Employable Unemployed or Unemployable Unemployed?

In utter disgust, I hear people say, " most of our graduates are unemployable". I don't opine so. Rather, I would say that most of our graduates are employable-at least to a certain degree. But many are unemployable in the better jobs because they do not have the training, background, education, or desire, most importantly, to have better jobs. Its true that they would like to have someone just give them the jobs, whether they are qualified or not. Even me, I would like that. Just like my friend, Dayo, says faith and stupidity are very alike. They have a very slim line between them. So some of our graduates, even though they know they aren't qualified for a job, go ahead to apply for the job. And they begin to feel bad when they are turned down. However, in business and industry, workers must bring in more than they cost in wages and benefits, or the company ultimately goes bankrupt and then no one has a job. It would be foolish of me to pay you 70,000 naira and you're bringing in 65,000 to my company.

A renowned bank in Nigeria had two hundred jobs available, but the bank could not fill all of those jobs out of some twenty thousand applicants. Incredulous, isn't it? The reason: Less than 100 applicants passed the aptitude test which was filled with basic math, English and general knowledge. So who is at fault? Some may say the parents did not discipline them to study; others may say the educational system is no longer functioning in meeting needs; still others may say the government has not subsidized the education of these people enough.

Reality says that ultimately each of us must accept responsibility to acquire the information we need to get the jobs we need to get the jobs we want. For example, for the nearly twenty thousand who could not qualify for one of those well paying jobs at the bank, the solution is to go directly to one of the community colleges and catch up on math and English and listen to the news more. Ask questions about the job you're applying for. Know what's likely to be asked and prepare yourself in that direction. Its true that this move requires initiative and facing some embarrassment, but refusal to deal with the issue is not going to make it any easier or better.

Summarily, if you would like to get a better job, get help. It's amazing what three hours a week for about ten weeks will do to improve your skills, confidence, and self esteem. Do it now- get help and your life will improve.

And as my friends will say, don't forget the God-factor. Pray before you set out on a job quest. See you at the top