Did you earn a university degree so you can find a job

Did you earn a degree in order to find a job?

Do you want to tell me that those sleepless nights and stressful assignments and projects were all so you can get a job?

Most people look down on themselves as graduates who are unemployed. Yes, its degrading not to have a job that gives you a life you want. However, my believe is that people shouldn’t go to college/university because they want a degree that will give them a job. It should be more than that.

There’s an element of self-development and empowerment in getting a higher education qualification.

Of course, education is important. In fact, a degree will give you a leg up in the job market. People with degrees at least stand out from the crowd because of their degrees.

The problem starts when one is looking for a job and can’t find one even if they are a graduate. Things have changed, and the job market is hugely competitive.

I just want to bring out the advantages of having a degree. As much as a degree gives career benefits, there are also personal development benefits. I will only highlight a few that I think can work in most people’s favor.

1.       A degree can help build a network of contacts.

Its easier to start a conversation with a like-minded person. Somebody you share something in common with. For example, it’s easier for an accountant to meet and connect with other accountants, because they speak the same jargon, understand accounting concepts and will be easier to start a conversation and learn something from each other.

I’m not sure how many people have explored this option.

Sometimes people shy away from meeting other professionals in their industry because they are afraid to be embarrassed as they are unemployed. Yes, I know it can be embarrassing. But I believe this is a time to push forward and not be sorry for yourself. Yes, it’s not easy, I know, but you've got to push yourself.

This is the period when you should be networking, because there are opportunities hidden in meeting other people in your industry. Most employers trust their employees, and once they have a vacancy, they always depend on their employees to refer someone they know. They assume that people you will refer, are like you (your work ethic etc.)

This is the best time to network on LinkedIn, reach out to people, ask favors, and build relationships so that they remember you when they have an opportunity.

If you can’t network in person, at least use LinkedIn as a free tool to network and build contacts in your industry. This will eventually bring opportunities for you.

2.     Critical thinking: 

You learn to think critically through discussions, projects, assignments, and courses you take. I want to believe that as a graduate you should think differently from other people who didn’t attend university. At least they should learn something from you, as they observe how you conduct yourself, how you speak with professionalism, and how you channel your thoughts. People should look up to you and wish to have the transformation they see in you.

3.     Interpersonal skills, communication and problem solving.

We learn through interacting with others. Interaction gives us the opportunity to mature emotionally, and to take constructive criticism positively. We also learn to empathize with others as we grow academically and emotionally.

As you attend professional gatherings, free meetups, free courses and other networking sessions, it improves our intellect and interpersonal relations.

There are so many benefits, but I said I’ll mention a few that one can start applying in their life.

So go out there and meet people in your industry, so that you can relieve the stress of being unemployed and that will definitely boost your confidence a little bit.