₦airaland Forum

Getting a job these days is all about strategy, not really what you studied. I have a school mate who studied a course in education there in Imsu and today she is a big girl in one of the big multinational companies in 9ja. Most of us who studied what could be termed ''lucrative'' courses are still struggling to hit it big, even with masters degree.

So, i think the emphasis has shifted a bit. Your bf has to therefore design approaches on how to hit the corporate world real big after his studies.

Just as yamakuza said, your bf should take IT certifications before he graduates. He could consider taking courses in Information Security, Database mgt etc.

I happen to have friends who studied library and info sci at Imsu. One of them is working with one of the big law firms in lagos, the other has taken the academic line; doing masters and PhD.

So, let your guy design his strategies now before he graduates.

i guess it's Imsu

It's just library sci and nothing more.

Just google library sci and you will get to know what the course is all about.

In terms of job prospects i can't really say much because Nigeria doesn't have much libraries as such. However, he could still get a job in media houses;print and electronic media.

Today marks the beginning of another great year and the onus is on us to effectively manage and plan our careers. What are your plans for 2012?

I would like this thread to be a learning thread, providing mentor-ship, advise and suggestions on how to move our careers to the next level. Let our more experienced bros in the house provide us with insights on how they got to where they are today so that the upcoming ones can at least learn from their strategies, mistakes and then plan effectively for their careers. Questions, suggestions and advise are allowed.

Lets have your views guys. It's 2012.

Until a few years ago, people believed that once you get a job, life is made. However, times have changed. With the workplace becoming increasingly competitive and organizations having to restructure themselves continuously to cope with dynamic and uncertain market conditions, it is naïve to presume that one’s job is stable. In this situation, if you are thinking only in terms of a job, chances are that you are not planning your professional life.

Given the changing nature of the workplace, career planning is not a luxury but a necessity. Its not an ‘extra effort’ that you can make if you wish to. It is one of the essential tasks you must perform to remain employed.

Components of the effective career planning and development process include:

    * Being self-aware: To have an effective career you must be aware of your personality, interests, aptitude, self-concept, skills, etc. Most people try to learn about these by reflecting on their experiences. However, there are many other activities and instruments that can aid you in this process. These involve creating situations that will prod you to intensively reflect on yourself and on your career objective.
    * Getting information on available opportunities: To develop a career path, you need to know what opportunities are available and how you fit into them. For this, you need to keep a track of the emerging jobs, the changing face of technology and its effect on employment, the kind of expertise available in the market for different employment opportunities, etc.
    * Preparing for the opportunities: Preparation for opportunities has two aspects: domain related and non-domain related. The former would require updating your subject knowledge and finding out how it can be applied. The latter includes soft skills such as interpersonal skills, communications skills, teamwork skills etc. To facilitate the process one must undergo skill assessments, network with professional groups and research organizations, do projects with organizations, read business magazines, etc.
    * Developing one’s career: Career development happens when you are fairly confident of your career objective and career plan. Before you reach this phase, you might have hopped from one career to another and in the process might be surer of which career best suits you. If you are still unsure of the career most suitable for you, you can undergo career counseling. Career development may require you to create assignments for yourself (challenging your limits), reflect on and enrich your assignments, develop conceptual models relevant your task area, and so on.



To have an effective career you have to undergo all these components simultaneously.

To conclude, career development is not a one-time activity. It does not depend so much on what a person starts with but how she starts and how alert and learning–oriented she is. To have an effective career a person needs to focus on personal resources as well as environmental resources and opportunities.

http://www.placementor.com/resources/managing_career.htm

congrats

ola one

It's surprising you are still on this

I once suggested you go to ministry of finance, any ministry of finance will suffice. They may have those publications in their shelves. Just go to Lagos office of the ministry of finance.

Also, there was this book i used in my yr two; The Structure of the Nigerian Economy by Prof. Anyanwu. Check your library or bookshop for it. I am not sure, but i think you might find something like that there.

Another way is to explain the difficult in getting the data to your supervisor. He will be in a better position to advise you.

I am not a physical scientist.

Na commonsense i use.

Abeg let the scientist in the house answer this question na.

Where is T22? I am suspecting Economics stole him.

