₦airaland Forum

Abeokuta, the state capital of Ogun State in southwest Nigeria, is one of Nigeria’s most industrious cities. It’s a large city which lies below the Olumo Rock and is home to several caves. There are several interesting things and places about the bustling city and Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 4 of them.

Alake’s Palace

This palace is the home of the custodian of the culture and traditions of the Egba people, the Alake of Egba Land. It’s a unique and culturally rich destination that houses many statues, busts and figures that represent the deities, gods and different culturally relevant historical figures.

Olumo Rock

This is one of the Abeokuta’s most popular attractions and one of Nigeria’s major tourist attractions. The rock was used as a fortress for the Egba people during intertribal wars in the 19th century. The stairs of the rock are actually man-made and were carved into the rock by the Egba people to enable them climb the rock. On the journey to the top of the rock, you can see sights of carvings in the rock, cowrie-studded statues and the ancient abode of the priestesses who live in huts on the rock. On your back down, the beautiful sight of the Ogun river can be admired.

Abeokuta Museum

Yes Abeokuta indeed has a museum. The museum houses artifacts that tell of the town and its people’s ancient history. Lovers of archeology will find a lot to learn from this place as the museum is indeed a repository of the culture and tradition of the town and its people. The museum also houses the handcrafts and ancient weapons used by the early settlers of the town and its environs. It also displays the culture and heritage of the people in a revealing and educative way.

Hilltop Golf Resort

This resort has a large, beautiful and technical golf course that has hosted a number of national golf tournaments. The resort is a relaxing leisure spot and a safe location with breathtaking scenery and a luscious green landscape. It’s a delightful sight. The resort has a prestigious and highly sought club, the Abeokuta Golf Club, which you would have to be a member of to enjoy the resort’s golfing facilities. The club is one of the most prestigious and highly sought clubs in Abeokuta.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/4-interesting-places-abeokuta-know/

Kano is the heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. It is a city that is replete with relics of the old civilization and it is also home to some leading Nigerian political elites. It is the second largest city in Nigeria, after Lagos. It’s a major center for commercial activities. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, showcases and highlights the sights and sounds of Kano.

PLACES TO EXPLORE

The Emir’s Palace

The Kano traditional system is very powerful, led by his eminence, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former Governor of the Central Bank. It was built by Emir Muhammadu Rumfa in the 13th century. The Palace is in the Heart of Kano.

The City Walls

This is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Kano. It is a must visit. It has a moderate height of 18 meters. It is over 700 years ago the wall was erected. Although most of the wall’s part has disappeared, you will still find remnants.

Gidan Makama Museum

The Gidan Makama Museum was formerly Emir’s Palace before it was turned into a museum. It will give you an exhilarating ride through Kano’s history from the pre-colonial era till date. There are different sections that showcase arts and crafts. It was built in the 15th century.

The Durbar Festival

With the end of Ramadan around the corner, you have the opportunity to experience the Durbar festival. This festival features beautifully adorned horses and the indigenes will also pay homage to the Emir.

Eating

There are so many restaurants to eat either local and continental dishes. Interestingly, they are very affordable. Some of them include Cilantro Restaurant and Lounge, Meals and More, Tajmahal Restaurant, Corner Restaurant, and Meena Restaurant.

Shopping

Kano Plaza, Shoprite Ado Bayero Mall, Divine Star Shop among many other stores in Kano are some of the places you can shop. If you decide to go to the market, Kurmi Market is one of the biggest markets in Kano.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/experience-ancient-civilization-kano/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Foremost financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, has launched GTPATRIOT, a unique Salary Account Package which offers Nigeria’s servicemen and servicewomen subsidized banking products and dedicated value added services. The GTPatriot Account allows serving members of the Military and Paramilitary institutions to open accounts with zero minimum balance whilst offering reduced Current Account maintenance fees and access to loans at reduced interest rates, amongst other value added services.

GTBank has been at the forefront of providing innovative account packages designed for the unique needs of various segments of the society. Among these account packages are the GTCrea8 e-Savers account which offers young people, especially undergraduates, benefits beyond banking, such as scholarships and career master classes, and the GTBank Seniors Account which offers senior citizens aged 65 years and above free banking services. With the introduction of the GTPatriot Account, the bank will expand and deepen its relationship with another core segment of the society in line with its goal of enriching the lives of all customers and the communities in which it operates.

Commenting on the launch of the GTPatriot Account, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc said, “As an institution that deeply believes in service, we are excited to introduce this premium account that recognizes, applauds and appreciates the invaluable service that members of military and paramilitary institutions offer to the nation. The GTPatriot Account Package goes beyond providing best in-class banking products to servicemen and women, it includes a wide range of value added benefits that guarantees a superior banking experience and genuinely enriches their lives.”

He further stated that “We will continue to create innovative and specially targeted products and services in order to ensure long-term value adding relationships with several segments of our customers and the communities in which we operate.”

