SOFT SKILLS MATTER IN YOUR JOB SEARCH

 It is the dream of every graduate to get their dream job. The truth is that it feels good to graduate and get your coveted academic transcript. I interact with so many young people in terms of mentorship and giving them advice on how to navigate the world. My observation is that very many youths have a lot of potential but they need guidance. I have also observed that in real life nothing comes by chance. We all need mentors regardless of age and experience. Let me ask a question, how come even presidents have various advisors?

The nature of Uganda's education system has always emphasized "focusing on passing exams so as to display our brilliance". The good news is that this is changing through education reforms  but it will take time to change the narrative. Why is this the case ? This is because if one spends over 20 years in a system that encourages them to pass and wait for success in the real world then it is too late. I have seen graduates stuck on looking for jobs in their field of study without knowing that the world has evolved and is fast changing. The focus on what one studied has left many able youths to be unemployed . 

What needs to be done is to ensure that life skills are not neglected in building up the "worth of a student". In the real world it is the soft skills that matter a great deal. Skills such as negotiation, vision setting and team work is very critical. We see a lot of competition in schools among students and this same trait is replicated in the real world. Students should be encouraged to cooperate right from school and into the real world. In the real world it is collaboration that matters most. Rarely do they ask for the academic grades in interviews but they focus on the value that the person brings on table.

Organizations are looking for problem solvers and not just the academic transcripts. In his book After University What Next, Ambrose Kibuuka  opens up the eyes of the reader that the student should ask themselves the hard questions such as what is the purpose of education? Education should be a journey of self discovery and not just to pass exams . short of that we shall continue to produce generations of discontented youths at the detriment of social economic development.

HOW TO MAXIMIZE OUR EDUCTION

1.Invest in life long learning. Learning never ends. 

2.Develop a curious mind

3.The power of collaboration. Do not live in silos

4.Add value to humanity. There are many ways to do that. 

5.Focus on service. 

6. Embrace discipline

7.Choose mentors that guide your life

8. Think long term. Brian Tracy emphasizes this in his book The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Business Success

9.Financial Literacy Training is key

10. Develop your passions

11.Let go of fear.

Unemployment is real. But where there is a crisis there is an equivalent opportunity as told by the Chinese. Amidst unemployment I have seen some people being head hunted . It is possible for every one. The difference is how prepared one is .From the above discussions we learn that Uganda's education is good but more emphasis on soft skills development can alter the destiny of so many youths or Ugandans.


In case you have a youth who needs a word of advice do not hesitate to share with them my contact.


Phillip Kiryowa 

Finance and Leadership Coach(PCC)

+256752615916


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