I understand the excitement that goes with passing out of service. In fact, you are so excited, you want the whole world to know. A lot of people show this by sharing their POP pictures and NYSC Certificates on social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BBM etc. You won't have to go for the CDS again, no more khaki trousers, no more of those heavy orange boots, and for some, no more issues with your LI and so on and so forth. You just can't wait to pick your NYSC Certificate and run!. The Big question is, run to where?
The truth is, it's tougher out there in the Nigerian Labour Market. Ask your seniors.
As a Corper, at least you had a monthly income. But after POP, if not retained at your work place, many of you will go incomeless (if there's a word like that) and hop into the world of job search.
The bad news is: Nobody really cares about you. It's cold and rough out there and that's not funny.
The good news? I care in my own little way. Consequently, I've compiled 7 tips to guide you in this process.
1) Exchange Contacts with Others and keep in Touch:
It's very common for most of us to get so drowned in the excitement of passing out. During your POP, don't just pout your lips and take selfies with your supposed Corper friends. Exchange phone numbers, emails, BB Pins with them and keep in touch afterwards. This way you can know what is going on in their lives and vice versa.
2) Create a Professional Profile:
I've come to realize that a lot of fresh graduates today underestimate the importance of a professionally drafted profile. Prepare a good CV and Cover Letter and keep them handy. Always have a copy in your mail box and if possible in your phone. You never can tell where they will be needed. You don't want to lose that mouth watering job in an Oil Company in Lagos just because you couldn't provide your CV when needed.
3) Relocate to Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt:
Programme Officer (Resource Mobilization and Partnerships) at Oando Foundation
Workshop Manager at Redline Automobile Service
Chemical Engineer - Sulfuric Acid Plant at African Industries Group (AIG)
Network Optimization Engineer at Airtel Nigeria
Field Operator III at Nautilus Nigeria Engineering and Construction Limited (NNEC)
Personal Assistant at Ocean Tide Global
Quality Control Engineer - Insulation at Amaiden Energy Nigeria Limited
Sales Manager at Penwills Autos
Human Resources Manager at Malaria Consortium
Risk and Quality Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria
Compliance and Regulatory Manager at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc
Head of Operations at Jubilee-Life Mortgage Bank Plc
Sales and Marketing Manager at WhiteSpace Services Limited
Advocacy and Campaign Officer at Plan International
Administrative Officer at WhiteSpace Services Limited
Account Officer at Centaur Pharmaceuticals
Massive Recruitment at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)