Corp Members: After NYSC, What Next?
Corp Members |
The NYSC
scheme is a failed project. The only thing I see that it has achieved is
cultural integration, but not in every part of the country, not with the Jos
crisis in which innocent corps members lost their lives. Many may argue in
favour of the scheme but the cons far outweigh the pros.
My experience was not too good. I majored in Chemical engineering, did very well in the university and was hoping to use the scheme as an opportunity to gain experience in the industry. But this did not materialise as I was posted to a state in the West to teach in a government secondary school-for one year. Now, someone may say "yeah, that's the whole idea of the selfless service" but I wish employers of labour understood that. In my field where experience in the industry is a major factor in recruiting staff, you can bet that the "selfless service" teaching experience don't mean jack. In the US, you graduate from college and get to work immediately. That way, you still get to remember most of what you learnt as an undergraduate and can apply it on the job.
In Nigeria, the case is different. If you do not consciously and consistently refresh your memory and broaden your understanding about ongoings in your field, you can be sure that 50% of what you knew back then would have evaporated during the course of "selfless service" to your country Nigeria who does not give a hoot about you. So to what purpose and end has the scheme really served? A scheme that gulps N 34 billion yearly and is not productive? Our leaders need to have a rethink about the whole NYSC stuff. Either re-brand it or scrap it, period!
To serving corps members, I will advise you look beyond. If you did well in school, then your service year is the time to scout for scholarships for an advanced degree and apply. Also network. Many of the guys and gals you met in camp are highly connected. Do not be an island of your own, meet people, exchange contacts and keeps the communication flowing. Your first job might come through that nerdish looking chap or the mouthy babe. Also start applying for jobs 3 months before you finish your service year. Remember old colleagues from your university days who studied the same course with you. Your awareness about most job opportunities in your field will come from that sect.
Also learn to plan and save, no matter how little. It is a good culture that would help you in future is adhered to religiously. Not to forget, your networking must extend to professionals in your field. Attend conferences, seminars and industry meetings organised in your field. It's a great opportunity to meet too dawgs in your profession.
I'm done with the NYSC and I wish you all the very best. And for the randy folks, STDs are real. Use protection, or better still, abstain from sex. Awoof dey run belle.
My experience was not too good. I majored in Chemical engineering, did very well in the university and was hoping to use the scheme as an opportunity to gain experience in the industry. But this did not materialise as I was posted to a state in the West to teach in a government secondary school-for one year. Now, someone may say "yeah, that's the whole idea of the selfless service" but I wish employers of labour understood that. In my field where experience in the industry is a major factor in recruiting staff, you can bet that the "selfless service" teaching experience don't mean jack. In the US, you graduate from college and get to work immediately. That way, you still get to remember most of what you learnt as an undergraduate and can apply it on the job.
In Nigeria, the case is different. If you do not consciously and consistently refresh your memory and broaden your understanding about ongoings in your field, you can be sure that 50% of what you knew back then would have evaporated during the course of "selfless service" to your country Nigeria who does not give a hoot about you. So to what purpose and end has the scheme really served? A scheme that gulps N 34 billion yearly and is not productive? Our leaders need to have a rethink about the whole NYSC stuff. Either re-brand it or scrap it, period!
To serving corps members, I will advise you look beyond. If you did well in school, then your service year is the time to scout for scholarships for an advanced degree and apply. Also network. Many of the guys and gals you met in camp are highly connected. Do not be an island of your own, meet people, exchange contacts and keeps the communication flowing. Your first job might come through that nerdish looking chap or the mouthy babe. Also start applying for jobs 3 months before you finish your service year. Remember old colleagues from your university days who studied the same course with you. Your awareness about most job opportunities in your field will come from that sect.
Also learn to plan and save, no matter how little. It is a good culture that would help you in future is adhered to religiously. Not to forget, your networking must extend to professionals in your field. Attend conferences, seminars and industry meetings organised in your field. It's a great opportunity to meet too dawgs in your profession.
I'm done with the NYSC and I wish you all the very best. And for the randy folks, STDs are real. Use protection, or better still, abstain from sex. Awoof dey run belle.
Post a Comment