Life After University
Life after graduation is
a daunting experience for young students, especially if you graduate from
University early to mid-twenties. At the same time, it can be an equally exciting chapter in your life that, with good preparation, you can make the
most.
You
finally received your degree after four years of hard effort. But what comes
next? I met with Abdinasir Jama, a recent graduate, to learn about
life after University.
You've
spent the last four years working hard to earn your degree. You've tossed your
cap and gown in the air, and shouted your final farewell to the lecture halls,
the student unions, groups, university mates, and the faculty you called home.
You've just finished the
best four years of your life, and now it's time to go out into the big wide
world of employment and leave your mark.
It's finally time to get
that great job – and pay - you were promised as a graduate and start enjoying
the good life, right?
Unfortunately, for many,
life after graduation is not as lovely as they had hoped. For many, this is the
start of the actual hard work.
To find out more, I connected with Abdinasir Jama, a recent Mogadishu University graduate with a degree in International Relations and a Junior Research.
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| Abdinasir Jama Defending Thesis book 2021 @MU |
He told me about what
life after University has been like since farewell to academic life.
When you graduate from
University, you will start looking for a job. During your job hunt, you will
face numerous challenges and obstacles; as a result, you may be rejected.
Market job opportunities are competitive among many students who have graduated
from various universities and faculties. If you are a hard-working student with
good luck, you will get a job simultaneously. Otherwise, you will be unemployed
for a while, and you won't become exhausted until you do. For you to make the
most of your time, job search.
Living life after University
is a risk that will undoubtedly face every student. So, why not push the boundaries
a little further? Taking risks creates inspiration and passion. Challenging
yourself allows you to see how far you can go and your limits.
By
the time I graduated from University. The country was in a state of political mayhem
and elections, and it wasn't easy to find a job at the same time.
However,
I began applying for graduate jobs during my final term of University, but I
didn't get one, yet I graduated, am still struggling. I filled out applications
after University, sent approximately ten emails, and attended at least four
interviews, some with exams; all interviews were face-to-face.
The
biggest challenge I met though I studied IR, the organizations or companies I
applied for were involved in the business. Having not a great understanding of
business was one of the biggest challenges I faced.
Now
that I have learned International Relations and companies I applied to are
involved in business, they said to me, "you are not needed here; why not go
where you are needed to"? That means why didn't you look for a job? At
government institutions, you have studied political science, especially
international relations. You had to go there. It was another challenge I met.
Finally,
when you graduate from the University simultaneously, the family starts asking
did you get a job; you are waiting to repay the efforts you put in to get it
back. You are expected to help others, and you will be looked up to.
Here’s
some great advice on boosting your CV
Life after graduation has various
challenges; therefore, Abdinasir recommends fresh graduates:
Do not give up hope. It
is important to note that, due to limited experience, it is difficult to find a
job as soon as you graduate, and this is a global problem; you are not alone;
it does not exist in your country independently. So, don't be disheartened, and
don't feel sorrow; instead, stick to your decision and your hope. While you're
looking for a job, take care of yourself by participating in sports, reading
more books, doing all that is good for you, and maintaining your good habits;
promote your ambitions and goals.
Squeeze your expenses;
Now that you are a graduate, you have no income; you are not yet independent of
your family; instead of asking your family for more, try to gain passive income
control and reduce your expenses as much as possible; when you start earning,
you will be less dependent and more comfortable.
Build your network: Effective
networking has numerous advantages for career advancement. You'll get new
ideas, career support, job referrals, professional advice, and long-lasting
personal relationships if you surround yourself with people who share your
interests and goals. Professors, your faculty, friends, family members, and new
people you meet daily can all be part of your network. Building a positive
reputation with these people and being a regular contributor in group settings
will allow you to reap the most benefits from your network. Make more links
while looking for a job, try new jobs, and get to find a new friend or people,
even if you don't share a specialization.
Continue your education;
education does not end with a bachelor's degree. You can apply for a Master's
degree, even a Ph.D., and you will gain two benefits: you have utilized and
saved your time and will be more valuable.
Extend your search scope;
usually, after you graduate, you must know what type of job you are looking
for; it is necessary to consider a different position than what you dream of;
therefore, if you are unable to find a job, consider starting your own business
to improve your life.
Take actions on your
failures, improve yourself during the job search, take it seriously, and build
yourself up to do more if you are given suggestions about job interviews and
exams.
Take on internships,
participate in additional pieces of training, or work as a volunteer. Don't
think only to get money; one of the most important things you can do is expand
your vision and join volunteer organizations where you can work freely until
you reach your goal.
Start your own business;
if you want to be self-employed, have an idea to start something, it's a
beneficial move instead of looking for a job. You create a job yourself, and
many people work for you to get a job; there are many projects, which do not
require a lot of money to create micro-business companies.
Finally, please create
your blog; the Internet is excellent; you get a lot of information, so you can
also use it to spread your ideas and attract new followers.