Mukina2

I think it will be unfair to those who voted other candidates if you decide to cancel the election ab initio and then later declare one candidate winner because of alleged fraud. After all, you were the ONLY one who saw the result as at 7.00 am.

Yes, Ola was my candidate but i would rather he won on a clear slate than in this cajoled manner.

If an election is declared inclusive based on alleged/obvious fraud then it will be wise to either conduct a new election or maintain the status quo.

Thanks

AJ

if you drill a hole right in the centre of the earth and then jump into the hole, i am sure you will find yourself in another planet other than earth   Maybe Mars

But from your statement it's obvious you didn't drill any hole. So, you won't come out any where.

It's really surprising that i won  . Anyways, thanks guys  for the support.


Our two moderators deserve commendation. Aj and yamakuza are just incomparable. They are our NL moderators of the year.

Jarus, Oyb, Sefago, sagamite, T22, violet, mycvclinic etc all deserve commendation. It is (was) really a successful year for we at the career section.

Lets do more come 2012

This is indeed very sad and unfortunate if it's really true.

I wonder what may have happened at the career section where [b]Jarus, Aj and olawalebab nominated [/b]me

I am very sure i have been embarrassed there

lemme finish my popcorn and head to the career section

2. you must meet or surpass set targets

3. Punctuality and non absenteeism i.e always come to work and early too

3. Maintaining clean records; no query, no bullying, no negative report etc

4. be skillful and professional with your  work

5. don't do office gossip etc

6. treat everybody equally and respectfully

7. don't compromise set standard

8. do your work with joy and do not allow others notice that you are stressed out.

9. be efficient and effective.

10. don't do over sabi; i too know

11. respect your boss and do not prove that you know better than he does.

12. maintain good relationship with other employees

1. What is the job market in Computer Science/ IT like in Nigeria and the average wage for a foreign grad?

The IT/telecoms industry appears to be in a good shape, with major players like MTN, Glo, Etisalat etc employing a handful of graduates each year. Aside banks and the govt, the IT/Telecoms sector appears to be the largest employer of white collar labourers in Nigeria. So, the industry is quite large and some how fragmented.

The issue of salary is something no one can say for sure. There is no standard salary structure in 9ja and there is also no official publication to that effect. However, entry level staffs should expect something above 85-100k on average if employed by the major players in the industry. More experienced folks earn quite higher salaries depending on experience and bargaining power.

Also, your ''foreign'' degree has little or no effect in salary negotiations. It can only get you to the door the rest depends on you. There is massive unemployment in the country and there is no guarantee you would get a job in the IT/telecoms sector.

Where can I look to find jobs over there? websites, contacts e.t.c

There are many job sites you can visit and then register so that you can receive job alerts in your email. Also, it's advisable you visit career sections of organisations you wish to work with and apply to job openings. Apply to as many jobs as possible. Try these sites;

www.
www.ngcareers.com
www.myjobmag.com

3.  Any General advice

I will advise you get certified in an area you consider necessary. You did little to provide us with info on your current job thereby making it a bit difficult for one to make recommendations. However, i will advise you choose a career path and get certified before you return. This will not only increase your chances of getting a job but also your ability to negotiate your pay.

I am not aware of this development. however, i think you should at least tell us the reason(s) your friend gave for leaving Vetiva.

do you still have an insider at vetiva

^^^

Actually, Jarus did something on this long ago

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-280487.64.html

Oyb, i guess, works with an oyel company too

When we went for NYSC while most of us were busy running around doing the normal NYSC stuff and hoping to be employed by money bag companies thereafter, my friend who studied Agric Econs went to a village in Ibadan and leased a few acres of land, mobilised some local labourers and  planted cassava and maize on it. By the time we finished NYSC he sold everything and made close to N1m. This was a business he invested not more than 100k. He went back to PH and started transportation business with the money he realised and today he is a self made man.

The point is, he is not at any disadvantage studying Agric Econs. After all, most Med.Lab grads end up doing routine jobs in private hospitals; running lab test etc. To keep his options open and still remain relevant in the ever dynamic job market most of us here suggested he takes certification courses in any area he considers necessary; Accounting, IT etc

^^^

It applies till tomorrow. The emphasis has shifted from what you studied to the grade you graduated with, at least at entry level. There is nothing wrong with Agric Economics and i see no edge a graduate of Med.Lab has over a grad of Agric Econs. In most unis (mine included) Agric Econs is a 5 yr course, same as in Med.Lab.So, what's the point gambling with the opportunity he already have?

