New term is here: How involved are you?
Sep 08, 2009
Dear Sir,<br>I am frustrated. I graduated with a first class degree in January last year but I am still hunting for a job. What do employers look for? Do I abandon my career dreams and start a family? <br>Rhoda
Dear Sir,
I am frustrated. I graduated with a first class degree in January last year but I am still hunting for a job. What do employers look for? Do I abandon my career dreams and start a family?
Rhoda
Dear Rhoda,
Contrary to what many believe, academic excellence is good but does not often translate into instant employment.
Stiff competition has compelled employers to raise their recruitment standards.
Most jobs emphasise the need for experience because sitting at home reflects lack of seriousness.
Getting something to do does not necessarily mean you must earn an income from it. Have you thought about being engaged in an organisation as a volunteer?
Did you know that opportunities open doors for each other? One opportunity (however humble) is a stepping stone to another.
Being ‘somewhere’ is important. Even if the organisation does not retain you, the contacts, exposure and experience you get will prove invaluable in your career journey.
Remember that jobs look for busy people and most employers do not like to employ an idle person. Employers interpret your being at home as lack of seriousness rather than lack of job.
There is nothing wrong with settling down with a partner but using marriage to escape from frustrations might prove counterproductive.
Career and family are both important and each enables you to meet a different need.
A fulfilling relationship provides you with a sense of belonging and perhaps satisfies your emotional need for affection.
On the other hand, a job meets your need for self-actualisation by offering an opportunity to exhibit your potential. Frustrations and disappointments hit hard on your self-esteem and might make you doubt your potential.
If your hunger for marriage stems from frustrations of job hunting then seek face- to-face counselling from a professional counsellor.
Compiled by Jamesa Wagwau
I am frustrated. I graduated with a first class degree in January last year but I am still hunting for a job. What do employers look for? Do I abandon my career dreams and start a family?
Rhoda
Dear Rhoda,
Contrary to what many believe, academic excellence is good but does not often translate into instant employment.
Stiff competition has compelled employers to raise their recruitment standards.
Most jobs emphasise the need for experience because sitting at home reflects lack of seriousness.
Getting something to do does not necessarily mean you must earn an income from it. Have you thought about being engaged in an organisation as a volunteer?
Did you know that opportunities open doors for each other? One opportunity (however humble) is a stepping stone to another.
Being ‘somewhere’ is important. Even if the organisation does not retain you, the contacts, exposure and experience you get will prove invaluable in your career journey.
Remember that jobs look for busy people and most employers do not like to employ an idle person. Employers interpret your being at home as lack of seriousness rather than lack of job.
There is nothing wrong with settling down with a partner but using marriage to escape from frustrations might prove counterproductive.
Career and family are both important and each enables you to meet a different need.
A fulfilling relationship provides you with a sense of belonging and perhaps satisfies your emotional need for affection.
On the other hand, a job meets your need for self-actualisation by offering an opportunity to exhibit your potential. Frustrations and disappointments hit hard on your self-esteem and might make you doubt your potential.
If your hunger for marriage stems from frustrations of job hunting then seek face- to-face counselling from a professional counsellor.
Compiled by Jamesa Wagwau