The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in Nigeria in 1973 as a way of encouraging unity and understanding among the diverse ethnic groups in the country.
For one year, graduates are required to serve their fatherland in different parts of the country, far from home and family. While many see this as an opportunity for adventure and personal growth, the thought of what to do after the service year can be overwhelming.
After spending a year in a different part of the country, getting used to the new environment, and meeting new people, the idea of returning to one’s hometown without a job can be unsettling. The fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of what the future holds can be burdensome.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case as there are several job opportunities that NYSC members can take advantage of after NYSC, and we will be discussing them in this article.
Are Jobs Available for Graduates Post-Nysc?
The best answer to this question is that “there are jobs if you have the necessary skills.” Many graduates currently live in fear that they might not find a job after serving the country. But the thing is, it’s not about a lack of jobs—it’s more about having the skills that employers are looking for.
Companies want to hire people who have the abilities and know-how to contribute effectively. So, it’s not that there aren’t opportunities; it’s about being prepared with the skills that make you a valuable asset in the job market. If you focus on building and presenting those skills, you’ll likely find opportunities waiting for you after NYSC. Another challenge you may be facing is “how do you know jobs that people want to hire for?” We have that sorted just so you can find your journey easy. Read on.
Teaching/Online tutoring
One of the most accessible jobs for NYSC members after their service year is teaching. Everyone understands the myth surrounding the “teaching profession,” but read Naomi’s story.
Maybe, just like you, Naomi had always known that she didn’t want to teach after her NYSC. She had spent the last year teaching in a secondary school in a rural community, and while the experience had been fulfilling, she knew that she didn’t want to make a career out of it. She had studied Education and English language at the university, but teaching had never been her passion.
As her NYSC came to an end, Naomi found herself in a state of panic. She didn’t have a job lined up, and the thought of returning home without a plan was exhausting. One day, while talking to a friend, mentioned her predicament. Her friend told her about an online language school that specializes in teaching English to non-native speakers, and they were looking for new teachers. The catch was that the school was based in Russia, and Naomi would have to teach her Russian students online from Nigeria.
Naomi during one of her classes with a student
After much deliberation, Naomi decided to take the job. She went through the necessary training and set up her home office. Soon, she was teaching English to Russian students online, using video conferencing software. Naomi’s story is an indication of the fact that there are opportunities out there in the teaching line. It may take some courage to explore alternative paths, but the rewards can be great.
Content Creation
Content creation has become a booming path in Nigeria. With the rise of social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, and video-sharing sites, content creators have more opportunities than ever before to reach a large audience and monetize their content. NYSC members with skills in photography, videography, and social media management can start a content creation business and earn an income.
Popular Salem King on Instagram is a typical example of someone who started off as an ordinary creator but now collaborates with companies to bring their products to a larger audience.
One of the most common ways to make money from content creation is through advertising revenue. If you have a popular blog, YouTube channel, or social media account, you can monetize your content by displaying ads. Also, you can earn money either by charging advertisers for ad space or by joining an advertising network such as Google AdSense.
Another way to make money from content creation is through sponsored content. Brands may pay you to create content that promotes their products or services. This could include sponsored blog posts, sponsored social media posts, or sponsored videos.
Agriculture
With the federal government’s focus on agriculture, there are several incentives and support programs for young people interested in the sector. If you are interested in agriculture, you can take advantage of the numerous opportunities in the sector, from crop farming to livestock rearing. You can check businesses in the Agric sector such as ThriveAgric, seek an internship position with them, and start from there. Also, if you think you have saved enough during your service year to start a small agribusiness, go all in!
Customer service
Customer service is an essential component of any business. If you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and can work in customer service roles in various industries, from banking to telecommunications; you should consider moving into customer service right after your service year. This involves interacting with customers on behalf of an organization and addressing customer inquiries, complaints, and concerns through chats, emails, or phones.
Social media management
One of the big names in the world of social media management is the Social Media Oga. Bolaji Ajibare, also known as the social media Oga, shared her story here.
Many companies and businesses know that it is best to have a strong social media presence, but do not have the time, expertise, or resources to manage their social media accounts. You can consider social media management if you are tech-savvy and have experience using social media platforms.
