₦airaland Forum

naijaking1:
I was in your position a few years ago.
My advice: take your Total job, save your money, gain your experience, and plan to use your experience for further studies in the future.
Work experience is a whole lot of education by itself if you remain focused.

Yes, work experience is a whole lot of education, which you won't learn in school. The argument is moreso valid with work experience in a company with a global perspective. It would be extremely useful when you eventually migrate abroad.

I've always had this battle within myself as well. Fresh from NYSC, I wanted to study in UK (my father willing to play a big role), and was denied visa. Two weeks later I got a job in an international organization. Looking back, I couldn't be more grateful to the visa officer.
Two years into my job; yes people have said it here you're more likely to be participating in that sponsorship and not just your dad. But it never stops a father from helping. He would even be happier to see himself as an assist not a full-sponsor.

But being in my working environment has made me acheive/learn a few things: (i) a clearer purpose when i do indeed embark on my masters eg; programs to apply for.  I can say exactly what the further degree could do, where, and how to market myself home or abroad (ii) working with a company with a global presence prepares you for the challenges of working abroad  (iii) from experience of colleagues who left for masters after 2-year work experience, it was impressive to most employers abroad the reputation of where they had worked coupled with the masters  (iv) you won't be bankrupt as a student, and won't settle for less afterwards.

Personally, if I were in a company willing to offer a lot of international trainings/courses and a very very good earning, the emphasis of masters would be diluted until after about 6-9 years work experience, during which time I could start a family, and subsequently 'comfortably' do an MBA or so because by then career targets would be managerial. All these improved thoughts came to me all because I was denied a study visa once upon a time.

Nevertheless, in the absence of the above, I could tolerate the Masters degree fresh out of school.

Just think over these points.

I'm always taken aback when people come to open forums and ask "how much", "where", and "importance" of some of these certifications. All these FAQs are easily obtained on officially websites.
PMI = www.pmi.org
PRINCE2 = www.prince2.org.uk

Everything you need to know about the certifications are there: history, curriculum, cost, path etc.

What people should inquire here are issues such as: acceptability, career prospects, earnings, and which to start with (PMI versus PRINCE2, a global hot topic!!!!!)

Also, having partaken in project management environments should be a huge bonus. I am not certified, but I can relate to and surely feel very comfortable scrutinising the details of these certification

I've gathered all info about these two certification competing standards online with so many available "google" sources. If I had to patronise any so-called training institutes, I'd be able to weigh official online costs, ability for self-study, against what these institutes claim to offer; then make my decision how to go about getting certified. I think this is sensible and logically.

I also sometimes see the church as a social convergence centre.

Let me drop my own analysis:

First, the poster did not indicate details of the engineering job (scope of the company, profile, job description) nor his academic discipline; so that we can determine how useful it'll be for your future prospects

Secondly, others have mentioned the important issue of 'passion'. It can drive you confidently anywhere. If the engr doesn't conform with your passion or if it isn't offerring promising prospects (as earlier mentioned) , you can look to the bank, as it may still offer its own kind of useful experience.

Thirdly the "stepping stone" concept. I've seen two intelligent versions in this thread----make your pick. Either you take the engineering job (if it promises prospects!!!!!!!!!) and use the valuable experience/skill to progress to better future jobs and pay packages; OR take the marketing job strictly for monetary gains and perhaps support yourself to higher degrees in engineering from quality graduate schools overseas.

When looking at the last option, bear in that a lot of schools overseas appreciate the work experience, which would put you in a better position for scholarships & grants as well as keep you focused in your choice of school/degree program.

Believe me, I was faced with this dilemma about six months ago. I decided to take the engineering job (telecoms; but lower paying than a bank offer) because the prospects are overwhelming, either for a better job change or to seek grants for Master's degree overseas. The experience/skill being acquired is impressive even to myself. So far, no regrets. Let's watch and see how the gamble plays out.

I never like to discourage anyone from grabbing these 'juicy' bank offers. They are really tempting. Besides, some people may find themselves in conditions (or families) where monetary needs may supercede any other considerations, and hugely influence that choices. It can also be a thing of the mind. I believe I'm not in that kind of position.

Weigh your options

HI,

If you want to know all you need about Huawei look at <a href="www.huawei.com">Huawei.com</a> But generally, it's principally a telecommunication-equipment vendor for Private Telephone Operators. It researches and develops telecom solutions for GSM,CDMA,satellite, IP-related data communications. Also, they do extensive consultancy and training for staff of their clients.

In Nigeria, their physical addresses are in Lagos (SAPETRO Towers, VI) and Abuja (Auckland Centre, Maitama).

You can read up more in the link provided.

About your job test/interview, what position did you apply for?
There's is usually a basic quantitative & verbal skill test ; then if it's a technical position you'll be subjected to an extensive telecom test (fill-in -the-gaps/ drawing of telecom architectures).

I like the notion here of "what do you really want from life"

This topic is easier to analyse when you've had some experience living both in Nigeria and UK or US.

I had a few years experience living in the UK as a kid. After many years in Nigeria now, I can conclude that life in the places like the UK entail that you be a law-abiding person to enjoy it. Also the society works and is functional!! You can tap into useful educational resources and pursue a meaningful career in an orderly and reassuring manner as you won't find in Nigeria. Also, the longer you stay abroad, the more likelihood you'll live there for a greater part of your life. There is really no motivation to come home permanantly. Besides the way the UK system is structured; with an honest living you simply can't wake up some day and say, "I have made enough money; I ready to return home"

But if you have a terrific cash flow in Nigeria, it's still a country where you can live life to the fullest and ensure same for your family; and still visit the US/UK if you really must; and do so honourably.

