Congratulations! You made it through! For at least eighteen years, it was blood sweat and tears as you moved from one level of education to the next. And now, you can finally stop worrying about being up in the middle of the night, reading for an exam.

For Pascal Yankurije who hails from the district of Nyamagabe, four years at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) seemed like an unending journey.  

"I’m very excited to be completing my studies,” he says before adding, "I had never lived in Kigali before. I had difficulties finding my way around at first and I had no friends here.”

Upon completing the final year at the university, everybody shares the same sentiments as Yankurije. It always feels as though the worst is behind you.

DOs and DON’Ts

The bad news is that worst isn’t actually behind you because life is going to get tougher now. You are likely to be stripped of almost everything that you have been accustomed to; pocket money, decent meals at cheap prices, seeing your friends as often as you like among others. Worse still, the journey from here to when you finally become a proud member of the workforce is no bed of roses. 

The good news is, you are not the first person to arrive at this stage in life. So you won’t find yourself walking down a path that has not previously been trodden on. So here are a few guidelines to help you as you begin your journey.

Look before you leap 

Yes, you are eager to finally stop depending on someone to provide your ‘daily bread’ but before you rush into job-hunting, carefully evaluate and decide the direction that you want to take in regard to your career. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a career path that you would not have wanted to take. Someone wise once said, "Ask yourself if what you are going to do today will get you closer to what you want to do tomorrow.”

It’s also very important to acquire information about the company in which you are applying. Judith Muhongerwa, the head of Human Resources at I&M Bank, says: "The most common mistake that applicants make is not making an effort to research about the company. Every application letter should revolve around the vision and mission of the organization. So should the answers that you give during an interview.”

Do not follow the crowd

Albert Einstein, a renowned physicist, said: "The woman who follows the crowd will go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.” This wise quote applies to the men too. It may only seem sensible to apply for jobs in companies where most of the people you know are working or are planning to work but this may derail your career plans. This is your time to shine. This is the time to use your passion in life to make your impact in the world and make your presence felt. 

Apply yourself and think outside the box 

I guess you know by now that where you are headed is cutthroat environment. To thrive, you ought to give your very best. So, get out of your comfort zone, interact with people and let them see you. Take time to think of a great idea that the company of your interest might find brilliant or better yet, think of an idea that you might use to make income. Like Andrew Murphy, an author, said: "You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.”

No opportunity is too small 

Of course, earning a decent salary is vital. One of the reasons why you went to school is because you believed that it would give you an opportunity to make a decent life for yourself. But know that everything has a beginning and that the beginning is never easy. Thomas Edison who is famous for inventing the electric bulb said: "Opportunity is missed by people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” 

Do not sit around waiting for a job opportunity that promises a big paycheque. If you get an opportunity, however demeaning it may seem for a graduate, take it; it could be the stepping stone for your dream job.

Do not stop learning 

School is over for some of you and yes, you ought to pat yourself on the back for having gone this far. But beware that the learning process goes on until the end of your lifetime. Read a book, a newspaper, go to the Internet and exercise your curiosity, go to seminars…whatever you do, keep your mind open to new ideas. Be ready to learn and unlearn. It will do wonders for you.

During the Wharton India Economic Forum in Philadelphia, Abdul Kalam, who was the president of India, at the time was requested to say something about knowledge and he said: "Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, and knowledge makes you great.”

Decisions...decisions

Live at home or rent?

Now that the sun has set on your life as a student, the world is at your feet and there are decisions to be made. One of the most crucial decisions is where you are going to live. Most times, the choice lies between moving back home and finding a house to rent.

Yankurije says: "I cannot go back home. I will not be able to find the opportunities that are in Kigali.” 

Before you make any decision, be sure to think about the following questions as they are important: Is it economically viable for you to stay in that place? Are you easily able to access information about the available opportunities? Can you get in touch with someone who has the ability to provide you with the help you may require?

Samuel Rugambwa, a lawyer, had this to say, "When I finished my Bachelor’s degree, I decided to live with two of my friends and this made it easy for us to get a house that was decent, affordable and close enough to the city centre.”

Look for a job or become self-employed?

According to Stephen Ndugutse, a businessman, starting a business is always risky and hard. "If you do not have patience, you will easily give up. If you start it in a wrong place, it will fail.” Ndugutse warns. 

Being a self-starter can get you to great heights but do not rush into a business venture without making adequate research about it. The Internet is rich in information and there are many business books that can provide you with the answers you might need. You could also interact with people who are successful in your area of interest in order to gain a good insight on what you require to begin. 

If you choose to look for employment, follow your passion. It is true that money is a very powerful substance. However, it should not be your driving force at the beginning of your career. It is easier to succeed while doing something you love. However, be ready to work hard at achieving your dream because it will not be handed to you on a silver platter.

Go for further studies or look for work experience?

Muhongerwa says: "Gaining experience is important because education may not provide you with the practical skills that are applicable in a particular workplace. Moreover, learning can be done any time because it is a process that has no end. ”

If you fail to find a job, do not sit around but try to use other means to gain work experience. Different organizations have internship opportunities and voluntary work. These opportunities may not offer you the kind of remuneration that you would like to have but you will learn a lot. Further studies can boost your career but they do not provide you with the hands on skills that are applicable in a work place.

Stay informed, stay connected

There are different avenues through which you can get information about available opportunities; newspapers, the Internet, television and through people who are employed in different companies. Even better, there are companies whose sole purpose of existence is to help people find jobs.

For instance, Kigali Employment Services Centre (KESC), a government initiative, was launched last year in May with the purpose of providing a link between employers and job seekers.

To this end, a database containing the certificates, curriculum vitae and identity cards of job seekers was created. Whenever employers post job vacancies, KESC goes through the database to find people who qualify for the available opportunities, inform them and make an effort to prepare them for the interviews.

Martin Bisomana, the Public Relations Officer of KESC, revealed to Education Times that so far, one hundred and seven people have got jobs using their services. 

KESC also offers job search strategy trainings, basic IT skills and entrepreneurial skills among the other services. Thus, it’s an avenue worth considering.

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YOUR VIEWS ON COPING AFTER UNIVERSITY

Darius Murangwa, PRO University of Rwanda While studying, your mind is all set on getting that good job but the blue print is not within your control. Even for a fresh graduate, employers will want some bit of experience. I don’t know why students have a negative attitude towards volunteering yet it is one way to beef up the working experience.

Joseph Iyakareme, deputy dean of students, School of Education - University of RwandaThe university prepares students for life outside campus but unemployment still remains a very big challenge. We equip students. with various skills and also send them to do internship but the fact that the students still come back to us for recommendations is indicative of the competition in the job market.

Immaculate Ingabire, graduateI personally believe that finishing school is not all about getting employed. These days you have to do whatever comes your way. Otherwise you might wait until the resurrection of the dead to get that big job. For instance I’m surviving on marketing although I don’t love it. But what is important is that it gets my bills paid. 

Lewis Murenzi, teacherWhen I finished my studies, I started growing Irish potatoes, beans and cabbages in the backyard at home as I looked for a job. This paid off because I got money from selling the produce. That is why I had few challenges as far as upkeep was concerned.

Elvis Nzabarora, businessman 

It’s not only an office job that can help you survive. There are some people with small businesses who struggle less than the office people to make ends meet. The whole idea is about being innovative and having a plan B in life. Obviously not everyone likes thinking but it’s a culture that must be developed among students.