confidence to potential investors.  An investor is more likely to give his, money to the former rather than the later even though the later has a lot of experience.

Besides, someone with professional qualifications is much more likely to adapt rapidly to changing conventions, contribute theoretical knowledge from years of vast academic research as well as learn faster than someone with the work experience or without the said professional qualifications.

Employers see newbies as the future directors of the company, therefore it is necessary to ensure that they have the right qualifications, knowledge as well as passion to do so.  How best can you project passion for a particular field than having a doctorate degree in the field?

They are not only concerned about whether you are fit for the job now, they want to be sure that you will be fit for the job in another 15 years even with a wild rapid changing convention.

^^Maybe nigerian companies

Most companies i know will introduce Mr V.Hammersmith as the colleague with over 10 years experience in international finance, mergers and A etc etc rather than Mr V.H Bsc, Msc etc etc sounds really crass to be listing peoples paper certificate look at the company profile of Nigerian companies and a Uk company you'd see experience in the field will be reeled out rather than the paper certificate, the usual understanding is that someone employed in a company will have gone through internal and external course updating their skills without breaking their work

Secondly its a matter of motivation, do you really want to employ someone with an Msc in Banking and Finance doing cashier work in a bank when a School cert holder with a bit of training can easily do the work, wouldn't loose motivation as quick as the other guy lamenting everyday about his 'big international msc'. someone that is overqualified for a certain job will be looking to get out as quick as possible or would just feel he is too big amongst his team members, his mind would be on getting his real position rather than doing the job at hand.

But with the recession everything changed to some extent

^^

You are quiet right!

But the reality is that most companies will like to enjoy a good mix of both qualifications and experience. so i'd say why not get the two?

There are certain job responsibilities even at junior positions that cannot be easily handled by graduates as their scope of work does not cover such, besides, it is easier to train someone with an extensive knowledge in a field than someone without.

A Phd holder who focussed on Mergers and Acquisition for example is 10 times likely to start contributing to your business in the first 3 months than someone straight out of college.

Besides, graduating with a Phd means that you have spent the last 3 to four years working and researching extensively, comparing scenarios, studying lots of problems and solutions on a certain field, and as such asserts you as an authority in that field.

You are right, I think we are talking from different ends of the career ladder knowing how Nigerian companies shy away from training their own recruits

some positions come with band/ salary range- with an Msc Phd, i'll probably feel depressed earning an entry level wage knowing how much i have spent/lost doing the course

you people talk about Bsc BA, Msc and now PhD. What about HND people, no jobs for them?

what is the qualification used for? to get the job in lieu of others. many people are going to school and acquiring degrees not because they want to learn, but they need it to get the best paying jobs around. i had started a thread to analyze why people go to school. the link is shown below

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria?topic=341976

ishmael:

you people talk about Bsc BA, Msc and now PhD. What about HND people, no jobs for them?

HND for this current dispensation is no work done, bro.

lekside44:

what is the qualification used for? to get the job in lieu of others. many people are going to school and acquiring degrees not because they want to learn, but they need it to get the best paying jobs around.

You don talk am finish. Educational roulette. Degrees for sale, literally speaking. Zero value added.

HND for this current dispensation is no work done, bro.

thts a true, hard and fast reality check

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU ALL. ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS THE WAY FORWARD.

[i][/i][color=#000099][/color] this issue of overqualification is all over the world at times i just wonder if education is the real answer to unemployment,we go to school got some degree search for work and u are being told u are overqualified ,mehn its funny ,dis tend to discourage people from learning at times

If HND is no work done then i think it should be scraped,the discrimination is too much,why allow pple to go through polythechnics if their are going to be discriminated at the end

@David10,

Why should they scrap HND when people are still scrambling to go to polytechnics in Nigeria? There are people working in the polys, they also need to keep their jobs, same as the uni people, abi?

I'm pursuing a PhD (should be completed the end of this year/early next year) for one of the reasons the original poster stated, for academics (I would like to be a university professor as my side gig while I continue my day job as a forensic scientist). I am in forensic science and a PhD isn't required but it won't hurt should I decide to go into the research end of it. I'd also like to add that an advanced degree in my field does help with regard to pay at some employment locations. In some organizations, I have seen that someone such as myself holding a Masters in Forensic Science may make more than some with just a Bachelors degree in criminal justice, an exception to that rule in some organizations is DNA. Well, just adding my two cents.

We can't be surprised at the trends if we have a bit understanding of the prophetic.
'Knowledge shall increase in the last days' is a popular scripture.

Now, you can agree with me that with the emergence of so many fields/sectors that were virtually unknown in a couple of decades ago, there is a dire need for humanity to shore up their knowledge in coping with the challenges ahead.

After all, it was Albert Einstein that said 'The problems we create today cannot be solved with the knowledge of yesterday'

Its not really an issue for me if companies require professors to fill job openings, as long as it satisfies their organizational plans. what i'll rather want young professionals/grads. to avoid is what i call a looming 'qualification confusion'

Pray, tell. What is somebody with a degree in say, Economics, that has not held down any job since graduation and probably cannot differentiate between a Router and a switch doing with a combination of  CCNA, OCA, MCP, and is still eyeing JAVA certification.

