₦airaland Forum

Hi all,

Soon, I will be finishing my master's in economics at one of the decent schools in the west. I don't have any plans yet; however, I am desirous of working for any good company anywhere in the world, What counsel do you have for me? I can also do a PhD upon completion of my master's and make about 1600$ every month, But I think the industry is where I want to be,

What have your stories been, people? Those that returned to Naija, please share!

meiloya:
Hi all,

Soon, I will be finishing my master's in economics at one of the decent schools in the west. I don't have any plans yet; however, I am desirous of working for any good company anywhere in the world, What counsel do you have for me? I can also do a PhD upon completion of my master's and make about 1600$ every month, But I think the industry is where I want to be,

What have your stories been, people? Those that returned to Naija, please share!

Go get some work experience

Thanks for your response, But that is exactly what we are talking about, how do I go about getting the work experience, the job, anywhere?

Thanks for your response, But that is exactly what we are talking about, how do I go about getting the work experience, the job, anywhere?

Don't mind them, easier said than done.Everybody says, get some work experience without realising that there are no jobs.Maybe they expect you to work at the train station as a cleaner with your Msc.

On the topic. If you have a 2.1 it will be much easier to get a job within a few period, this is because you stand a better chance of being shortlisted for apt tests and interviews.Also, try to prepare very well for apt test using SHL and GMAT, that will help you pass tests thereby giving you a better chance of being called for interviews.

Moreso, try and visit some job websites like naijahotjobs, nairaland career and vacancy section etc and also try and apply to websites of companies.I believe getting a job is a strategy, adopt the ones that will be effective for you.

chamber2:
Don't mind them, easier said than done.Everybody says, get some work experience without realising t[b]hat there are no jobs[/b].Maybe they expect you to work at the train station as a cleaner with your Msc.

On the topic. If you have a 2.1 it will be much easier to get a job within a few period, this is because you stand a better chance of being shortlisted for apt tests and interviews.Also, try to prepare very well for apt test using SHL and GMAT, that will help you pass tests thereby giving you a better chance of being called for interviews.

Moreso, try and visit some job websites like naijahotjobs, nairaland career and vacancy section etc and also try and apply to websites of companies.I believe getting a job is a strategy, adopt the ones that will be effective for you.

you are a confirmed not-so-smart person!

you are telling him to look for work i'm telling him to look at getting some work experience; what's the difference? The guy is ultimately looking to work in Nigeria, wouldn't working experience get him through the doors than shl,gmat tests?

Whoever says getting a job/work experience was easy in the first place, sapele water

you are a confirmed not-so-smart person! you've always shown it with your sapele MBA chasing self

you are telling him to look for work i'm telling him to look at getting some work experience; what's the difference? The guy is ultimately looking to work in Nigeria, wouldn't working experience get him through the doors than shl,gmat tests?

Whoever says getting a job/work experience was easy in the first place

You will remain an edi-ot

And the guy has told you the work is not forthcoming where he resides.Do you need a supercomputer in your little brain to understand that?

Duuuhhh he has not finish his Degree, you think jobs jump out at people?

meiloya:
Hi all,

Soon, I will be finishing my master's in economics at one of the decent schools in the west. I don't have any plans yet; however, I am desirous of working for any good company anywhere in the world, What counsel do you have for me? I can also do a PhD upon completion of my master's and make about 1600$ every month, But I think the industry is where I want to be,

What have your stories been, people? Those that returned to Naija, please share!

Duuuhhh he has not finish his Degree, you think jobs jump out at people?

From all indication, the poster wants to return home.He needs strategies and opinions on how to secure job quickly upon arrival.You are advising him to stay on and look for good.Do you think an MSc holder is not smart enough to have considered various options before deciding to head back home?Do you think he has not thought of gaining some work experience before his decision to return?Who will foot his bills why he waits for the job?Do you think everybody wants to live and work abroad?