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has always been at the forefront of industry innovations within the Nigerian financial services sector and plays a leading role in Africa’s banking industry. The GTBank brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service, quality and innovation.


source: http://www.opinions.ng/gtbank-launches-gtpatriot-subsidized-banking-package-nigerias-military-paramilitary-personnel/

cc: lalasticlala

Congratulations! In the next few months, your first piccaninny will be in your hands. You will be unable to control your joy and of course, you have thought of different things you will do for your newborn. This is why preparing for a baby takes a lot of work, planning, and energy. For your plans to come to fruition, you need money. So, whether you are a first time parent or planning to have one in the future, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares ways to financially prepare for a newborn especially if you are having a baby for the first time.

Start saving

Having a baby means that your financial responsibilities are about to double or triple. The best way to cushion the effect or impact of this is to start saving. Do not wait until you see your wife’s protruding belly before you start.

Set up a baby fund

Some banks have packages for customers who want to establish a baby fund. You only need to approach them. Tell them to deduct a certain percentage from your account at the end of the month for your baby fund. If you like, it can be a joint account.

Adjust your budget

A budget is the ultimate way to check your spending. With a new member coming into your family, you have to overhaul your budget to accommodate or reflect the changes. Check your budget again and again and remove non-essential items you do not need. Do this with your better half.

Figure out your income

When you have a baby, it doesn’t mean your income will increase. Will you work more jobs to earn more income? Even if the income is enough, how do you intend to assign the money so that it can go round? Remember that there are other responsibilities besides having your baby.

Review your spending

After you get married, you have to streamline your spending. There is no room for extravagance. Even if this is the case before you had a baby, you have to stop after having a baby. This doesn’t mean you should live below the line.

Keep your baby purchases in check

There is the tendency that you may want to spend so much on your baby whether they need whatever you are buying or not because you are excited. Do not make this mistake , buy things that are important and essential for their upkeep. Other things can come later.

Do not throw a lavish christening

We love parties in Nigeria and we love to celebrate everything. If you have to celebrate the christening of your child, it has to be in moderation. There is no need to go all out.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/7-tips-help-first-time-parents-prepare-financially-newborn/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The continent of Africa is beautiful. Have you taken a tour round its major African cities? You can definitely tell why Africa is home to lots of beautiful and amazing tourist destinations. Indeed, the future of Africa’s economy is dependent on how the potential of tourism is properly harnessed. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares 5 interesting indicators of tourism becoming the biggest contributor to Africa’s tourism.

Diversity of landscapes and cultural richness

The continent is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world, if not the most beautiful. There are too many amazing destinations to visit in Africa. Some examples of the beautiful destinations include: Tsavo National Park in Kenya; Semien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia; Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; Olumo & Zuma Rock in Nigeria; Victoria Falls Bridge in Zimbabwe; Kasubi Tombs in Uganda; Cape Coast Castle in Ghana; Krugar National Park in South Africa; Pyramids of Giza in Egypt; and Lago Rosa in Senegal. If you want to truly discover Africa, schedule a vacation to visit any of these destinations. Remember to book your flight & hotel accommodation on Jumia Travel.

Young and urban population … part of the growing middle class

The youth are the future of any nation’s economy. Surprisingly, the African youths are now part of the growing middle class. Traveling, to an extent, can be expensive. Only those with the required purchasing power can conveniently travel. According to the recently released hospitality report on Africa, the growing middle class, comprising majorly of youth, are found to travel more to these destinations in 2016. Since the future of the African economies lies with the youth, tourism is bound to thrive largely.

Growing uptake of e-commerce, enabling rise of tech startups

The rise of e-commerce companies in Africa has propelled more and more tech startups in the continent. As e-commerce continues to experience a gradual boom, additional employments will be created; more people will have the means to travel and explore these beautiful destinations.

Infrastructure improvements (roads, airports, dams)

As much as there’s a deficit of infrastructure development in Africa, there’s still hope after all. Government institutions in each country are now making frantic efforts to provide the enabling environment for tourism to thrive, such as provision of good roads; building world-class airports (and rehabilitating old ones); ensuring 24/7 power supply; and many more. These improvements will ease the stress of traveling to or within the continent.

Increasing interest for the continent (airlines, international hotel chains, event organization)

Africa is like a beautiful woman with many attractive features. The future of the world’s economy is in Africa – the 2nd largest continent in the world. Realizing this fact, organisations are rising up to invest in the continent, considering how much potential it has. More and more airlines are being introduced almost every year; international hotel chains are expanding into Africa; event organisations and many couldn’t help but come to Africa to tap into the resources of the continent.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/indicators-tourisms-africa/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

JARUSHUB CAREER TIP FOR MAY 30, 2017


“I accept it is helpful to have a mentor/coach who can guide you, show you the way and in some instances, open the doors for you. I have benefitted from certain mentors. But you must have certain skills and attributes that will interest and encourage your mentor/coach”

-Niyi Yusuf, The Road to Victoria Island (A Compendium of Essay's and Case Studies on Careers in Nigeria)




You can get details of the book here: http://www.jarushub.com/the-road-to-victoria-island/

Jarus:
ATS is in 3 stages. After passing the three stages, you move on to professional stage 92 or 3 stages, don't know what obtains now), and after that you become a chartered accountant.