I think people should learn to choose a career path and stay focused on it. Its a basic foundation

cecegorz:

We can't be surprised at the trends if we have a bit understanding of the prophetic.
'Knowledge shall increase in the last days' is a popular scripture.

Now, you can agree with me that with the emergence of so many fields/sectors that were virtually unknown in a couple of decades ago, there is a dire need for humanity to shore up their knowledge in coping with the challenges ahead.

After all, it was Albert Einstein that said 'The problems we create today cannot be solved with the knowledge of yesterday'

Its not really an issue for me if companies require professors to fill job openings, as long as it satisfies their organizational plans. what i'll rather want young professionals/grads. to avoid is what i call a looming 'qualification confusion'

Pray, tell. What is somebody with a degree in say, Economics, that has not held down any job since graduation and probably cannot differentiate between a Router and a switch doing with a combination of  CCNA, OCA, MCP, and is still eyeing JAVA certification.

I think people should learn to choose a career path and stay focused on it. Its a basic foundation

thank you jare!!

If you go through many post on nairaland education and career section you will notice many students/ fresh grad craving for any certificate of any association going.

^^ The fresh grads are simply looking for a job, and will do anything to enhance their chances.
Maybe if some of us oldies can provide some mentoring . . . they can at least know what obtains and prepare better for the wider world.

You oldies you mean 
_{cos me i be corper in waiting, waiting for oga at nysc to send my letter}
But yes, it makes absolute sense since the schools and government arent providing enough
and it beats these senseless seminars up and down the country!!

I really think universities in Nigeria, should have career seminars
and the government should either restructure the NYSC or implement a programme
whereby graduate /School leavers or those who couldnt get a place at university gain valuable experience
instead of wasting away at home for a year
something like the graduate management trainee in banks/insurance/manufacturing/construction, etc

AjanleKoko:

Maybe if some of us oldies can provide some mentoring . . .  they can at least know what obtains and prepare better for the wider world.

Well then, may be the age-long question for kids should now become a mantra for our grads.

'What do you want to be when you grow up?' 

There are so many FREE career seminars all around, people has no excuse to be confused about their future. Its about seizing the moment!

cecegorz:

Well then, may be the age-long question for kids should now become a mantra for our grads.

'What do you want to be when you grow up?' 

There are so many FREE career seminars all around, people has no excuse to be confused about their future. Its about seizing the moment!

IF you read ajankolo's other thread about new graduates, you will see hope is almost certainly lost- all new graduates are about
pay package, Blackberry pinging, wearing corporates and chasing certificates asap!

Had a conversation recently with a family friend who was on holiday, 400l economics, Lagos she will be happy to just get a job in any bank, shes not bothered about the position as long as the pay is good- prodding further she will like to do a masters in international relation or something similar because economics has too much calculation and guess what she chose the course herself 
considering we are the same age, i just didnt want to appear ignorant of the naija factor 

Dis Guy:

IF you read ajankolo's other thread about new graduates, you will see hope is almost certainly lost- all new graduates are about
pay package, Blackberry pinging, wearing corporates and chasing certificates asap!

Had a conversation recently with a family friend whose on holiday, 400l economics, Lagos she will be happy to just get a job in any bank, shes not bothered about the position as long as the pay is good- prodding further she will like to do a masters in international relation or something similar because economics has too much calculation and guess what she chose the course herself 
considering we are the same age, i just didnt want to appear ignorant of the naija factor 

Going to Maslow's hierarchy of need,  We can get some explanation for 9ja pples rationale about getting any kind of job cos they need to survive. After they become comfortable about survival then they go to the next level of this hierarchy. Most find themselves in the Physiological stage

^^
Back in school we used to joke that Nigerians/Africans have progressively travelled down this pyramid, since we were colonized, and even more since the end of colonization.

One thing that bothers me most about Nigerians (me and you are all guilty) is our abhorrence of anything relating to physical or mental labour, and our clinging to white-collar symbols - multiple degrees, as well as jobs that involve very little actual skill.

Not that we are mentally deficient - to pack multiple degrees you need some significant brainpower - but our society's total rejection of actual hands-on skills for paper qualifications and tons of irrelevant book knowledge is only going to do us a lot of harm in the long run.

There is zero existence of actual skilled manpower in Nigeria, while there is a deluge of men and women holding meaningless certificates.

Let me even ask a funny question: Are we aware that these certificates actually work in other countries? I know many people, Nigerians abroad, who have advanced technical degrees, and are actually putting these degrees to work out there. However, oftentimes I get resumes from people who are looking for jobs in Nigerian telecoms, and they have Phds in telecom engineering! I always wonder, what would such a person be expecting to do in Nigeria?

AjanleKoko:

^^
Back in school we used to joke that Nigerians/Africans have progressively travelled down this pyramid, since we were colonized, and even more since the end of colonization.

One thing that bothers me most about Nigerians (me and you are all guilty) is our abhorrence of anything relating to physical or mental labour, and our clinging to white-collar symbols - multiple degrees, as well as jobs that involve very little actual skill.