He is yet to conclude his program and now is the best time to make some good moves.I do understand that work experience is very vital in securing a job these days, but people decide returning home base on various reasons.A friend of mine has been waiting to secure a job for the past six months now in the US whereas his counterparts who returned home have all secured jobs and are living happily.

chamber2:
From all indication, the poster wants to return home.He needs strategies and opinions on how to secure job quickly upon arrival.You are advising him to stay on and look for good.Do you think an MSc holder is not smart enough to have considered various options before deciding to head back home?Do you think he has not thought of gaining some work experience before his decision to return?Do you think everybody wants to live and work abroad?

He is yet to conclude his program and now is the best time to make some good moves.

Dont know if i want to be doing this ping pong

From all indications the poster has several options- stay on to study for a PhD or explore opportunities elsewhere; I'm advising him to gain work experience before heading back home, he hasn't made a final decision to head back home! Do you think Nigeria is the only option for Nigerians?

When he's done his degree he will have more time and flexibility in his job search- looking for a job wherever he is- even if it is voluntary is more fulfilling than studying for some uncoordinated recruitment process in Abakaliki!! all options there should be exhausted before moving!

@ Chamber 2

Bros/Sis, thanks for your response. Although I may not be a genius, I am not bad at all. In fact, my undergrad result is just some decimal points away from a first class honours.  A 2:1, which is an above average result, is not a barrier for me. Thanks also for the hint on getting acquainted with SHL and GMAT. I will do my best to bring my skills up to speed in those areas.

I have been visiting the websites you suggested, and they have been very helpful. I just hope something clicks one day.

Brother Disguy,

Thank you again for your contribution,  Please you and chambre should not join issues. Both of you are telling me things you think will help me. Both of you make sense.

Yes, I am avoiding a PhD. A PhD is, in fact, my last resort-- I am also ready to work anywhere in the world. If the opportunity is in Niaja, then I do not mind, provided I lead an above average life. As you already indicated, I will finish graduate studies early next year. I am just trying to play smart and to get the requisite info that will help me or give me an edge in the job market when I am fully ready.

More contributions are welcome.

Brother Disguy,

Thank you again for your contribution,  Please you and chambre should not join issues. Both of you are telling me things you think will help me. Both of you make sense.

Yes, I am avoiding a PhD. A PhD is, in fact, my last resort-- I am also ready to work anywhere in the world. If the opportunity is in Niaja, then I do not mind, provided I lead an above average life. As you already indicated, I will finish graduate studies early next year. I am just trying to play smart and to get the requisite info that will help me or give me an edge in the job market when I am fully ready.

More contributions are welcome.

My bro, you are obviously an intelligent man.I didn't mean you shouldn't gain work experience before returning, it's very vital as Disguy suggested.But, if the opportunity is not forthcoming due to the current job market, do not hesitate to try home.And to succeed in your job hunt back home those things i enumerated are very necessary as you have already noted.

I am not good at calling people names, even when they appear to be wrong.Unfortunately, this is NL where a few guys think the only way to make their points is by name calling and insults.This i consider  a sign of weakness and ignorance.

I am sorry if my use of words on Disguy sounds offensive, it's not in my nature.

@OP,
I'm curious. What kind of job are you looking for?

@Ajanlekoko,

Besides the highly professional  fields(engr, medicine,  law, IT,, ) that I am obviously unqualified in, I am prepared to work in any other area(s).  I have been looking favourably at HR these days.

The time it will take depend on how connected you are. Master from even the moon does not guarantee you quick employment in Nigeria.

Interesting post, Thanks. Now, following your esteemed contribution, I can only guess that somebody got a master's degree from the moon but could not land a job in Nigeria.  Could me please tell me more about the person? The general idea is that, if somebody says something is not true, he/she must be able to provide an example where that thing fails to be true, We call that a counter example in analysis. So, please, it would be nice to get that counter example using the moon I am waiting. Please don't quote one kind figure of speech O.

