₦airaland Forum

Ondo State, Ifedore L.G.A. Batch B 2009. Spent half the time in Lagos and Benin doing runs. Was glad I was posted there as I could travel anytime I wanted to. Nice people, dry town, stingy government!

You have a degree in geology, three years working experience in construction in the oil and gas industry? Guy, go for a pre masters or pgd. You can also do the PMP or CAPM certifications along side. Project Management is essential in most organizations and your certification can give you a big boost. I also advice you take Safety courses at NISP as this is an advantage in the oil and gas sector. You did not state what you intend to study at the postgraduate level. Anyway, all the best.

Hey bro! Has the Shell training started? If not, when are they scheduled to start? Anticipating your response.

seadog406:
Hey Guys, Celebration Mode,
I just got my Visa today at the Lagos Embassy, Tanx to you guys, especially Nethacker,Khunleah,Young M.and the Rest,

Am goin to update you guys soon,have got mad headache afta goin thru diff exercise at the embassy,
Guys gist is comin on the way,
Yipeee
Brb

CONGRATULOBIA!!!

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, Congrats Vandops!!! Been waiting for your victory report. It takes persistence and determination to go for your dreams. So where the party at? We're waiting to be updated about the interview.

@ eros, this case cannot go unnoticed as it has already attracted a lot of attention locally and internationally. Trust GJ with this. Anything to save our already smeared reputation.

sesman:
shouldn't this also be a criminal matter or are Obas above the law , he should also be charged with Physical Assault in a law court

"Nasarawa added that Adesina would be charged to court based on the criminal aspect of his alleged attack on his wife."

Happy?

Very interesting topic. I agree with you (the poster) that something has to be done about the age requirements most employers place on prospective employees though it happens everywhere in the world and not just in Nigeria. The best they can do is increase the maximum age limit for graduates to 29/30, considering the loopholes in our educational system, and let that commensurate with higher positions.


@ Seun, hmmm. Let me tell you something you all fail to remember. There are different levels on entrepreneurship. A supermarket owner is an entrepreneur. The groundnut seller is an entrepreneur. The likes of Dangote and Otudeko are entrepreneurs. Bill Gates is an entrepreneur. And so is my lovely Seun. But are they all at the same level in terms of knowledge and expertise at their profession? The answer is NO! Take a look at young Billy. Almost had perfect scores in his SAT, got into Harvard, spent a lot of time at the Computer Centre in the University, dropped out in his second year because he felt being in school (not education, as this is a continuous process) was slowing down the pace of things. My people, if you want to become a don in your area of expertise, you must first be a loyal servant. Except your idea of entrepreneurship is to start a supermarket, sell groundnut or ice-cream (no pun intended), you need to know the nitty-gritty of your field. For some, it may take a few years, while for others; it can take 10-20 years of being an employee.


Back to the topic. For those that want to become gurus in their profession (on the entrepreneurial side), you had better not jump the gun. If not, you’ll end up like a prisoner subjected to death by firing squad. Get a job relevant to your area of expertise. Spend time (maybe years) learning all that concerns it while you save consciously. When you feel you’ve amassed enough knowledge, you can then test the waters. By then, finances will not be a limitation as you should have saved up enough to take off on your business.


BTW, it amazes me that most nairalanders are arrogant and proud fellows. Don’t take it personal, but me thinks it reflects the general nature of Nigerians, both young and old. There’s no wrong in admitting you’re wrong. It takes a humble man to do that. And please, let’s try not to hijack people’s threads with personal squabbles.


Nigeria, good people, great nation!

I still stick to my previous advise. For those advocating for retaining the job and paying for his masters later, do you know the cost equivalent? Tuition cannot be less than £10,000 with monthly living expenses around £600. That amounts to over £17,000 in a year. Do the conversion. Should be through away an opportunity worth over 3.5 million naira because of the fear of job insecurity after the masters? Do you know how much he will have to save and for how long before he can boast of that amount. Let's be wise here.
@ poster, life is all about packaging and risk taking. Package yourself. Go for the masters, don't defer! Those who did so last year lost their scholarship. Look out for opportunities during your study and network. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. If it was a Mobil or Chevron job, I will understand. But FIRS? How much do they even pay sef?