I have two people, one studied Agric Engineering and the other Agric Econs. Both are doing very fine now. Just as T22 pointed out, how sure are we he would be offered Med.Lab should he retake Jamb taking into consideration that about 1.2million Nigerian youth write Jamb yearly and only about 20-30 % gain admission.

If i am to suggest, just as i did before, i would advise he goes for Agric Econs. Agric Econs uses economic principles and theories in the mgt of crop production, crop yields and livestock mgt. That means that someone who studied Agric Econs can confidently stand on his own after school, especially in the face of current unemployment. In fact, my friend made a lot of money while still in school rearing pigs and fishes. He became friends and business partners to most of the big pepper soup joints in town selling fishes. So, your bros will always be safe whether in the co operate world or as an entrepreneur.

Also, Agric Econs is just applied Economics. He will still take take some Econs and Business courses in addition to other science courses. In my third yr Agric Econs, Statistics and computer sc students all took our Introductory Econometrics courses. Even though most of them didnt quite grab most of the concepts but the overall idea will be retained.

So, let your bros grab this opportunity. His future is not by any means ruined.

T22 has offered a good advise. It also depends on the interest of your bros. He might end up falling in love with the course and decide to take it up to the Ph.D level.

Another area might be to go the I.T way. He could learn programming, networking etc and get certified before concluding his programme.

Also, at entry level what you studied in most cases don't matter. Let him take the course and watch how far it goes in the next two yrs and then decide what is good for himself.

^^^
I am just seeing your response now. I think economic history is the foundation of economic principles.

Economic theory is  simply a simplified assumption of economic realities. The real life is too complex to accommodate everything, so the economist detaches the necessary ingredients of the real life and build them into mathematical representation otherwise called models. This models are designed in such a way that the bigger picture is not distorted.

The basic economic model is that of a simple economy, where only the household and the businesses interact to make basic economic decisions. The hosuehold makes the consumption decision and the business ventures make the investment decisions. In mathematical terms this is represented as;

Y = C + I

The Y represents the National Income (GDP) in this context, C is consumption by household and I is the business sector investments. This forms the basic model of the simple economy. This is the land quaking classical models. There is no govt intervention and all decision regarding consumption and investment are made by the household. This forms a kind of a circular flow, representing the interrelationship b/w household expenditures and business investments.

Remember, expenditure by any of the sectors represent income to the other. This is what we call the Income-Expenditure-Income flow. This forms a kind of linkage between the sectors. Also, not all income is spent. Part is spent why others are saved for future consumption. This also represents a form of leakage in the circular. Also, any inflow in the form of investment represents an Injection. The part of income that is used for consumption is term the disposable income.

Another thing in this simple model is that there are not taxes, no foreign trade and no govt. This is the starting point of any macro-economic model. Then this model can be expanded to include the govt and the international sector. If that is done then the model becomes a bit complex, involving various mathematical representation.

This is the foundation of macro economic models

Lets kick start the model building process from here.

In addition, most of the concepts we leanrt in Economics were derived from Physics. The Accelerator and multiplier principles of Economics etc are all from physics.

A good physics grad can always always stand his ground in any conceivable situation.

But hey, na real hardwork oh.

^^^

Most likely.

Only God guarantees a job these days, i agree completely. My classmates who are working in good organisations now never worked hard like most of us did in school.

Only God guarantees a good good.

^^^

I passed their test last yr but was not called for the interview. I can't tell what their reason was. I can now see why people spend millions to attend a redbrick uni.

tanimola22:
But the stated statement is true. I got really disheartened when I learnt of it. I was even regretting that I had not registered for and passed L1 until I got to know the ugly fact.

I don't even know whether it is worth it again sef. That is why I am asking.

Most people hate doing the old fashioned job hunt strategy--hit the street. I trekked round every corner of VI and broad street when i was looking for job. It was a strenuous experience but i thank God i did. That was when i discovered that most jobs are not advertised.

But, CFA L1 + UK master is more than enough to get a good job.

