Career: Choosing a career as a young person. Nigeria as a case study.

 

Being a young Nigerian nowadays can be challenging, especially given the country's unique economic circumstances, such as the foreign currency (FOREX) market, rising petrol prices, etc.

Because of them, it has become more challenging to acquire peace of mind, financial independence, and an achievable objective. Some people who once thought they would continue their education through college are now dropouts with no chance of finishing, while others are unable to enrol in the programme of their choice because they cannot afford private universities, which is their only option because they are unable to withstand the competition for spots at some of the more affordable public universities nearby.

Before picking a career, several considerations are taken into account, especially if that career can help you achieve financial independence. These considerations include things like the following:

·         The demand of graduates of a particular course of study in the labour market

·         The amount of money made in the industry

·         Whether the course of study is a professional course or not

·         The individual’s interest

·         What appears to be simple for the person (Talent), etc.

Before making a decision, these aspects must be carefully investigated with the most recent data. In truth, the young person in question has to be appropriately guided through this crucial stage of life. No teenager should be permitted to decide on their own.

Let's examine each of these elements separately.

The demand of graduates of a particular course of study in the labour market

I believe that this should be given careful consideration because it affects Nigeria's economic structure. If one's parents or guardians are not financially secure enough to give them a financial cushion, they are left with no choice but to give themselves an advantage by enrolling in a course that is in great demand on the local or international job market. This would make it easier for the person to rapidly rise up after finishing their studies.

We shall examine the courses that fall under this category as they relate to Nigeria in my upcoming essay on careers.

The amount of money made in the industry

Some professions have a lot of demand but pay pitifully little. Nigeria's educational system serves as one illustration. Despite being in high demand, school teachers in Nigeria receive little pay. If I say they are among the lowest paid in Nigeria's employment market, I might not be exaggerating.

Therefore, in order to handle the economic issues, it is crucial to take this factor into account. Being employed is not enough; you must also be able to support your fundamental necessities, ambitions, and dreams through your profession.

Whether the course of study is a professional course or not

What makes taking a professional course so crucial?

It is significant because the professional organisation tries to create and steer a favourable environment for that career to prosper. These highly developed professional organisations are able to demand a ransom from the government if necessary. For instance, the medical professional body is one of the most powerful in the entire world, not just in Nigeria. Because they directly affect people's lives, medical professionals are held in high regard. Therefore, you have a better chance of having a successful job if you enrol in a professional course.

The individual’s interest

This is crucial because there have been instances where other elements in real-world situations have been shown to prevail. I am aware of a person who pursued his life's passion instead of completing a professional course in a field of medicine. He received extensive training in medical school prior to this. Another student who was enrolled in school had to pause his studies in order to reapply for another course of interest. He was undoubtedly coerced or under duress to complete the first course.

It is crucial to emphasise that we do not push these young undergraduates against their interests in an effort to help them choose a successful job. Let's avoid generating new issues while attempting to address old ones. By all measures, their interests should be safeguarded.

What appears to be simple for the person (Talent)

This element is very similar to the one before it. We find certain things easier to do than others. While others moan about how difficult numbers may be, other people appear to find maths to be simple.

This comfort could increase, spark, or have an impact on interest in that profession or field of study. People frequently pursue their talents. This might be the result of performance effectiveness or an irrational interest. It would be quite simple to achieve a lot of gain by directing the person in that direction.

In general, one should strive so hard to fulfil their dreams as opposed to accepting what is offered because, most of the time, what is offered is not always advantageous. So, in order to achieve one's specific desire or objective, a high level of discipline should be ingrained. To help these young people make wise decisions, parents and mentors should be available.