Thanks,

meiloya:
Interesting post, Thanks. Now, following your esteemed contribution, I can only guess that somebody got a master's degree from the moon but could not land a job in Nigeria.  Could me please tell me more about the person? The general idea is that, if somebody says something is not true, he/she must be able to provide an example where that thing fails to be true, We call that a counter example in analysis. So, please, it would be nice to get that counter example using the moon I am waiting. Please don't quote one kind figure of speech O.

Thanks,

Remember I asked what kind of job you were targeting.
Reason is that you start applying for those jobs from where you are. Fact is, jobs are very few in Nigeria, and competition is high. So you have to start pitching yourself to those companies. Visit Nigerian career sites, go on LinkedIn and try to connect to recruiters focusing on Nigeria, and even check out the career pages of top bluechip companies in Nigeria. The question you're asking on NL is not going to help much.

Remember I asked what kind of job you were targeting.
Reason is that you start applying for those jobs from where you are. Fact is, jobs are very few in Nigeria, and competition is high. So you have to start pitching yourself to those companies. Visit Nigerian career sites, go on LinkedIn and try to connect to recruiters focusing on Nigeria, and even check out the career pages of top bluechip companies in Nigeria. The question you're asking on NL is not going to help much.

Exactly my point.Getting job this days is more of strategy.Abroad is even the worst hit in terms of unemployment.

AjanleKoko:
Remember I asked what kind of job you were targeting.
Reason is that you start applying for those jobs from where you are. Fact is, jobs are very few in Nigeria, and competition is high. S[b]o you have to start pitching yourself to those companies. Visit Nigerian career sites, go on LinkedIn and try to connect to recruiters focusing on Nigeria,[/b] and even check out the career pages of top bluechip companies in Nigeria. The question you're asking on NL is not going to help much.

many thanks for the tip.
do you putting my foreign telephone number on my CV or a nigerian number (i can afford roaming charges). i will be expecting your response. gracias.

chemali:
many thanks for the tip.
do you putting my foreign telephone number on my CV or a nigerian number (i can afford roaming charges). i will be expecting your response. gracias.

Sorry this is coming half a year late.
Sure you can put all your contact information on your CV. Valid emails and phone numbers.

meiloya: Hi all,

Soon, I will be finishing my master's in economics at one of the decent schools in the west. I don't have any plans yet; however, I am desirous of working for any good company anywhere in the world, What counsel do you have for me? I can also do a PhD upon completion of my master's and make about 1600$ every month, But I think the industry is where I want to be,

What have your stories been, people? Those that returned to Naija, please share!

Hey m, this your post! It may not concern you again , but I am sure that some people are currently in the situation you were a few months back. So I will add one or two things. I will also speak to those who are yet to take the leap. Open your eyes lajure .

Do your best to get a job abroad, but make sure you apply for a PhD as a backup. Never come to naija to look for a job without any backup plan. If you do, you may wound yourself. Some companies in Naija now have the boldness to pay 70k/month to someone who spent 15k pounds for M.Sc. I know a company that never liked inviting those with abroad kpali for interviews. Why? Because the company felt that abroad degree holders would never accept 100k salary. Today, as we speak, that company has, as almost all of its employees, people with UK BSc and MSc degrees, all of them earning yearly wages that are less than half of the amount they spent on school fees for one year.

Besides maybe those that studied at top schools abroad, majority of those who studied at normal schools in popular countries, with high school fees and outrageous cost of living, would face the same risk of unemployment as those that studied at normal schools in less popular countries. For example, those who studied in England versus those who studied in Austria/Germany/France. My question now is, given that the risk of unemployment is the same and the quality of education is at par, why waste plenty money to study a course that can be studied elsewhere at a lower cost?

As an illustration, let us consider two hypothetical universities- A and B. A is located in a popular (not necessarily better) country while B is located in a less popular(not necessarily worse) country. Suppose unemployment risk from attending A=unemployment risk from attending B, and total cost of A >>total cost of B. Furthermore, suppose that the quality of education at A is at par with the quality of education at B. If, and only if, getting a good job and pay are the end goals, my question then reduces to: why do many people still go for choice A when they can actually cut cost by going for B? Is it due to ignorance? A good answer to this will be well appreciated.