Social media managers are responsible for building brand awareness, engaging with followers, and growing the company’s online presence. Also, if you need to brush up and be good at what you do, you can join a community of social media managers such as the social media haven. According to Glassdoor, a social media manager in Nigeria earns well over NGN100,000 monthly.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing jobs can take many forms, including sales representatives, account executives, business development managers, marketing coordinators, and digital marketing specialists. The best thing to do is find a niche and focus. To have an idea of what sales and marketing are, the responsibilities required of you include conducting market research, developing marketing campaigns, building and maintaining relationships with clients, and analyzing sales.
Business Development
This idea is majorly for people with a huge entrepreneurial spirit because it involves identifying and pursuing new business opportunities. So, if you are a person with skills in business management, marketing, and sales, you can start a business or work with a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). However, while business development may appeal to people who have a knack for entrepreneurship, it is not exclusively for them; therefore, if you find a startup, small business, or large corporation and you think you can do well, do not take chances.
Information Technology
Globally, information technology is one of the fastest-growing industries and one that accommodates youth talents. If during your service year, you have gained skills such as programming, web development, and IT support, then you’ve got a chance at ICT. With the recent increase in e-commerce and fintech companies, there are numerous opportunities open in the industry. Also, from time to time, organizations such as Access Bank give people who have just concluded their NYSC the opportunity to be part of entry-level tech programs. The program is designed to provide recent graduates with the skills and experience needed to pursue a tech career, so, even if you don’t have a skill, you can still apply to be part of the program.
Human Resources
While some human resource jobs may require prior experience, many entry-level positions are designed to provide training and experience for new hires. These positions may involve tasks such as recruiting and onboarding new employees, managing employee benefits, and supporting employee development and training programs. If you are looking to try human resources, it requires you to have strong communication and interpersonal skills because many times, you would have to work closely with other people.
Public Relations
If you are looking to do something that will let you express yourself, it could be Public relations. Many of the skills gained during the NYSC program, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, are highly relevant to a career in public relations. Also, skills gained through academic coursework in subjects such as English, journalism, or communication can be applied to public relations work.
How to get a Job after NYSC
If you are on the lookout for any of the jobs listed above, then you need to fix a number of things which include the following:
Pick an interest and master the skill
Would you like to teach? Create content? or manage people? It is important to find something you would love to do first. When you choose something you love, it doesn’t feel like work. It becomes more like doing something you enjoy and are good at. So, before anything else, figure out what gets you excited and eager to learn and master that skill. This is the first point of action.
Volunteer to practice your desired skill
Practice your desired skill by volunteering, this way, you’ll get real hands-on experience. If it’s something new to you, actively search for chances to get involved and start practicing. You hear about a conference? Offer to volunteer. There is an upcoming retreat? Decide to offer your skills willingly. Do it actively for a month or two. Then move to creating an excellent CV.
Create a very good CV/resume
After taking enough time to learn a skill and also volunteer, you must build a CV/resume which will help you to get a job. However, note that you might want to get an internship opportunity first as they serve as stepping stones that can lead to a full-time job. They give you a rich experience in a real work environment, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned and build more skills. Plus, they’re a great way to make connections in your desired industry and potentially secure a permanent position.
Apply for jobs that suit your skills
Emphasis on “jobs that suit your skills” because when you aim for roles that fit what you’re good at, you’re more likely to get the job. These jobs align with your abilities, making it easier for you to excel and enjoy what you do. So, focus on finding opportunities that really fit what you’re great at and passionate about. Everyone wants to enjoy the job that they do and it starts like this – doing what you know how to do and not just fitting into what seems available.
Tell people about your need for a job
Start from where you just concluded your Nysc. If you think there is an opening that can take in someone with the skills you use, tender an application letter to the appropriate department. Also, you can share this information with your network—friends, family, former colleagues, or mentors. Don’t keep to yourself if you really need a job.
While stating all of these necessary actions to take, don’t think that you have to wait till after your service year before you start to make a move. If you’re interested in securing a job or setting yourself up for success post-NYSC, you can start making moves even while serving.
Consider exploring part-time opportunities, online courses, or skill-building activities during your service year. This strategy can help you build skills, gain experience, and broaden your professional network before officially entering the job market.