This thing is becoming serious oh

bukkytroni:
What do you mean by 'roaming the streets of Lagos'.

I assume you mean they are looking for job.

I will advise that they proceed with the next stage L2 and L3, while awaiting their time for a great job to happen.

When you become a CFA charterholder, your story changes.

I was supposed to have started my CFA stuff before now but got discouraged along the line. I decided i would go the CIS-CIIA route. However, there are mixed stories regarding this CFA thingy and i am unsure if it's worth the investment and time.

^^^
Hmmm, Nna this your statement get as e be oh. CFA L1 + UK Masters and yet no job.

Odikwa serious oh.

Thanks bro

That's a good job you are doing.

I was considering taking the CIS-CIIA route to investment banking. But i think i will have to reconsider my stance.

What's your opinion on the CIIA? Though CFA is more popular and prestigious, but the curriculum is almost the same.

^^^

Thanks for the info. I sent you email now.

^^^^

Exactly. He seems to be wandering. He is yet to identify an IT path for himself and yet blames NIIT for his predicaments.

Hmmm, NIIT.

I was there b/w 2008-2009. I did MCSE, and the training wasn't as expected. The only good thing i enjoyed was the conducive environment, coffee break and their books. NIIT books are among the best i have seen. The lecturers weren't that motivated, they appeared to me like people who struggled to get jobs in the mainstream IT field or telecoms but couldn't and then settled for NIIT. Most of them were paid b/w 30-50k

Op,

you appear to me like someone who is driven by money not passion. Finishing from NIIT won't make much difference in the IT industry. You need industry certifications, experience and robust knowledge of your field. I know you may have been told that employers would start knocking at your door upon completion of your programme at NIIT. Well, that is not the reality. You need to work hard and smart.

Get necessary certifications, build your network and hit the street.

^^^^

just pass aptitude test, interview and then hammer

This yeye abroad study sef na mixed feelings oh.

I missed an opportunity to be in chevron just because i wanted to get abroad cert. Now see what boyz are doing.

But God dey.

The interesting thing is that he said both engr and non engr earn the same thing, except offshore thingy. Wetin concern me with offshore.

BSc natural science
Msc Management pending
1 year work experience estate agent.

was looking to enter something like 'national bureau of procurement' for the service basically govt. However some have advise me that being under 30 govt wont employ,

I am not sure of the above assertion, in fact, i have never heard of it. There are countless people under 30 who are working for the govt.Very many of them. So, the above statement may not be completely true.

Although Id rather do Govt, 90% employment chance is what im after. Im sure I can do the job well anywhere,

Govt job is hard to come by because most govt employments are based on connection, ''who know who'' basis. I don't know how strong your contacts are but one thing is for sure- you need a very long leg to get a govt job these days. But in private sector you can always hustle your way through. Also, coming with a UK degree it may be easier to get a job in the private sector than the public sector because that (private sector) is where your degree and knowledge is mostly valued.

Lastly Im not so sure on Lagos o, I prefer the calmness of Abuja coming from Ldn and im very much aware that the private institutions are mostly Lag and PH.

Yes, majority of the jobs are in lagos and few others in PH. However, you might get a job that may require you to be posted to Abuja or any other place. Some people get jobs in lagos and later get posted to other states where the org have branches. So, spread your net wider.

2) Your views on some of the professional qulaification as extra 'CFA' etc ? Not sure if its worth it for me.

I don't think you need the CFA, except you want to go into finance or IB. However, i think project mgt certification or supply chain mgt will be okay for you. They are also in high demand here, especially the PMP stuff.

3) Is it only Lag,Abj, PH with solid job prospect how about KD,Kano? maybe less competion lol.

I don't know the outlook of the job market in kano but i can only say - prepare for any situation. The competition will always be stiff anywhere. There are thousands of young graduates, so many of them with UK degrees and certifications without jobs. The best you can do is to leverage on your ''foreign degree,'' networking skills, connection and then prepare for aptitude test and interviews.

I think you have a better prospect in the private sector. Government's recruitment is seasonal and it's often done on federal character principle. So, you might be left out. Also the pay and learning in the private sector is something to hustle for, especially the MNCs, banks etc.

what is your specialisation? How marketable is it in the labour market?

My recommendation/suggestion remains the private sector.