I suggest you open a thread asking for details on NL career section or on HotProForum here (http://www.hotproforum.com/forum8.html?sid=44b1f0b046d1524ec54e5de75832c532).

You should be able to get more recent ATS/ICAN candidates to help with info.

Good one.

Lalasticlala, Seun have you been to Enugu before? Where are the Ogbuyi road and 9th Mile people?

It's called the coal city state because of its large coal deposits. Unfortunately, the coal deposits are yet to be explored or taken advantage of by the people or government. Clearly, it's due to our over dependency on sweet crude. Regardless, a sector the Enugu state government has made efforts to develop over the years is the tourism sector. Like coal, Enugu State is blessed with so many tourist attractions that are dotted all over the state. Hence, it's highly recommended for any tourist or fun lover. Besides if you reside in Enugu and you are looking to get out of the rut, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares some of the things you can do. Enjoy.

Watch Enugu Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium

Enugu Rangers is the darling football club of the people of Enugu. They are the current league champions and they play at the 22,000 capacity Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. So, enjoy the best of the footballing display by watching Enugu Rangers.

Get history lessons at the National Museum of Unity

A few history lessons won't be a bad idea. Right? A people without a history are lost forever. Hence, a visit to the National Museum of Unity will apprise you with relevant information about the precolonial times of Enugu, the Biafran War as well as relics of the war and much more. It's located at 65, Abakiliki Road, Ogui Junction GRA (Blueberries Park).

Explore the beauty of the Ngwo Cave and Waterfall

Want to see the untapped, virgin and natural beauty of Enugu? Then, you should visit the Ngwo Cave and Waterfall. It is located at the Ngwo Pine Forest where the waterfall cascades from rocks. Apart from the waterfall, there are several caves that are tucked away in the rock. You can access some of them by climbing!

See live Crocodiles at Ani Ozalla Lake at the behest of the chief priest

The Ani Ozalla Lake is a natural lake situated at Ozalla in Nkanu West LGA in Enugu. It is where you can see crocodiles which are regarded as a goddess. The crocodile usually appears at the command of the chief priest.

Check out the Awhum Waterfall and Cave

This is one of the popular Caves in the state. The Waterfall is about 30 meters high and it's circled by rocks where you will find ancient caves. You are also treated to wild animals jumping from one tree branch to another as well as different birds.

Shop at the Polo Park Mall

For those who love to shop and want to relax, then you can go to the Polo Park Mall. It's located in Enugu City. You can eat, drink and watch your favourite movies.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/enjoy-coal-city-state/

JARUSHUB ACADEMY

&

HOTPROFORUM

present

DEMOCRACY DAY CAREER CHAT

(An online seminar to take place via WhatsApp)

with

JARUS

Jarus is the Chief Resource Officer at JarusHub, Nigeria’s most authoritative career resources platform. Through regular career information sharing on Nairaland, JarusHub and other social media channels, he has established himself as a leading authority on career issues in Nigeria. He’s the author of the widely acclaimed career guide, The Road to Victoria Island. Trained in Nigeria and the UK, Jarus has a decade experience in Nigeria’s oil and gas and investment banking sectors.

DATE

Democracy Day, Monday, 29 May 2017

TIME

10am – 12noon

wahtsapp

TOPICS

The e-seminar will cover the following topics:

CV & Job Hunting – CV Building lesson; Conventional & Unconventional job application methods. Test formats of top companies in Nigeria.

Networking – The importance of networking and how to build network, with real life examples.

Know the Industries – Selected industries in Nigeria and how to get job in them. Among the industries to be extensively discussed are Oil & Gas, Investment Banking, Consulting, Professional services/auditing firms, banking/financial services, public sector, engineering services, etc.

Interview – Everything about interview. How to go about acing job interviews.

WHO SHOULD REGISTER

Final year students in universities/polytechnics preparing for life after school

Prospective or serving corps members

Young graduates (whether employed, underemployed or unemployed)

Any other interested person

REGISTRATION

Registration is absolutely FREE. Just send sms to 08085404500 or 08060482880 to enroll.

Registration has commenced and ends 1pm on 28 May 2017.

Participants at previous editions are not eligible for this edition so as to let the benefit circulate

***

You don’t want to miss this life-changing seminar, share this information with your friends as well. It promises to be educative, enlightening and exciting.

Make it a date!

JARUSHUB LOGO RECTANGLE

JARUSHUB

Bridging career information gap, mentoring a generation to success.



HotProForum

Connecting Professionals and Aspiring Professionals

Source: http://www.jarushub.com/2-hours-with-jarus-free-career-chat-by-jarushub-hotproforum-may-29/

Education has evolved with the evolution of mankind and has advanced through the ages to become more and more effective. Learning is a process and it requires the learner to follow a certain technique to achieve the required knowledge. The traditional learning process (in a classroom) is still commonly followed across the world. However, there is a marked change in the interests in the type of process of learning among the younger generations.