In my field, quantitative financial economics, there are some very good universities with great research groups and top faculty offering good training to students. These universities are not necessarily located in the US, UK, or Canada, but the quality of education they offer is never inferior, and their tuition fees are relatively affordable. Why then would prospective naija students neglect these schools and instead run to a place where they are not necessarily better off in the long run equilibrium? The same question as before.

I will give an example. There is this school called Toulouse School of Economics in France. This school has been consistently ranked as one of the top 5 schools of economics in the entire Europe and one of the best in the world, yet their tuition fee for MSc is less than 500k naira/year! This school is better than many schools in the UK and elsewhere, yet people prefer to neglect it and instead attend the same program at other schools that have lower quality and demand way higher tuition fees. Any sense in that? Maybe sha, I am not sure. There are many nice schools like Toulouse all around the world. Search and search and search. Cut cost. Keep some cash to survive on after graduation. Real life starts after one has graduated, not when just admitted.

My conclusion is that, if one is desirous of studying abroad and one's final goals are to get the best jobs and the best pay, then it pays for one to diligently search for programs that offer high quality education and exposure at the lowest possible cost. In my view, there is no need going to study at a university where one will not be ahead of those that studied at other universities elsewhere. There is no need to spend too much when, at the end, one will not be better off. Expenditure minimization is key! Imbibe that culture.

Truly,
T22.

T22

still waiting for your post about the UK, it shows in your post almost all the time, u no like am at all at all
or perhaps you just don't get why people troop theRE when they could get value for money elsewhere

anyway to answer some of the question,

information
experience,
familiarity with the admissions/immigration policies
HR acceptability (in Nigeria)
social integration in the host country
language
crowd mentality/safety in numbers

Mr Meiloya, how far?

Dis Guy: T22

still waiting for your post about the UK, it shows in your post almost all the time, u no like am at all at all
or perhaps you just don't get why people troop their when they could get value for money elsewher[/b]e

anyway to answer some of the question,

information
experience,
familiarity with the admissions/immigration policies
[b]HR acceptability (in Nigeria)
social integration in the host country
language
crowd mentality/safety in numbers

I don't hate the UK. I have lived there. The quality of education there is world class, as we all know. I am very grateful for that. However, my point has always been that people should spend less to get much more. As far as I know, the Nigerians who work for JPM, Goldman, Barcap, Nomura, Shell and co, and who spent good pounds to study at LSE, Cambridge, UCL, Warwick and co, do not earn more than their Nigerian counterparts who work for these same companies but studied almost free of charge elsewhere. This is my point. Graduates of other European universities are not paid less, plus they possess a comparable quality knowledge which they acquired at an affordable cost. There are many people who attended other European universities and are currently working for top companies in Canary Wharf, NY, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong and co. Companies in the UK recruit from the UK and all around Europe, not just in the UK alone. So, one is never at a disadvantage for not studying in the UK.

HR in Naija accepts any foreign degrees. I know a guy who studied free of charge in Sweden. He later landed a very nice job in Lagos. Surprisingly, the MD of the company was particularly interested in him because,according to the MD, his educational experience abroad was unusual. I know someone who is currently at a bank's training school in Naija. Two of her/his colleagues at the same training school hold foreign degrees (perhaps Birmingham and Brighton); s/he holds just a naija degree, which s/he got almost free of charge(as you know). Yet s/he does not earn less than those foreign degree holders. There is one other lady who was forced to work as a customer care officer for one of glo/airtel/etisalat/mtn/zoom/...This lady got a graduate degree from a school in the UK(I don't want to be specific), but she works in the same capacity and earns the same wage as those who have never left naija in their lives. Carry out a sample survey on the number of unemployed foreign trained Nigerians currently in Nigeria and you will be shocked to know that most of them hold degrees from the UK. If you have any HR friend in Naija, ask and he/she will tell you that most applicants with foreign degrees are UK trained. There is nothing like a guaranteed employment after spending a huge amount of money. As before, my question remains 'why spend that much money?' Unless a family member got accepted by the very best universities in the UK, I would definitely encourage him/her to look elsewhere.