I hope the "afford" covers tuition, course fees, living expenses and miscellaneous for your duration of stay. If not, its going to be hard. You will need to focus on your studies during your masters.

Is the masters on scholarship? If yes is the answer, you can resign, go for the masters but be proactive in your jobsearch at the completion of your masters. No sentiments.

@ gugus1, Thanks for the information. Though i can't get any useful info online. Could you help with their office address here in Nigeria? Thanks once again.

Thanks for your responses. I will take the NISP route and see how far my networking and research can take me. I really would mind some form of volunteer work just to gain the required exposure and experience. I also hope to try the masters route after the NISP training. Thanks once again.

Masters oh!!! Just make sure you perform well in your studies and shine your eyes while in the UK. You will be better positioned for a job with a masters degree from the UK than with one year experience at FIRS. So, wetin you dey wait for? Waka!!!

HSE not SHE. Spell check error again.

@ bubbleskid,you're right. I've been wondering for a while. Why is it difficult to get an entry-level job as an SHE professional? Most vacancies I see nowadays ask for at least 2 to 3 years of relevant experience. What is the hope for newbies like me who have interest in this profession but need to start up from somewhere?

@ swiftycool, that's your opinion. But you should be able to differentiate between professionalism and entrepreneurship. It is not easy practising as an engineer in the Oil and Gas industry. Getting in takes a lot. One must first need to have stellar academic performance, relevant internship experience and a demonstrated commitment to duty. The remuneration is very good and there is job security as you would have proved yourself during the recruitment stage.

So, I think the profession is still something to aspire to though one would need a clear focus at an early stage in the career. Awareness about prospects in this industry and with strong ties can have a great impact on one's career.

It is Engineering in the Oil and Gas industry. Very hard to break in, but once you're in, then you're game.

Thanks for your enlightening response.

@ Ajanlekoko,
I love your approach. That way, to get to have a constant flow of income, whilst also acquiring assets. Am I right? But, could you mention a few projects one could invest his cash into while on a job? (exclusive of financial markets).

@ netotse, seconded!

@ ayo84, Just so you know- Bill gates almost had perfect scores in his SAT and got into Havard. Failure is relative to the circumstance.
@ all, there is hope for any one that has been through the university system. Know why? You may not be a professional in your field, but you sure should know how to think. Like others adviced, you could get certifications et al, but the competition in the job market is tight. Even our first degrees might become obsolete what with the number of masters and Phd holders around still jobless. I will advice you attach yourself to a reputable firm -sort of a volunteer work, work your arse out for a long period to time to gather experience, while also taking some professional certifications. You would be amazed at how experience counts nowadays. Give yourself a year or two and then you can shoot/aim higher.

Another thing you can do if resources permit, is to start a business. Not just any business, but one in which you are familiar about the nitty gritty. Your acumen as a graduate should enable you manage such a business properly. So give it a shot.

About the pgd stuff, you could try that if you have the funds. If not, the above should be a better route. Also note that if you apply as a volunteer staff at any organisation, you will get little or no remuneration.

Just my 2 cents.

Simple answer: Innocent people who are victims of an ailing educational system created by ignorant and self-centered leaders who we sell our voting rights to.

The NYSC scheme is a failed project. The only thing I see that it has achieved is cultural integration, but not in every part of the country, not with the Jos crisis in which innocent corp members lost their lives. Many may argue in favour of the scheme but the cons far outweigh the pros.

My experience was not too good. I majored in Chemical engineering, did very well in the university and was hoping to use the scheme as an opportunity to gain experience in the industry. But this did not materialise as I was posted to a state in the West to teach in a government secondary school-for one year. Now, someone may say "yeah, that's the whole idea of the selfless service" but I wish employers of labour understood that. In my field where experience in the industry is a major factor in recruiting staff, you can bet that the "selfless service" teaching experience don't mean jack. In the US, you graduate from college and get to work immediately. That way, you still get to remember most of what you learnt as an undergraduate and can apply it on the job.

In Nigeria, the case is different. If you do not consciously and consistently refresh your memory and broaden your understanding about ongoings in your field, you can be sure that 50% of what you knew back then would have evaporated during the course of "selfless service" to your country Nigeria who does not give a hoot about you. So to what purpose and end has the scheme really served? A scheme that gulps N 34 billion yearly and is not productive? Our leaders need to have a rethink about the whose NYSC stuff. Either re-brand it or scrap it, period!