The younger generation of learners are technologically-driven and they find themselves at home with e-learning. Classroom coaching for extra skills and knowledge are being slowly replaced by online courses. To understand the growing interest for e-learning among the younger generation of students, let us look at the following reasons:

Provides the advantage of mobility in learning

E-learning offers the learners with the flexibility of learning from anywhere at any time. The young generation of learners loves to do everything at their own pace and in their own time. E-learning gives them this freedom, making it an attractive option for the generation Y. One just needs to get enrolled in the specific course and complete it, with no hurry to attend a classroom routinely.

Love of screens among the younger generation

This generation of students grew up with Facebook, video games, video chatting, selfies, etc. They are more attached to the screen and it is their natural habitat. Most of the younger generation of learners feel more at home on their screens than interacting face-to-face.

Overcomes the learning curve barrier

Learning has always been a gradual process and every person has a different learning curve. If someone understands a subject easily, it may take time for someone else to grasp the same subject. The gen Y is not that patient and if they feel a loss of interest in the subject, they will just give up.

Traditional classroom courses have a fixed pace with which everyone needs to be accustomed, making it hard for all students to maintain the same learning curve. E-learning, on the other hand, offers students with an option to learn according to their comfort level, overcoming the learning curve barrier.

Facilitates interaction with introverts or shy students

Introverts or shy students often remain in the backseat when it comes to traditional classroom learning as they do not get the attention. They negatively reciprocate by not taking interest in the learning process.

What is the main problem of introverts? It is face-to-face interaction. E-learning offers them a virtual sanctuary and freedom to speak out their mind. You will find most introverts are digital natives as they do not have to interact people directly.

Helps to achieve learning at a lower cost

The cost of education is increasing year after year and is becoming expensive. As the competition is growing, students are being forced to learn skills other than what is being taught at the colleges. After paying a lot of money for college already, e-learning is the only best option left for them as it is not that expensive.

Provides a safe learning environment

Online learning offers students with the option to learn from home, without going anywhere. Even exams can be taken online without any supervision. This helps students in conflict areas, where going out to a classroom may be unsafe for students.

Courses are more engaging

E-learning can be more than just plain chalk and paper or slideshow learning. It offers various forms of learning which are highly engaging and provide a better learning experience. There are also personalised learning options in e-learning that focus on special areas of attention.

Online learning is a perfect match with the younger generations, giving them the freedom of learning and helping them earn certifications for a better professional career. The best thing about e-learning for the gen Y is that they can learn in their own free time using the technology they are comfortable with. More and more students in the future will opt for online courses, due to these attractive characteristics as shown above.

source: http://www.jarushub.com/7-reasons-why-e-learning-is-a-champion-among-the-younger-generations/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

JARUSHUB CAREER TIP FOR MAY 17, 2017

The closer you work with the key decision maker in the organization, the brighter your chance of rapid career rise. JH



-Suraj Oyewale, The Road to Victoria Island (A Compendium of Essay's and Case Studies on Careers in Nigeria)




You can get details of the book here http://www.jarushub.com/the-road-to-victoria-island/

Make the most of what you have in Nigeria. Do Dangote, Otedola or Innoson beg for Visa before they travel?

cc: lalasticlala

Nobody (or nothing) is perfect. This has become an over-flogged mantra. Notwithstanding, there are still some people who feel that everything they do must be 100%. A mistake that they make is that they think being a perfectionist is a good thing. This is not really so. And if this is not the case, they become sad, depressed, and forlorn. Consequently, these very talented people are always having problems not only with themselves but with people around them. Hence, it would be nice to know how to identify a perfectionist. These tips shared by Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency will be of great help.

They are always trying to please everyone

Certainly, we cannot please everybody. But a perfectionist does not understand this. They will try to please others at their own discomfort and detriment. This is why others can easily take advantage of them.

They attain their goals by any means

Attaining their goals is what they care about. They do not even mind if they break the rules or go overboard to reach their goals. For them it is more about the end justifies the means and not the other way round. And they are bad losers.

They can never be satisfied

Even if you give your best, you can never satisfy someone who wants things perfectly done. They question everything even the things that are irrelevant. They are very exhaustive and nothing escapes them. Hence, never try to cut corners, a perfectionist will notice it and point it out.

They don’t accommodate mistakes

We are bound to make mistakes. But for a perfectionist, it is a sign of failure. As a result, they become gloomy and downcast. If you work with them, they use their standard to measure you and they want you to meet that standard. If you do not, to them you are a disappointment. For example, if you forgot to accept the booking of the hotel from Jumia Travel, they will take it personally. You will think they have you in mind before.

They have all or nothing thinking

For them, it is either they get everything or nothing. They are not ready to compromise on their very high moral standards. This is why perfectionists are not good negotiators. The only way you can make them happy is to give them everything they want.

They over stress themselves over a simple task

There is always a paper basket beside them. In the basket, you will find several rumpled papers. These papers are sheets they use in writing just one simple report. However, because of one simple mistake, they discard it and start all over again.

They are legendary procrastinators

Since they bid to make everyone happy, they accept responsibilities they know they cannot perform. But because they want to please that person, they accept the duty and they procrastinate until they do not it. In other situations, they postpone a task because they are not ready to go through the perfection bouts they are addicted to.