I'd really love to know this myself. I only hear Globacom have a very good package!!!! No specifics; those who kno should tell us.

How are immigration issues after expiration of study leave in Canada with regards to pursuing a career there?

I ggot invited for this GTB test; can someone give me the best route to GTB Ilupeju from Orile-Iganmu (Coker bus stop). I am quite new in lagos.

OK, I'm not alone. I got the SMS too without any email as indicated. However from what I've seen in previous posts concerning GTB's recruitment, the following would be likely: original/copies of cedentials, birth cert, passport-sized photo, valid ID and of course writing materials.

With regards the nature of the test; see the attached file, which describes individual test formats employed by each of the banks

During my undergrad days, a certain day experienced severe cult violence and killings in broad day-light. A curfew was immediately declared for that night & subsequent school closure. Yet, that night amidst curfew and an air of insecurity I walked a distance to see my 'girl'; overstayed with her in the female hostel beyond hours when gate was locked. After huge embarassment by porter, I was let out and walked back home trembling all the way. I bumped into a suspicious group of guys, whom I'm certain were not unconnected to the afternoon scares. They intimidated me, but I got home safely. I risked my life on the day, and I have lost contact with the 'girl'. But lookin' back, it was good feel of adrenalin rush !!!!

Obviously, I know majority of foreigners see Nigerians as 'bad' people, whatever that means.

But I also know that deep down they reserve some respect for us.

No facts/figures; just a hunch !!

I can authoritatively say that as at completion of my SSCE, I could write & speak English excellently, and think constructively, so much so that I could have started thinking of making money if I had such ideas brought to my awareness.

However, I must admit that what my university education did is to give me expertise knowledge (theoretically!!) in my chosen field, not only through the classroom but also interaction with a wider society.

Hence i would suggest that one gets a university education (if means are available) . Then the awareness of the apparent failure of our university system will help you allocate your priorities and maximize your time.

I was also refused on this grounds of lack of certain evidences from sponsor. Hence, what documents (besides bank statements) are the best for proving:

1) Regular income of sponsor and/or source(s) of income
2) Sponsor's financial outlay/family financial commitments

Those were the grounds given for my refusal. I would appreciate good suggestions useful for a future re-application.

@Mizztee

So what did you do? Deferred your admission to Sheffield? Still plan to be theresome other time? Let's talk

You're the first prospective student I eventually met going to Sheffield after searching here so long.

@ damola_007; I had a similar refusal note like yours; and nearby school as well : University of Sheffield.

As evidence of his funds you have submitted a bank statement. No evidence has been provided of regular income and outgoing or financial commitments of your sponsor. Nor have you provided detals of your sponsor's commitments in terms of family and other financial outlay. Without any evidence as to source of these funds, I am not satisfied this evidence represent a genuine reflection of your sponsor's actual financial circumstances. As a result I cannot be satisfied that these funds will be available to you for the purpose of study.

I just wonder the best way to show "sponsor's outgoing or financial commitment"

I even submitted evidences of sources of revenue from landed properties (in form of tenancy agreements of occupants) of sponsor to supplement. They made no comment on it . Don't know if that meant satisfaction or ignored.

With an extension letter I wonder if I could reapply??

Sorry for the deviation on the success stories; I just felt I'd get relevant attention here.

If you have money for fees, by all means do pay. Monies are usually refundable if you are denied visa; but confirm with your prospective school's policies.

Diploma or degree? I don't know how that affects issuance of visa

furlee:
Your computer is not infected with virus, probably someone pressed a key on the keyboard or mouse that activated Rotation property of the graphics setting.

To correct it follo this procedure

1. by the side of the screen locate an icon that specifies Intel Extreme Graphics
2. Click Graphic Options
3. Click Graphic properties
4. Click Rotation Tab
5. Select Normal

Your screen should be bcak to normal.


But note the mouse will behave funny and clicking this options might be difficult until you are able to manouvre it back to normal settings.

Good luck!

This is the precise and exact solution. Happened to me when I was new to my system. Although a few details about your system's manufacture would have helped for better diagnosis

tope_teadr:
Your system is infected and try formatting and realoading.

People!!! please check well before you advise someone to format a system

Just wondering?

How does racism issues in London (with high black population) compare with other large UK cities , where I presume will have fewer black settlers

@DEEBOY,

I suppose you must have gotten your decision from the BHC now. Would be interesting to know the result, so we can see how accurate on this analysis on your application really were!!

15 working days?? That's practically three weeks.

What happens to people who apply two weeks before their course start date??

anusule:
u prefer nottingham to london?

Does it have to be all about London?

What about schools in manchester, leeds, Cambridge, Bristol, Louborough, Liverpool, etc

Well, besides the money if you can comfortably afford it, you really have nothing to lose in applying .

Anyone in sheffield.
I'm tired of asking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

www.studyinsweden.se Everything you'll ever need to know about Swedish education is there

<obsolete>

British airways offers shuttle: ABUJA- LONDON - MANCHESTER (Sept 22/23 charges one-way) around 167k naira, according to a travel agent I checked

These are the kinds of scenerio that makes student visas harder to secure for those in Nigeria. Of course you should expect UK immigrations rule to get stiffer when people do these things.
In fact from what i read in the University of Sheffield's handbook for Int'l students, the University is expected to report back to appropriate authorities the registration af all new int'l students. I don't really know how that affects your situation.

It's real. It was made available on the website from September 12th.

I am really interested in this issue. Surprised I haven't gotten any feedback myself.
Anyone with information should please say somethinh!!!!

@ Somebody, I also implore what seems a reasonable opinion from you.