Transitioning from the University to the Job Market in Africa

Entering the job market after completing your education in a university is challenging and complicated. You will need to learn a new set of skills to be ready for the job market. While schools, parents, government, and universities play a vital role in helping new graduates prepare for what lies ahead, there are many things you can do to streamline the transition.

Here are five things you can do to ensure you are ready for the job market.

Five Things to do to be Work Ready

Decide on a Career Pathway

The first step to getting work-ready is to decide on a career path based on your interests, passion, and skills. Ask yourself these questions to know what industry, job title, or role is the right fit for you:

• What is my passion? Think about what you like doing the most -for instance, writing, coding, or accounting.
• What skills through study and qualifications have I acquired? For instance, if you have completed a Bachelor’s degree in computer programming or acquired culinary skills through your study programme.
• What are the soft skills I possess? – Soft skills refer to personality traits such as communication skills, social graces, empathy, leadership, time management, and teamwork.
• What are my hobbies and interests? The activities you love doing when you are free can give you clues into careers that might be fulfilling, fun, and satisfying. Think about whether you love spending time outdoors or indoors and whether you love working with animals, people, computers, books, or data.
• What are you good at doing or what are your strengths and talents? Write a list of what you do well – (talking to people, writing, fixing broken things.). If you are unsure about your strengths and talents, you can ask your teachers, family members, seniors, or friends to help you.

Develop Soft Skills

While you may have the technical skills, you will need to focus on sharpening your soft skills such as leadership, adaptability, resilience, emotional intelligence, and communication. Studies show that a lack of soft skills is the main barrier for transitioning from the university to the job market.

Make a list of Job Titles

You can now move on to making a list of job titles that align with your skills, interests, and qualification. For instance, if you are good at writing, search for jobs that involve writing – such as creative writer, freelance copywriter, or content writer. If you have a degree in engineering, search for job titles in the relevant sectors – such as petroleum engineer, mechanical engineer, or civil engineer.

Review the Job Requirements

Each job has its own academic or professional requirements that you may have to complete. These include degree requirements, apprenticeship, licensure, or certificate courses. Knowing these requirements is important to filter your list and make an informed decision. You can also search for jobs on leading job portals and carefully read the job description to understand what skills employers are looking for.

Network

Networking is one of the best ways to expand your connections and find a job. Your university may offer career fairs and networking events that may involve multinational and international organisations. Join student groups and shadow your alumni at their jobs to get a first-hand look at the job market. Attending talks and conferences in your area of interest can help you stay updated on recent developments in the field. Networking with professionals in your field helps you gain the knowledge required to take up the job that interests you.