First year is only the beginning of the process. You have started a journey to refine what you will be know for and here is how to make it count.
Graduating from university is a proud moment, but what happens next often surprises many. The majority of graduates enter the job market unprepared, not because they lacked good grades, but because they wasted their campus years on activities that did not align with future success. If you think your degree alone will secure you a job, think again. Let’s dive into what students must consider to bridge the gap between academics and the realities of the job market.
YOU ARE NEITHER THE FIRST, NOR THE LAST & YOU ARE NOT THE ONLYONE.
The Harsh Truth About the Job Market
Degrees are no longer the golden ticket to success. Employers are searching for candidates who bring more to the table than a transcript. Unfortunately, many students spend their university years prioritizing entertainment—clubbing, endless Netflix binges, and frivolous social media trends—while neglecting activities that build their futures. The result? They graduate with no networks, no skills, and no idea how to navigate the job market.
What makes this even more alarming is the fact that the job market is evolving rapidly. Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital marketing, and financial literacy are some of the most lucrative fields today, but how many students on campus can confidently say they are equipped with these skills? The hard truth is that your GPA matters far less than your ability to think entrepreneurially, solve real-world problems, and adapt to technological trends.
What You Should Be Doing Instead
Think Like an Entrepreneur
The world belongs to problem-solvers, not job seekers. Start exploring ideas that can be monetized.
2. Invest in Networking
Forget meaningless social cliques. Focus on building relationships with people who inspire growth. Attend professional events, join debates, and volunteer in impactful projects. T
3. Upgrade Your Skills
Skills trump degrees in today’s market. Equip yourself with skills that are in high demand, such as digital marketing, AI, and data analytics. Two excellent free resources to get you started are:
- Digital Marketing with Max Business School: Perfect for understanding online marketing and monetization.
- HubSpot Academy: Offers certifications in various digital marketing and sales strategies.
Additionally, programs like Watoto Launch Pad and Watoto 360 provide personal development and career-readiness training tailored to young people.
Say bye bye to the Party life.
While there’s nothing wrong with occasional entertainment, spending all your free time on it is a mistake. Instead, engage in activities that add value to your life. Join debate clubs, volunteer at NGOs, or even start a blog documenting your journey. These activities will not only sharpen your skills but also make you stand out in the job market.