PERSONAL GROWTH: A KEY INGREDIENT IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

 It is the dream of every university graduate to get there dream job. It is not easy to graduate out of campus. So it is justifiable for one to look up to a decent job. While it is ideal is it that simple. With over  40 universities producing over 200,000 graduates per year amidst a job creation rate of about 70,000 jobs youth unemployment requires urgent attention from all stakeholders. The government and many other stakeholders are doing their best in their effort to combat the unemployment dilemma. 

The social ills of youth unemployment can be felt in terms of increasing crime and greater search for green pastures. Though the situation seems overwhelming the Chinese say that where there is a crisis there is an equivalent opportunity.

After being in the youth mentorship space for some time, I have observed that a key ingredient to combatting youth unemployment is intentional and deliberate personal growth. Amidst youth unemployment there are youths who have decided to embrace mentorship and are changing their communities. Personal discovery is one of the reasons that most leaders cite as a reason for the transformation of their lives. From Nelson Mandela to Mother Teresa it is pointed out that their lives changed when they embraced personal growth. In a society where we are bent on quick fixes to life long problems personal development is normally given a "lip service". The youths normally prefer quick fixes to life long challenges and it may partly be the cause of the unemployment dilemma. 

Why is it that it is said that Uganda has plenty of resources but many of its citizens say that they do not see the opportunities? Personal development unfortunately is a personal responsibility that should start at home. We live in a knowledge economy where there is plenty of knowledge on internet that can enable youths to become better people. We can not become better people with the same level of awareness. That is why even the education curriculum is being changed to be relevant to the ever changing needs of society. Personal development requires majority of our youths to develop soft skills before they leave university. The notion of a university graduate reading just to pass exams is long gone. In his book After University What Next, Ambrose Kibuuka cautions the university student to take personal development very seriously. Ambrose contends that there is no "useless" university degree. Unfortunately I have interacted with many degree holders who blame their degrees for their unemployment.

The trait of critical thinking in personal development is very important. Organizations today want to employ people who spot opportunities without being told. Employers want problem solvers because businesses are created to solve life's problems. We need to reach a point when the youths especially university students do not wait for opportunities but create them. For example if university students organized themselves into investment clubs it is easy for them to pool resources for investment. Forming an investment club should not wait for graduation. Google was created by friends who were comrades at university. The desire for life long learning should dominate today's youths who form majority of the population.

As a financial literacy trainer I have observed some youth shunning trainings yet they will learn life skills that will enable them to run their businesses successfully. In a recent media article it was pointed out that a number of youths diverted Parish Development funds into unplanned ventures and others though it was a "political donation". So such cases show why personal development initiatives can even minimize the wastage of national resources. 

HOW TO MAXIMISE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

1.Develop a strong relationship with God

2.Have a clear purpose for life especially at a young age

3.Associate with successful people

4.Identify mentors and coaches

5.Embrace life long learning

6. Seek advice especially when one is still a student

7.Humility is key

8.Learn from setbacks

9.Become a problem solver

10. Belong to a Master Mind

11.Invest in personal Development books

12.Have a positive mindset

13.Have a service mindset

14. Minimize self comparisons

15. Be a critical thinker 


Personal development is an individual responsibility. Due to this it is often ignored. I have seen people who are head hunted by companies due to their value to humanity. This is amidst unemployment. If they can make it I believe it is also possible for us to make it. Personal development requires intentionality and focus.


Phillip Kiryowa

Finance and Leadership Coach(PCC)

+256752615916

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