Lately, it has been raining graduations in Nigerian Universities, which means several Nigerian graduates are looking forward to the next thing for them. If you fall into this category, we see you and we know how you feel, especially when you don’t know what your next line of action is. You are probably seeing people who already know what to do and how to do it and the pressure is getting to you, relax. If you just wrote your final exams and free from school work, these tips may be helpful.
Take a well-deserved break
You must have spent weeks writing exams and working on your project. When all of these are over, take a long break – whatever number of days that you think you need to get refreshed. It could be a month or two; however, be sure you are getting what you need for your break and that you are enjoying it to the fullest. The essence of this break is to help you get your head and mind restored for a new journey ahead. Even during your break, you can get bits of ideas on something that can work which is why “taking a break” will always be the first step.
Think of the many things you are good at
You are not without any good stuff, so think of the things you can do well. They might have been considered hobbies, but you will most likely find a path with them. If you love to talk and most of the time, you make sense, you could consider storytelling or content creation. If you know how to stitch words together such that they attract people, you can swerve towards content marketing too. The point is, there is something interesting about you and if you follow it closely by learning it as a skill, you may be on to something.
Read Also: These are six valuable skills you won’t be taught in school
No pressure, but start something
When you have seen the things that you are good at doing, shoot! Are you going to be saying a couple of things people might find useful? Start right away. Will you be writing on some blogs, publishing, and sharing on your social media platforms? Don’t hesitate. There are other people who have gone far ahead doing the same thing you want to start doing but never let the pressure get to you. Currently, see it as though you are not in competition with anyone because the only thing you are trying to do at the moment is build yourself. Fun fact is, even the people you are looking at started like you. So, take it, one step at a time.
Link up with people
This is one hack that many people are yet to get. You have no idea how easy it can be for you to thrive in your career by just knowing some people and feeding off their influence. If you are the type that finds it difficult to meet new people, then you want to leave your comfort zone. Leverage the events happening around you, and attend them with so much intentionality to have a good time, meet people, and discuss. By doing this, you are likely to meet people who do the same thing as you and in the long run, you can be part of a community that helps you to grow. The gist is, never underestimate the power of having people along with you on the journey.
Read Also: See how networking can help you advance in your career
You can’t afford to sleep on social media
Yes, you must be tired of hearing every time that social media gives you the visibility that you need. However, there are still people who still prefer to stay behind the show. This is not advisable for someone who is just starting out with their post-graduation life. You may be doing all of the hard work in your closet but if you want it to pay, put yourself out there. Leverage every one of your social media platforms – WhatsApp, X, Instagram, TikTok. Make sure you are showing up every day because that’s where people will see you more. No one knows where you live and as such, are less concerned with the “Lot” you do in your room. So, bring it all to social media.
Volunteer/Serve
Make sure that during your period of figuring things out, you are also offering to help; it doesn’t matter how much you are paid or even if you are paid at all. Plan to gain as much experience as you need while volunteering in different spaces that relate to your career. Volunteering has worked so much for some people that it was the ladder that helped them up their career hill. You will most likely be looking for paid opportunities which is not even a bad idea but also, do not berate any opportunity that does not offer you as much money as you may have expected. If it looks like a place that can offer you a rich experience, go for it. That’s how best to work your way to the top if you don’t mind.
It happens with very many people, that you don’t know what to do after school. It is even more pressing if you have people around you who have found the way forward. Remember that you are threading a different path and their achievements have no influence on yours. Just like everyone who is currently at the top now, work your way there. Do your best, that’s how much you need to do.