Not that we are mentally deficient - to pack multiple degrees you need some significant brainpower - but our society's total rejection of actual hands-on skills for paper qualifications and tons of irrelevant book knowledge is only going to do us a lot of harm in the long run.

There is zero existence of actual skilled manpower in Nigeria, while there is a deluge of men and women holding meaningless certificates.

Let me even ask a funny question: Are we aware that these certificates actually work in other countries? I know many people, Nigerians abroad, who have advanced technical degrees, and are actually putting these degrees to work out there. However, oftentimes I get resumes from people who are looking for jobs in Nigerian telecoms, and they have Phds in telecom engineering! I always wonder, what would such a person be expecting to do in Nigeria?

The abroad you are talking about, do you know that somebody with a City and Guild certificate in Telecoms, IT, Electrical, Electronics, etc can rise to become a supervisor and even manager (with some 6 months – 1 Year Associate certification in the managerial programs), this is impossible in Nigeria. No matter the numbers of years experience and up-to-date knowledge you have obtained, one little boy without any experience will just be employed to boss over you. Most times these graduates don't posses any practical knowledge and will be given contrary orders based on the theories they have studied. People have been employed based on extensive knowledge gained through hobby, not on any formal training and sometimes they are even made to head such departments. This can’t happen in Nigeria, they will quickly point out the degrees, the other person has which makes him to be more knowledgeable then the real technician. Even HND is looked down on with preference being placed on degree holders in technically oriented jobs.

In fact, that is one of the causes of our dying university system, as people who are not cut out for the rigorous studying system all started scrambling for degrees, when they would have been better of gaining hands on skills for field work. So degrees need to be got by hook or crook, plus the outdated topics being taught in the universities. Can you believe some Computer Engineering, Science students complete a four/five years course without being on computer for 72 hours, during the entire duration of the course, except those who have at home, or access to a pc elsewhere?

Honestly speaking this country has craeted a wrong image of schooling for majority of nigerians i that most are now going to school to just have the certificate and after that use it to get a job where they can just embezle money and then leave.

In over seas they have the understanding of getting a certificate beore even diving into it also they are not like we here in nigeria that an engineering student will be working as a cashier in a bank.

Sometimes i just get tired of this country but my faith has kept me going.

Dis Guy:

IF you read ajankolo's other thread about new graduates, you will see hope is almost certainly lost- all new graduates are about
pay package, Blackberry pinging, wearing corporates and chasing certificates asap!

Had a conversation recently with a family friend whose on holiday, 400l economics, Lagos she will be happy to just get a job in any bank, shes not bothered about the position as long as the pay is good- prodding further she will like to do a masters in international relation or something similar because economics has too much calculation and guess what she chose the course herself
considering we are the same age, i just didnt want to appear ignorant of the naija factor

Interesting discourse.

I think we need to also understand the needs of the two key players here: The Employers and job seekers.
What do employers really NEED? Do we need workers who can do the job at hand, not placing any emphasis on the future of the employee in the business? Do stuff like ''future directors''really mean a lot to them in this day and age where anything can happen - I have seen someone with a BA degree in Business Administration heading a highly technical E&P company at the highest echelon? Yes, Peter Voser, Shell's CEO is not an Engineer! What benefit will employers get flushing out experienced hands and then recruiting some multiple degree holders for their business - have they considered the amount of money they will spend bringing a fresh hand up to speed on the job and then groom such for the ''future director'' role? What if the employer decides to quit working for the company after being trained and making little or no contribution to the business? Does that not equal to spending investors money on useless things?

Then to the job seekers: Have you really thought through what you want out of this life? Will going for multiple degrees really add any 'benefit' whatsoever, to your market value? Are you sure you won't be better off working on your own, rather than working for others? Some guys up there have talked about Seminars bordering on careers. I guess we need more of that for our teeming graduate population.

We now need to properly carve out what specific qualification(s) the job the employer wants to fill requires. But then again, that's the meat of this discussion.
It would appear that employers have myriads of reasons for filling a position in their companies. From frivolous things like having a Ph.D holder doing menial jobs - just to shore up the image of the company, making the company look like they have the 'best' brains working for them, to the real reason why a job seeker is taken on board to do the work - I mean getting down and doing the WORK. Maybe employers should just trim their need down to: ''People who can do the job''. This will save them a lot of energy and unnecessary expenses on HR matters!

I am for people who know what they want out of life - employers and job seekers alike!

For me, I think getting an ensemble of degrees, unless you plan to go into academics (and you will complete those degrees without a ton of gbese in student loans on your neck),  is a waste of time.

Even full-time employment is not guaranteed. It stares us blankly in the face. Yet we choose to avoid it, and play the game of life without trying to calculate the real odds.

Modern-day work is usually based on a lot of perception and little output. Small wonder we're in a crisis today. It's almost like roulette. You pour in a lot of money and time, and hope to recoup your investments over time, provided the company doesn't do a Bear Stearns or a Lehmann Brothers. With that kind of cash, you'd have been better off opening a petrol station back in Lagos Cos I just don't figure.