Yes, language is a major barrier in other EU countries. I completely agree. However, I am sure you are aware that many schools that are located in non-English speaking EU countries now offer plenty programs in English. Prospective students only need to do a thorough search to uncover such schools, not the crowd gbogbo ero mentality.

I should emphasize that all of my analyses may completely break down if the end goal of the students is not to land a great job after graduation. Perhaps there could be other motivating factors that are unfortunately unobservable, who knows!!

I agree that many people may have only positive stories of those who studied in the UK. For me, what I know is what I say, and I will continue to drum it into the ears of anyone who cares to listen.


T22

tanimola22: I don't hate the UK. I have lived there. The quality of education there is world class, as we all know. I am very grateful for that. However, my point has always been that people should spend less to get much more. As far as I know, the Nigerians who work for JPM, Goldman, Barcap, Nomura, Shell and co, and who spent good pounds to study at LSE, Cambridge, UCL, Warwick and co, do not earn more than their Nigerian counterparts who work for these same companies but studied almost free of charge elsewhere. This is my point. Graduates of other European universities are not paid less, plus they possess a comparable quality knowledge which they acquired at an affordable cost. There are many people who attended other European universities and are currently working for top companies in Canary Wharf, NY, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong and co. Companies in the UK recruit from the UK and all around Europe, not just in the UK alone. So, one is never at a disadvantage for not studying in the UK.

HR in Naija accepts any foreign degrees. I know a guy who studied free of charge in Sweden. He later landed a very nice job in Lagos. Surprisingly, the MD of the company was particularly interested in him because,according to the MD, his educational experience abroad was unusual. I know someone who is currently at a bank's training school in Naija. Two of her/his colleagues at the same training school hold foreign degrees (perhaps Birmingham and Brighton); s/he holds just a naija degree, which s/he got almost free of charge(as you know). Yet s/he does not earn less than those foreign degree holders. There is one other lady who was forced to work as a customer care officer for one of glo/airtel/etisalat/mtn/zoom/...This lady got a graduate degree from a school in the UK(I don't want to be specific), but she works in the same capacity and earns the same wage as those who have never left naija in their lives. Carry out a sample survey on the number of unemployed foreign trained Nigerians currently in Nigeria and you will be shocked to know that most of them hold degrees from the UK. If you have any HR friend in Naija, ask and he/she will tell you that most applicants with foreign degrees are UK trained. There is nothing like a guaranteed employment after spending a huge amount of money. As before, my question remains 'why spend that much money?' Unless a family member got accepted by the very best universities in the UK, I would definitely encourage him/her to look elsewhere.

Yes, language is a major barrier in other EU countries. I completely agree. However, I am sure you are aware that many schools that are located in non-English speaking EU countries now offer plenty programs in English. Prospective students only need to do a thorough search to uncover such schools, not the crowd gbogbo ero mentality.

I should emphasize that all of my analyses may completely break down if the end goal of the students is not to land a great job after graduation. Perhaps there could be other motivating factors that are unfortunately unobservable, who knows!!

I agree that many people may have only positive stories of those who studied in the UK. For me, what I know is what I say, and I will continue to drum it into the ears of anyone who cares to listen.


T22

@T22

You have a point. Living in a country where Engligh is not the lingua franca can be challenging. But as things are going the way they are in the U.K maybe investing wisely is the key. Also the chances of studying in non-english EU countries for less is decreasing by the day

I agree with T22.
Why spend so much money studying in the UK, when you can get the same thing for almost free in other countries.
Though, I can bet you that situation will change very soon. Not with the current situation in the EU. I can guarantee that international students will soon begin to see a very different picture of Europe.

