If you are relocating abroad, whether to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Germany, or anywhere else, it is important to have something going on for you – a skill. Of course, some people get a job abroad, so they are leaving Nigeria. What about people who are going there to be students or on some other different basis? They also need a job. If you fall into this category, it is important to have a skill you can offer and make money in return. There is no need to panic if you don’t have one because you can start learning right away if you still have time on your hands. 

Planning to Japa? Check out these skills 

Your Japa dreams are valid and we are rooting for you. However, make sure you have at least one of these skills before you leave:  

Driving

You don’t even need a degree to get a driving job abroad but, you have to pass the driving test and have a driver’s license. You can drive a cab or a truck as long as you have the skill. With this skill, you can apply to companies that run delivery services and be paid accordingly. According to research, an average driver in the UK earns about £15 per hour while a driver in Canada goes home with $22 per hour.

Hairdressing/Barbing

It doesn’t matter if you have a career, a side hustle helps you to get the extra cash you need while you are abroad. So, if you know how to make or barb hair, get better at it, and learn more styles and methods. But, if you do not have a skill and it looks like you may want to dress people’s hair, learn it before you leave the country. 

You will be doing yourself a lot of good when you start to monetize the skill you learned. 

Nail Tech

Never underestimate how much people will love to get their nails done. A lot of people, especially women, love to pamper themselves, making a skilled nail technician highly needed. If you offer excellent nail services, then you can make more money to complement the other remunerations you get elsewhere. While a nail technician in Canada earns about $19 per hour, a nail technician working in the UK earns £11.5 in one hour. 

Graphics Design

Graphics design is a lucrative skill here in Nigeria and it’s the same abroad. Per information obtained from Glassdoor,  Graphic Designers in the UK earn an annual salary of between £28,000 and £44,000, in Canada, the average annual salary is $55,000, and $58,000 in the United States. So, if you think there is a need to hone your graphic design skills, get to it before your relocation finally works. 

Photography

Learning photography as a skill to be used abroad doesn’t necessarily have to be for event photography, you can also be a product photographer.  Product photographers create high-quality images for products that should make it to websites or other parts of the internet. Photography is a valuable and versatile skill that can help you to get opportunities that can last a long time. In the UK, the US, and Canada, the average annual salary of photographers per hour is £14, $19, and $21 respectively. 

Content Creation

If you are creative enough to know how to compile engaging content and make it useful for a cause, you can find opportunities that request you to blog, produce videos for social media platforms, discuss certain topics on podcasts, and create articles and web content. Also, considering that most organizations now use content creation for their marketing, your skill will come in handy. While content creators in the UK earn £30,000 per year, the ones in the United States earn an annual salary of $55,000. 

Cinematography/Video Making

Knowing how to make good videos means that you can never really get stranded financially when you relocate abroad. There are organizations that you can apply to; however, in the meantime, continue to improve your skills as this can give you an edge over other applicants who may be looking for the opportunity to work abroad with the same skill. Cinematographers in the United Kingdom earn between £33,000 – £50,000 per year while the ones in the US earn between $57,000 – $101,000/year. 

Web Development 

Even the smallest businesses now direct their customers to visit a website to make a purchase. If you have a thing for coding but you are yet to make a move even while preparing to relocate abroad, you can start learning now.  Web development is a lucrative skill and you can earn up to $67,000/year if you live in Canada, $88,000/year if you live in the US, and $43,000 if you live in the UK. 

Makeup Artistry

As a makeup artist, you can connect with various clients abroad who tend to need a makeover from time to time. This involves the party rockers, public speakers, models, and other people who may need your services more often. If you already have the skill but feel the need to brush it up, do not hesitate. Makeup artists may not have a specific salary because they are paid based on sessions and the type of glam. However, they are still paid very well for their craft. 

Baking

The good thing about baking, unlike some other skills, is that you can learn it quickly if you set your heart to it. So, if you do not have a skill at all and equally do not have much time on your hands until you relocate, learn how to bake all types of food – from cakes to bread to cookies, pastries, and more.  

Having plans to relocate is good but having skills to relocate with is much better. Also, offering most of these skills comes with so much flexibility because you can work from home. 

Why You Should Learn Practical Skills from Nigeria

As a Nigerian planning to travel abroad, acquiring hand skills or technical skills before your journey is crucial. Let’s look into why this is essential:

Cultural Immersion

Learning hand skills and tech skills from Nigeria allows you to experience firsthand the rich cultural heritage of the country. Nigeria has a long history of traditional craftsmanship, with techniques passed down from generation to generation. By learning these skills in Nigeria, you will have the opportunity to learn directly from master artisans and craftsmen who have dedicated their lives to preserving these traditional techniques. This immersive experience can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Nigerian culture, allowing you to not only learn the skills but also gain insight into the values, beliefs, and traditions that underpin them.

Cost-Effectiveness

Learning hand skills and tech skills in Nigeria can be a more affordable option compared to studying abroad. The cost of education, accommodation, and living expenses in Nigeria is generally lower than in many Western countries, making it a cost-effective choice for acquiring new skills. Additionally, learning these skills locally eliminates the need for expensive international travel and accommodation costs, making it a more accessible option for individuals on a budget.

Authenticity

The authenticity of learning hand skills and tech skills from Nigeria lies in the fact that you are learning from experts who have a deep-rooted connection to the country’s cultural heritage. These craftsmen and technicians have honed their skills over years of practice, often using traditional methods and materials that have been passed down through generations. By learning from these experienced practitioners, you are not only gaining technical expertise but also insights into the cultural significance and historical context of these skills, adding a layer of authenticity and depth to your learning experience.

Employability

Acquiring hand skills and tech skills from Nigeria can enhance your employability in a competitive global job market. Employers value candidates with diverse skills and experiences, and learning from Nigeria can set you apart from other candidates. The unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology that you gain from learning in Nigeria can make you a well-rounded and versatile professional, capable of adapting to various work environments and industry demands. Additionally, having experience in an international setting demonstrates cultural awareness, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, all of which are highly attractive qualities to potential employers.

Survival and Independence

Survival and independence are crucial aspects of thriving in an overseas environment, especially for Nigerians. It is important to work hard and smart to navigate the challenges that may arise in a foreign country. By having practical skills, individuals can achieve a sense of independence and self-reliance, reducing the need to depend solely on others for basic services. This independence can also lead to a greater sense of empowerment and autonomy.

Personal growth

Another important aspect of living overseas is personal growth. The experience of learning new skills in a different environment can be transformative and enriching. It challenges individuals to adapt to new circumstances, learn new things, and ultimately grow as a person. By pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and broadening their horizons, individuals can develop a greater sense of resilience, adaptability, and open-mindedness. Overall, the journey of personal growth in an overseas setting can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around them.