Hello everyone. Namaste!🤭
I've been learning alot from everyone in this community, everywhere is so packed with value, meanwhile, welcome to my blog.😃
Before I begin, we must first understand that leaving school is just the end of a chapter and It marks the beginning of a new chapter in life. For many people, it is a time of excitement. But for others, it can also be a time of confusion and fear, especially in a country like Nigeria. Every year, thousands of graduates finish school and go out looking for jobs. But the sad reality is that the jobs are few, and the competition is very high.
In the reality of where I'm coming from and in my country, I would advice that people who are leaving school that going to school is good because you may get a degree that opens some doors. But today, a degree is not enough. In Nigeria, you will meet many people who graduated with good grades but are still looking for jobs after three or four years.(very very real) and it's not because they are lazy. It’s not because they didn’t do well in school. It’s simply because the world is changing. Employers are no longer looking for certificates alone. They are looking for people who can do something useful, who can solve problems, and who can add value.
And that is where skills come in.
One of the best decisions you can make as you leave school is to learn a skill and not just any skill, but one that is relevant and in demand.
Let me tell you a quick story. I have a smart and intelligent colleague who studied in the university with me. But while he was in school, he didn’t just focus on lectures and exams. He also spent time learning coding and programming every night. It wasn’t easy. He learned languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. Today, we are all graduates and guess what? It is his skill that is putting food on his table. Companies now contact him to build websites, apps, and digital tools. He works from his room, on his laptop, and gets paid.
You could learn something that is in high demand, it could be coding, design, video editing, writing, digital marketing, photography, fashion, baking, carpentry, welding, or public speaking but learn something that people need and are willing to pay for.
You might say, but skills alone are not enough.
This is where strategic relationship comes in. The people you know and the people who know you can make a big difference in your life. Sometimes, a job or opportunity won’t come from applying online. It may come from someone who knows your value and recommends you. There’s a saying that "Your network is your net worth." In Nigeria, this is very true. Building relationships is not about pretending or using people. It is about genuine connections. It's about being kind, respectful, helpful, and intentional with the people around you.
Your degree can open a door, but your skill will help you stay in the room. And your relationships can take you to rooms you never imagined.Your certificate is proof that you finished school but your skill is proof that you can solve a problem, and your relationships and volunteering are proof that you are visible, trusted, and ready
If you are still in school and reading this, this advice is for you too. Don’t wait until you graduate to start thinking about your future. Use your free time to build something.
And finally as you leave school, don’t wait for the perfect job to come to you. Go out and prepare yourself for it. Add value. Grow. Keep learning. And remember your future is not in the hands of anyone, It is in your hands.
THANK YOU FOR READING. All photos belongs to me and were taken during my final year in school💖