They find it difficult to celebrate success

You should celebrate success when you achieve it. However, a perfectionist will never because they will be focused on what they could have done better. So, they do not see any reason to be joyous. Do never expect a perfectionist to celebrate success. However, this does not mean they are not happy with what they have achieved.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/eight-signs-dealing-perfectionist/

A leading career guidance and mentoring organization in Nigeria with online interests is set to launch a web platform that is about to change the way professionals meet, engage and network in Nigeria and beyond.

To ensure the smooth running of the portal, it now seeks to recruit volunteer moderators to manage its communities for:

1. Lawyers
2. Doctors
3. Teachers
4. Accountants
5. Engineers
6. Bankers
7. Entrepreneurs
8. Marketers
9. Pharmacists
10. Programmers
11. Microbiologists
12. Food Technologists
13. Customer Service
14. HR Professionals
15. Stock Brokers
16. Insurance Professionals
17. Agriculture
18. Investment Analysts
19.Transporters
20. Purchasing & Supply Management
21. Writers
22. Freelancers
23. Bloggers
24. Sports Professionals
25. Interior Designers
26. Furniture & Upholstery Workers
27. Fashion Designers
28. Auto Technicians
29. Entertainers
30. Politicians
31. Interns
32. Travel Agents
33. Real Estate Agents
34. Event Planners
35. Managers
36. Printers

Duties
-Actively promote the portal in general and the community they moderate in particular.
-Ensure their community runs smoothly and members abide by rules and regulations.
-Promote the portal on social media platforms.
-Advise management on new trends and opportunities.

Benefits
1. Opportunity to learn how online business works.
2. A chance to network with other professionals in your industry and build valuable relationships.
3. Work experience especially for young graduates.

Even if you did not find your profession listed and you have passion for building a community of fellow professionals in your industry, apply.

Interested?
Send your CV via email to info@jarushub.com with a short explanation on why you should be considered for the position and stating the community you want to moderate as the title of the email. For example, 'Application for the position of Moderator of Doctor's Community'.
Previous experience working online is an added advantage.

chuose2:
Anything worthwhile in Nigeria comes from the South.

The South needs to wake up and know that the North is simply free loading.

When Lagos asked for 1% of budget as former capital,
It was rejected by the North.

When Niger Delta was given a promise that oil companies will relocate to the Niget delta, again the North Rejected it.

Yet the North get most of the top positions in govt.

We in the South need to ask ourselves a question, what good does the North give us?

We spend our money educating our children, and the North takes them for cheap under the guise of NYSC.

They bring the least and take the most.

Although Yoruba, he is actually from the North (Kwara).

TheStronghold:
Ambode needs to go ahead and be president once he serves how two terms in Lagos. All of Nigeria needs this type of development.

Presidency goes about construction projects. He is not Works Minister.

The state governor hardly has to worry about economy, inflation even unemployment. Presidency is far more complex.

In most bike accidents I have seen or heard of, it is the passenger that got injured more or die.

Immediately I saw it, I knew it wasn't just possible.

3m per night in Nigeria? Not yet pls.

Even Burj Khalifa in Dubai wont be too far from 3m it it reaches it.

lalasticlala, let's motivate our young ones with this.

Michael,33, holds a first class Chemical Engineering degree from OAU (2006) and PhD from University of Arkansas (2012). He is also a columnist with JarusHub Career website. We think many people will find motivation in this speech.

DREAM

By Michael Taiwo, PhD

This is the transcript of the speech I delivered at the 2017 Chemical Engineering Spring Banquet in Fayetteville, AR on May 4, 2017. The audience of about 150 people comprised of Professors, graduating Chemical Engineering students (Bachelors, Masters and PhD) and their friends and families.


I flew in last night and it brought back memories of the first time I flew into XNA. I was expecting 8-lane highways, high-rise buildings, high-speed trains…just like in the American movies I saw back in Nigeria. Instead, I came out of this airport, and all I saw were… cows. I felt like I bought the wrong ticket.

I remember seeing so many trees without leaves. The driver told me that’s why it’s called the Dead of Winter. “Don’t worry, it will get better.” Of course, it got worse. We had an ice storm!

I lived in Lagos, a city of 20 million. I’m used to seeing people everywhere. I remember my first day of class, I stepped out of my apartment and saw nobody. I didn’t think anything of it. I got on the street and still nobody! How can there be so much space with not even a single soul in sight?

But my most vivid memory was standing in front of Old Main and thinking to myself “I made it! I made it!!” Why was I so giddy? It’s because I almost did not make it. I almost allowed fear to kill my dream of coming to the United States, of getting a PhD, of pushing myself to the limit.

You see, I finished my Bachelors in Chemical Engineering with First-Class Honors, I won some competitive awards along the way and had an impressive resume. With my profile, I could get any job I wanted in Nigeria, move into a nice neighborhood and just enjoy life. Not bad for a boy that was raised on less than 50 cents a day. The problem was that I wanted more. I wanted to experience places I only read about in books. I wanted the highest academic degree I could get. I wanted to study here, and broaden my knowledge, challenge my perspectives, engage with the world…I wanted more.

