IS YOUR DEGREE THE PROBLEM?

 I met a graduate who blamed his degree as the reason why he is not employed. There have been major debates among academicians, policy makers and development practitioners about the major causes of youth unemployment in Uganda. The truth of the matter is that a lot has been done by the stakeholders such as government in ensuring that the education system is reformed to meet the ever changing needs of society. In the past Artificial Intelligence was not a big deal and one would graduate without taking keen interest in ICT. Today technology is a competitive edge for any university student. 

In his informative book called After University What Next, Ambrose Kibuuka challenges the reader to dissect the nature of their degree program. He mentions that in the past Music Dance and Drama(MDD) was a despised course and very few students would apply for it. In the United States of America Holly Wood stars are some of the most highly paid personalities. Isn't it a matter of perspective that a course is under rated in Uganda and yet very respected in the United States. Today we see that musicians and artists are some of the most prominent and well paid  people in Uganda. In the past musicians were a laughing stock in society but today the narrative has changed.

I believe it is important to put the courses into context before we despise them. Also students rush into courses because the masses have taken the same courses. Some take courses because they are "cheap" and in the end they flood in the market. I believe that before any one undertakes a course due diligence is important. The question that we need to ask ourselves is why is it that despite the big number of graduates unemployment is on the rise? Many graduate and organize graduation parties but after putting off the graduation gown reality of jobs sets in. Some of the university graduates have gone to an extent of handing over the degrees to their parents and go ahead to pursue their chosen careers. 

The other dilemma we face among graduates is narrowing their options to the fact that they should only pursue what they studied. A graduate who has studied accounting only thinks of becoming an accountant. The world has evolved and we now have multi disciplinary approach to education. A medical doctor can also study management. I have seen Engineers enrolling for ACCA and have been successful. We need to breed critical thinkers out of today's graduates. We need graduates who think outside the box. Employers are now looking for problem solvers and not employees who say they did not study that at campus. The world requires researchers and that is why students should not be spoon fed with notes . Many students have passed with high grades in UNEB exams and have failed at university. This is very frequent in degrees such as Law.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OUT OF THE DEGREE

1.Career guidance is very key right from primary school

2.Students should avoid cramming

3.Students should be trained to research

4.Students should appreciate voluntary work

5. Technical education should be encouraged

6. Critical thinking is key

7. Education should be focused on solving problems

8. Internship placements should be emphasized

9.Investment in personal development

Education is very key to national development. But we have many cases of university students who have "cursed" the degrees they pursued. As discussed above emphasis should be placed on the nature of the degree that is pursued.

Phillip Kiryowa

Finance and Leadership Coach(PCC)

+256752615916

"For Financial Freedom and Sustainable Businesses"