[quote author=yemmy_ma]@T22

You have a point. Living in a country where Engligh is not the lingua franca can be challenging. But as things are going the way they are in the U.K maybe investing wisely is the key. Also the chances of studying in non-english EU countries for less is decreasing by the day[/quote]

Of course, as regards international students, a place like Sweden is deciding/has decided to go the UK route. So, it appears as though there is no more free lunch. However, there are still tons of low cost English taught programs available at some universities in some EU countries. For example, tuition for MS Computer Science at Bonn University is less than 520 pounds per year. The same can be said of many other programs at the same university. Cost of living in Bonn for one month is less than 600 pounds. Patapata, all that a student would spend in 24 months should not be more than 15,500pounds. This is a very, very fair overall cost to study at a school that is ranked 154 worldwide, has 7 Nobel Laureates and 2 Fields Medalists and, most beautifully, is located in a country that has remained the biggest European economy for some years now. Imagine, some people spend this same amount of money on tuition alone to study at lower ranked schools for one year.

There are many places like Bonn. Even sef, there are many one year English taught French graduate programs whose overall costs are, in fact, one half of 15500pounds. The same can be said of some good graduate programs in other EU countries. The key is to search, search and search.

I see that I have derailed this thread. I hope my point has been made clearest.

T22.

tanimola22: [/b]

Of course, as regards international students, a place like Sweden is deciding/has decided to go the UK route. So, it appears as though there is no more free lunch. However, there are still tons of low cost English taught programs available at some universities in some EU countries. For example, tuition for MS Computer Science at Bonn University is less than 520 pounds per year. The same can be said of many other programs at the same university. Cost of living in Bonn for one month is less than 600 pounds. Patapata, all that a student would spend in 24 months should not be more than 15,500pounds. This is a very, very fair overall cost to study at a school that is ranked 154 worldwide, has 7 Nobel Laureates and 2 Fields Medalists and, most beautifully, is located in a country that has remained the biggest European economy for some years now. Imagine, some people spend this same amount of money on tuition alone to study at lower ranked schools for one year.

There are many places like Bonn. Even sef, there are many one year English taught French graduate programs whose overall costs are, in fact, one half of 15500pounds. The same can be said of some good graduate programs in other EU countries. The key is to search, search and search.

I see that I have derailed this thread. I hope my point has been made clearest.

T22.

You are right, but I personally think Nigerian companies are crazy about UK and US kpali. I don't know if there is any stats to prove my intuition but i might be right. But if I was to choose where to study without the aim of returning to Nigeria, i will not choose the UK. If i intend to disappear into the world then other countries Germany, Netherlands, France will come top of my list in europe.

ok

Distinction . . Thats the best you could get.

thanks ,just needed to know

Good Morning Dear Friend, Are you or anyone you know aspiring to enter the oil and gas industry?
Don't complain the multi-nationals didn't employ you! Did you have their requirements?

These are the HSE certificates they are asking for!!!

KGCL offers you the most sought for international safety certifications with sure passes.

1. NEBOSH & IOSH Combo + exams sitting fees + books + lunch for 280K and training starts from Sept 27th 2013.

2. IOSH working safely @ 40k.

3. Iosh managing safely @ 100k

Venue: Kristina Jade Learning centre,
70B, Olorunlogbon Street,
Off Alade Lawal Street,
Anthony Village, Lagos

The last day for payment is Sept 15, 2013.

Start your journey to becoming a Safety Practitioner at a bargain. Get two Safety Certifications for the Price of one (Nebosh candidates).

Remember Payment Plan Option available.

Start by paying a deposit today and balance the rest before course date.

Course fee Payments should made to :
Bank: GTB
Account name: Kafela Global Concept Limited
GTB Account Number : 0003637079

Download a booking form from : www.kafelagc.co.uk or request a form from : training@kafelagc.co.uk

Fill the form and send the completed form to : training@kafelagc.co.uk.

Please help re broadcast so your contacts will not miss the golden opportunity of becoming Safety Practitioners at a bargain.

Looking forward to seeing you or your referrals on this course.

KGCL - HSE Training @ its best.