The only thing that stood in my way was fear, the fear of everybody around me. Those closest to me didn’t understand why I would want to leave a guaranteed good life for an uncertain future. Arkansas?! Where is that? Do you know anyone there? Nope. Have you ever been there? Nope. Why not consider a bigger, more diverse city? I kinda like the program they got going at Fayetteville. These are just a sample of the questions I had to field from those genuinely concerned for me.

This back and forth was still going on, when, on the morning of April 16, 2007, a senior at Virginia Tech opened fire, killing 32 people and wounding 17 others. It was the deadliest shooting ever on an American campus. I remember the details of the massacre because almost everyone forwarded me the news. I now had a clear choice to make: allow the actions of a deranged young man to derail my dreams or move forward in spite of the fear? I am here tonight because I chose my dream over fear.

Attending this school ranks as one of my best decisions. I made friends here [that] I’ll keep for life. Some of them are in this room. This is where I fulfilled a long-cherished dream of becoming a Doctor of Engineering. And, let’s face it, what’s better than being a Razorback!

Look, your dreams will always exist side by side with your fears. Both of them are a product of your rich imagination. And you have the power to make one or the other a reality. To have life, to have liberty, to have happiness, you need to feed your dreams and starve your fears. What will prevent you from living the life you want is not lack of money, or lack of time or lack of talent. What will prevent you from living the life you want is a lack of belief in your dreams. You have to believe your dreams to make them real.

People ask me how I survived poverty. How can a poor boy with no money and no connections in an impoverished society make it? The answer is surprisingly simple. I dream. I DREAM. The life I lead today is the product of my dream yesterday. I am dreaming right now of the life I want to lead tomorrow and I will not let fear dictate what I can or cannot become.

The most pernicious fears are not those of others but those that come from within, those that nag at you at every turn, seeking to paralyze you into inaction. As I was completing my program here, I was suddenly faced with the realization that I had spent my entire life in school, from Pre-K to PhD. [But seriously] I had been told about how real life is different from school; and how the school system does a horrible job of preparing students for success. Somehow, I took these well-meaning but misguided opinions as self-evident truths. On one hand, I was happy to be finishing my PhD; on the other, I was afraid, afraid that, perhaps, my best years were behind me.

But I have always dreamt of going into the oil and gas industry. Nigeria has plenty of oil and gas so it was a childhood dream. Here again, my dreams came face to face with my fears. I could go into the industry and fall flat on my face or I could stay in the familiar academic world. I have many brilliant friends who finished a PhD, went on to do a post-doc and took up a position with a university. It’s a great career. It’s just not my dream. If I followed their footsteps, it would be out of fear. And you can never have a great career based on fear.

It turns out my fears were unfounded. Work is very much like school. At school, you do your homework and receive a grade. Same thing in the office. In school, you take many classes at once; at work, you will have several projects simultaneously. More important, when you pass an exam, you are promoted, then given a more difficult exam. It will be the same at work. It’s actually better at work because each promotion comes with…privileges. I might have stayed in school forever if I get a big bonus for passing exams! So do not cast away your confidence which has a great recompense of reward. Don’t let anyone scare you that you are now entering the real world as if the last four years weren’t real. Real world is surviving homework after homework while still having time for friends, family and Bikes Blues and Barbeque.

I have a career, today, that only existed in my imagination just a few years ago because I fed my dreams and starved my fears. Is it possible that I could have gone into Corporate America and failed? Absolutely. But I have made a lifelong commitment to acknowledge my fear without catering to it. I have made it second nature to nurture my dreams because that is the only way to turn them into reality.

Friends, you are moving into the next chapter of your life. And I would be surprised if on some level, you are not afraid. The unknown can be scary. Fear during a transition is natural, even expected. But don’t let fear factor into your decisions. Move as if you cannot fail. The odds may be stacked against you but you can beat the odds. People beat the odds every day, why not you? Let your dreams be the driver, taking you to places you have only been in your head. People ask me if I consider myself fortunate. Yes. I have been fortunate to be bold. Fortune favors the bold.

When you have kids, you watch kid movies. Last week, we saw one from Disney called Zootopia. I can’t tell you what the story was about but a few lines from the sound track stuck with me. At various points during the movie I heard the words “Try Everything; I’ll keep on making those new mistakes; I’ll keep on making them every day.” Disney just distilled my entire message about dreaming more and fearing less into three sentences. So to the class of 2017, I say: Try Everything; Make New Mistakes; Make Them Every Day. Thank you.

http://www.jarushub.com/you-can-never-have-a-great-career-out-of-fear/?doing_wp_cron=1494078139.6690709590911865234375

Next batch of PwC Mock AC by JarusHub holds this Sunday, 07 May 2017 @ our office (4-6pm).

Come and join us as we hold mock Group Discussion and Interviews for candidates modeled after PwC, the best form of preparation you can get.

Details here: https://www.nairaland.com/3583841/pwc-nigeria-graduate-recruitment-2017/64#55447866

JARUSHUB
Nigeria's #1 Career Resources Center

JARUSHUB CAREER TIP FOR MAY 05, 2017


"They are wrong. You do not need to know anyone to get a job in Accenture and many other companies that I know. You need to be good, and to know your stuff. You stand a better chance of getting a job if you have unique skills that companies will covet.”

