‘I’m not a job seeker, I’m a job creator’
We watch with pride as thousands of young people celebrate their graduation day this July. The excitement, the ceremonies, the grandeur, the sense of accomplishment after all that hard work over so many years is emotional for both parents and their wards. At last; you have reached that milestone against all odds.
There has been the silent “promise” of success if you follow this path; both your parents and society expected you to graduate and “everything will be ok.” The plan was that, with this solid foundation, armed with a degree under your belt, you could step out into the world and start to build your own future. For many young graduates however, that economic promise has not come; not for a year, two, three years and beyond; having a degree has simply not translated, as expected, into a job.
Some have applied, unsuccessfully, for hundreds of jobs; some have part-time work, or internships. There is the temptation to stay in school, if your parents can afford it; surely a masters degree should improve your chances. Today’s graduates and MBAS holders compete for entry-level jobs. The grand graduation ceremonies continue and lengthen an already long unemployment queue.
Youth unemployment is one of today’s biggest global challenges. The bleak job prospects for educated, able, motivated, young people, has reached alarming proportions. Many are losing hope of finding jobs, and some have stopped the search altogether as they see no path to success. This is a dangerous picture of the potential for a lost generation of young workers if the sheer scale of the unemployment situation is not addressed with a dedicated and focused effort.
We’ve all heard the old adage, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. This proverb suggests that the ability to work is of greater benefit than a one-off handout. In the words of Mohammed Yunus : “Don’t ask for a job. Make your own.”
Many young people, especially in developing economies, turn to entrepreneurship because of the lack of job opportunities. This does offer innovative solutions for economic growth among young people who are brimming with incredible ideas. But not everyone is able to become an entrepreneur without
support. As a result, the vast majority of small businesses will fail within a short period. It is thus important to direct our educational system and philanthropy to programs that provide the required tools, vocational and skill set training, mentoring and seed capital to ensure they acquire the skills and expertise the need.
The government cannot do this alone, we must all get involved in addressing this critical issue; the consequences of not doing so can devour us all. Studies have shown that youth unemployment is associated with intense stress and depression, an increase in drug and alcohol abuse, crime and at the extreme, terrorism.
Consider setting up your own business
Do you have a special skill or talent? Be creative and identify that special gift or talent that you might have ignored before now. Is it in art, photography, public speaking, playing a musical instrument, writing, fashion design, web design, graphics design? There are endless options to put your talents to use that you can leverage upon to earn.
What is it that you are passionate about and capable of doing relatively easily and well? When you are young and free of significant financial or personal commitments such as a family, a mortgage and other debt, you have a unique opportunity to take some risk and consider establishing your own business if you are so inclined. Do you have what you consider to be a great idea that you are passionate about and doesn’t have huge start up costs? You may be surprised at what you can accomplish.
There may be comfort in numbers. Perhaps you could partner with a classmate or a friend whose skills complement your own and set up something together.
Cultivate your network
Effective networking is achieved through cultivating relationships over time. Reach out to those with whom you already have a personal, professional or academic connection. Does everyone you know realize that you are looking for a job? Use all the contacts and connections that you have, including your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends and so on. Make sure they know what your skills and talents are, so that they keep you in mind when they hear of any openings.
Stay in close touch with professional colleagues and actively seek to expand your network. Networking activities, provide good opportunities to gain useful insights on careers, get job leads, and for you to sell yourself. Stay in touch with former managers from internships, and part-time jobs; if you left a good impression, they might be able to help. Many great job opportunities are not advertised; they are often filled by personal contacts.
Be flexible
Your CV should be truthful, flawless and perfectly tailored to the positions you are seeking as well presenting your diverse skills for any opportunity. You cannot afford to sit at home until you find your dream job. Be flexible and expand your scope; you might need to accept a job that is below your expectations given your credentials. This will boost your chances of finding something that is relevant and that will still utilize your training and abilities and enhance your skills. Do your best in whatever comes.
Consider working for free
One good way to get your foot in the door with a company or organization is to demonstrate to them what you can do. By working as an intern or volunteering, you have an opportunity to impress them by showcasing your skills, commitment, and professionalism and doing something that makes a difference. This might make them want to hire you. Even if it doesn’t translate to a permanent role, you would have gained valuable experience.
Try to avoid having significant