To serving corp members, I will advise you look beyond. If you did well in school, then your service year is the time to scout for scholarships for an advanced degree and apply. Also network. Many of the guys and gals you met in camp are highly connected. Do not be an island of your own, meet people, exchange contacts and keep the communication flowing. Your first job might come through that nerdish looking chap or the mouthy babe. Also start applying for jobs 3 months before you finish your service year. Remember old colleagues from your university days who studied the same course with you. Your awareness about most job opportunities in your field will come from that sect.

Also learn to plan and save, no matter how little. It is a good culture that would help you in future is adhered to religiously. Not to forget, your networking must extend to professionals in your field. Attend conferences, seminars and industry meetings organised in your field. It's a great opportunity to meet top dawgs in your profession.

I'm done with the NYSC and I wish you all the very best. And for the randy folks, STDs are real. Use protection, or better still, abstain from sex. Awoof dey run belle.

Jikings is right. Chemical engineering is broad and would give you an edge in terms of job opportunities and also specialisation. I have a degree in Chemical Engineering and I hope to do a masters in Oil and Gas Engineering. So I will advise you go the chemical route.

(Knocks) Can I come in? (Waiting for Devonian's response, can't wait anymore)

Very interesting topic with many hilarious responses.

@ Devonian, Listen to the advice of many who believe you should stay back in the UK. From your initial post and other replies, you strike me as an arrogant fellow. That would not get you anywhere in Nigeria especially in the educational sector. So, my advice to you is to stay in the UK and have a successful career. When you retire, you can come back home to “rest”.

To even think of the fact that you don’t intend to go into business of any sort is funny. In Nigeria, if you are not a politician, a business-man, or a professional in a multi-national coy, then be prepared for the worst. Like someone rightly said, many young graduates working in multi-national coys earn more than even vice-chancellors of varsities. So if you’re not prepared for the worst of living conditions, stay back or better still, consider other places like North America.

In dealing with competition in ecological systems, there is reference to survival of the fittest. This is dependent on the type of environment. I think you should ask yourself the big question.

Am I psychologically, financially and emotionally ready for life in Nigeria?


@ Felifeli, It’s quite obvious you do not know Lagos very well. You sound like a teenager. I quote -”DO NOT LIVE IN LAGOS. That place is not fit for human beings and you will be dead in two years”. When last did you visit Lagos? Do you know how many foreign nationals live in Lagos permanently? The conditions may not be the best but it is not as bad as you claim. You may be speaking from experience but in what part of Lagos have you stayed?

@ abott,

I’ll respond to your survey first. If I earn N 174,000 monthly after tax deductions as a single, my budget will typically be as follows:

Tithe: 17,400 (yeah, I don’t joke with that!)
Monthly transport allowance: 20,000 (assuming N 1,000 daily for 20 working days)
Personal care (feeding, health, clothing, utility bills): 40,000
Family obligations (parents, siblings, family fund, girl-friend, etc): 20,000 (could vary)
Miscellanous espenses: 10,000 (reasonably, could be more if extravagance permits)

From the above, you can see I’ll be left with 66, 600. If on an RSA, then I should expect 20,000 to 35,000 to be deducted from that by my PFA. So in the end, there’s just a little over 30,000 left. If I choose to save that monthly for two years, that should amount to N 720,000. Not much to brag about.

On the contrary, if I have special projects to execute (for example, I intend to go for a masters abroad), my budget will be different. Saving N 100,000 out of N 174,000 will amount to N 2,400,000 in two years. Now, that’s some bucks. This can only be achieved by working on a strict budget for two years which is very difficult but not impossible. Trust me, N 74,000 will be sufficient for one month. Some graduates earn that as monthly salary.

So, it is largely dependent on personal lifestyle and future plans. But only a few youths have a good savings culture. All, savings culture does not change with increased income.

*HSE not SHE. It was a spell check error.

Hello house, this thread is great. I have a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering and will be rounding up NYSC soon. I want to go the SHE way but I need heads up on how to do that. I'm planning to take the level 2 and 3 at NISP. I want to know what course an SHE professional can study at the masters level that will be relevant to the profession. Your responses will be appreciated.