-Niyi Yusuf,The Road to Victoria Island (A Compendium of Essay's and Case Studies on Careers in Nigeria)


You can get details of the book here http://www.jarushub.com/the-road-to-victoria-island/

JARUSHUB CAREER TIP FOR MAY 04, 2017

"The closer you work with the key decision maker in the organization, the brighter your chance of rapid career rise."

-Suraj Oyewale, The Road to Victoria Island (A Compendium of Essay's and Case Studies on Careers in Nigeria)




You can get details of the book here http://www.jarushub.com/the-road-to-victoria-island/

Risks are a part of life you can’t avoid, especially if you want to be successful. As a result, you have to learn the secrets of taking risks that will help you yield the best results. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 9 of these secrets to help you learn to take risks the right way.

Weigh the Risks and Benefits

Before taking risks, you have to ask yourself if the risk is worthwhile. You should consider and understand how much a risk taking ventures involves and its potential benefits. Always compare the possible consequences to the possible benefits of the risk to determine if the risk is worthwhile to you.

Be Realistic About What Could Go Wrong

You should remember that it is possible for your risk not to pay off and you should thus put the consequences in perspective. You should be sure you can deal with these consequences before moving forward with the risk.

Never Put Everything on the Line

This might seem counter-productive, but taking risks does not translate into recklessness. You have to be smart about it. Avoid over stretching yourself in the name of taking risks, and avoid putting all your time or cash into one venture, the odds of ruin are just too high. Always have a ‘safety net’ and a plan B for if the risk fails.

Always Have a Plan B and Even C

This can sincerely not be over-emphasized. You should always prepare for and think of a way out of or a way to deal with any negative consequence of your risks. Please do not take risks that end up leaving you trapped in unhealthy or inhumane situations. Always plan a way out or a way to deal with the consequences before-hand. It doesn’t have to be something so elaborate; it can be as simple as thinking of and having someone to go to if things go south.

Think For Yourself

You are the one taking the risk, it is therefore only appropriate that you learn to think for yourself and use your common sense to reach a conclusion before moving forward. You can listen to others advice and opinions or contributions, but ultimately the decision to take the risk should be yours and should be based on your judgement and assessment of all circumstances involved. If you feel you can’t trust your own judgement, seek the face of someone whose judgement you trust.

Take One Risk at Time

This goes without saying. You can go ‘big’ but don’t go ‘overboard’; this should be your rule for taking risks. Taking more than one risk at time is like being a woman who decides to wear bold makeup with bold jewelry, sky-high heels and a sequined shinny dress all at once. You’re going overboard and like the woman, you’re more likely to fail in risk taking.

Know Your Limits

Before taking risks, you should adhere to some personal guidelines. You should understand how much you are willing to tolerate and what will cause you to stop or back out completely from the venture. Adhering to safety standards that are comfortable for you, is what will keep you ‘alive’ during the ‘dangerous’ and ‘uncertain’ periods of your risk taking venture.

Remember that Risk Taking is Relative

Everyone has different tolerance to risk taking; you should therefore never compare your risk taking tolerance to that of another person. You can push yourself beyond your comfort zone, but never do so beyond what you can handle if things go wrong.

Be Positive

Once you’ve judged a risk as worthwhile, have planned a reasonable way to go about the risk taking venture and have prepared the appropriate safety net, try to be positive and picture everything going well. Positive thinking will help you build the confidence you need to go through the risk.

source: http://www.jarushub.com/dont-take-risks-without-knowing-these/

This looks Dino-esque. I suspect it was by Dino.

mexxmoney:
Anthony Joshua is British. He has Nigerian ancestry but he is definitely British. Maybe you should start by asking the Queen why she is yet to congratulate him

Exactly.

ginstinct:
Oga Jarus, u constantly motivate me... I celebrate you sir.

Where can I get your book in Abuja?

call 08130836708 in order to get the book in the abuja.

Confidence Macaulay

Every job posting seems to end the same way. “Experience necessary” “Experience preferred.” Some of them even say, “5+ years’ experience.” To even make matters worse, some may go as far as saying 25 years of experience in the field, Now that, is what most of our fathers don’t even have.

Even when job market is flourishing, it can still be hard to find a job. But finding ways to land a job with no experience, well, that’s a whole other story.

Like I will always say, “Experience is not what you learn; it is what you create by virtue of venturing into something. It really doesn’t matter whether you fail or win; just get something done and your bag of experience gets stacked up”

Many recent graduates are facing the same conundrum: How do you get experience if you have never had a job? How do you get a job with no experience?

It seems nearly impossible to find a job when you’re just starting out in a career, It can be frustrating and scary for sure. But don’t worry, there are ways around this troubling oxymoron – you just have to get creative.

Know your worth – Stack up your Self Confidence

Remember the song “If you have faith, you can move mountains”? Yeah, that’s it. If you don’t believe in yourself or have confidence (not with arrogance though), then your possible future boss might not believe in you either.

