CAN A FIRST CLASS DEGREE HOLDER FAIL TO GET A JOB?

 It may be far fetched question but is it possible for a first class degree holder fail to get a job? With the statistics presented about the status of youth unemployment in Uganda, it is worthwhile to ask such a question. Just recently it was reported in a media publication that over 500,000 university graduates were boda boda riders. In the past when we had one university(Makerere University) it was almost a guarantee for a university student to be handpicked even before completing studies. Today the pain of a student or parent is what awaits them after graduation. In fact Ambrose Mukiibi wrote a book called After University What Next. In this book he probes the status of university education and whether it is providing graduates with enough skills to be successful in today's highly competitive and volatile job market.

As an advocate for youth employment, I have interacted with a number of university students to find out if they are adequately prepared for the world of work. The responses are not so convincing and the fearful ones would not want to answer the question. The reality is there is a lot of competition for jobs and it seems a university degree is not a guarantee for a youth to get a preferred job. Universities have played a critical role in shaping the lives of the future leaders and the introduction of internship has played a critical role in enabling the young people to discover various career options while still students. But there is much more to be done. Even policy makers are grappling with the issue of youth unemployment. No nation can be safe when majority of its youths lack access to decent jobs.

It is important for a university student to study and pass exams. But in the grand scheme of life is university all about reading and to pass exams? Dear university student when do you get time to read news papers and spot opportunities in the economy? Who are your friends? Did you know that Bill Gates formed Microsoft as a project at university and he dropped out? Today he is one of the wealthiest men in the world. Dear student did you know that even choosing to become an expert in one course unit can enable you to get a dream job? For example so many businessmen are grappling with tax issues, what are business students doing about it? Why would a first class Business Administration graduate fail to start his own job and only wait for jobs that have been created? Why should we have university graduates who only place their hope in transcripts in a developing country where there are plenty of problems to resolve? Why should foreign investors be the ones to be relied on to create jobs for the youths yet university graduates are graduating with first class degrees? What is amiss with our education system? Why should graduates have good grades but find it hard to express themselves and do not have clear goals for the future? Why should our education system produce graduates who fear their brilliance and find it hard to make a positive dent in the world that is full of opportunities?

Iam not pointing out all these to paint a negative picture but Iam pointing out some of the issues that I see that are stopping brilliant and capable youths from manifesting their God given potential.

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR POTENTIAL AS A YOUTH

1.Have a clear vision for your life

2.Have a curious mindset

3.Associate with successful people

4.Have role models

5.Develop a positive attitude

6.Belive in your abilities

7.Learn from past mistakes

8.Read to understand and not to cram

9.Read about current affairs

10.Join associations

11.Embrace voluntary work


It is a noble aspiration to get a first class degree. But what discourages are the statistics of graduates who find it hard to access dignified employment. With over 40 universities that are graduating over 400,000 students per year, it is important to ask the question that, can a first class degree holder fail to get a job?

Phillip Kiryowa

Personal Finance Coach

Advanced Empowerment Link

+256752615916


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