You might not have years of work experience, but what else in your background can demonstrate your worth to an employer?

Believe you can do it, act with confidence, and answer every question with boldness. If at some point you start losing confidence, you can always remember and use the 10 self confidence boosters to help put you back on track.

Focus on Your Most Valuable Skills + Talents And Shift The Interviewers Attention Away From Your Lack of Experience.

According to founder and CEO of Pocket Mentor Caren Merrick, “Don’t let your resume hinder you from getting jobs. Sit down, Figure out what your most valuable skills and talents are and bring them to the table. “Everyone has valuable skills and talents, but we often underestimate them or forget what they are. If you can’t articulate them, no one else will,”

In an interview, one thing you should not do is to focus on the things that you don’t have.

While I don’t encourage lying about your strengths and experiences, you do want to share what you can bring to the table and how you can make a difference in the organization, company or industry.

Make it a reminder in your heart that you are already bringing something unique — and that’s you.

“Most of your strengths are ‘transferable skills’ and you want to shift the attention away from your perceived lack of experience in one area, to these valuable skills that you offer,”

RE- DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS, IDENTIFY YOUR SKILL.

There are two ways to work around this dilemma. The first is to focus on things you have done and show how they translate into work experience. The second is to do more things to create more work experience.

Focus On the Things you have already Done.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last several years, you must have in one way or the other done things that can be called experience. Any clubs, organizations, or activities you have participated in can be considered experience.

Try to highlight any of the accomplishments these types of groups have had, even if you did them as a team. Fundraising, recruiting new members, presenting ideas to other people, all can be considered work experience.

Even babysitting family members, helping neighbors, or volunteering in groups can be considered experience. You simply need to tailor these experiences to meet the needs of the job posting you are applying for.

Do More Things to create Work Experience.

There are ways to discover your strengths even if you don’t currently have a job or enough experience. The first is to be a self-starter and create small side gigs or hobbies to see what your possible dream job could be.

This is a great way to discover what your strengths are and where you may be lacking. “Take a bit of time to discover or re-discover your strengths so you can articulate the value you bring to a new employer.

Experience doesn’t have to just come from traditional jobs; market any skills you’ve developed in other areas of your life.



Network; Ask employers for informational interviews.

Many working professionals are willing to share their experiences and help young people get started in the field. They can give you direction on how to gain the necessary experience. Be sure to attend any job fairs and take advantage of career centers that your county maintains.

Join professional organizations and network with as many people in your area of interest as possible. You never know who you might impress or who may provide that first job opportunity.

Consider joining the Peace Corp, looking at internships, or study abroad opportunities.

These can be life changing experiences that open the doors for many job opportunities. While you are building a resume, you will also be making a contribution to the world and learning about yourself and your abilities in ways that you could never do from the comfort of your home.

Although these are usually considered volunteer positions, you may be given room and board and a monthly expense allowance. You will gain experience and skills in ways that are not possible at home and make connections with people that can last a lifetime.

Maximize and Show Off your Soft Skills

Often ask yourself when faced with an interview “What will make me stand out from the rest” “Am I even as qualified as these other people here?” “What is it that will even make me get this job, I don’t have any connection or anything” and other self challenging and killing questions?

Always remember to showcase qualities like friendliness, professionalism, responsiveness, and follow-through. Strong soft skills can go a long way, because they can’t really be taught.

Keep Learning and Continue to Invest in Yourself.

I remember back in the days when I was learning internet fraud AkA yahoo yahoo that I never used to put food at the top of my table. Even if i didn’t get to use it, I am still not a novice in that area and can at the same time protect myself and those around me from some scam/fraud schemes.

It may be that you need more education to qualify for what you really want to do. For example, if you discover an interest in the WEB field, then it may be time to apply to a computer, web/ graphic design school.

But even outside of formal education, find ways to keep current and expand your base of knowledge–take noncredit or audit classes, enroll in professional development or special training courses, such as the “Road to Victoria Island by Jarus” or just do a lot of reading in your fields of interest.

“No knowledge is a waste”

And lastly,

Write a Great and Somehow Customized Cover Letter

Writing a one-of-a-kind cover letter can really make you stand out from the rest. The Ideology is to Discuss what you can bring to the table and how passionate you are about the job, as well as why you love the company.

Bear in mind that whatever you do, it’s not good to just use a generic cover letter that you always use to apply to all your jobs. It usually won’t get you anywhere because it will sound robotic and not genuine. –Source, US Money—



Gaining experience and building a resume is certainly a challenge for most people just starting out in the work force. With some creativity and perseverance, it can be done.

source: http://www.jarushub.com/how-to-get-a-job-when-you-have-no-experience-overcome-the-no-experience-dilemma-easily/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

I can relate with #5 very well. #9 is the funniest.

Next batch of PwC Mock AC by JarusHub holds this Sunday, 30 April 2017 @ our office (4-6pm).

Details here: https://www.nairaland.com/3583841/pwc-nigeria-graduate-recruitment-2017/64#55447866

JARUSHUB
Nigeria's #1 Career Resources Center