Dear counsellor,

I am a fresh graduate with bachelor’s degree in Finance. Currently I am not employed but I have been looking for a job. Unfortunately I have not succeeded yet, what advise can you offer me? 

Jeremiah

There are lots of superficial reasons for being denied a job. Although giving up is an easy option to consider, it is not the right choice. Instead persistence and diversification of effort is crucial to finding a job. Think carefully about the opportunities you are pursuing as well as possible obstacles that could be hindering you from this dream job. Do you have the right skills? Do you present yourself well to the interview panel? Is your CV convincingly attractive? If not, you must realize that you are competing against hundreds or thousands of other applicants who are probably better than you in many aspects related to the job specification.

Having a job gives a person some value and to a person with a working mind-set, it is usually easier to get a better job if you have a simple one first. However simple your first job may be, it increases your chances of exposure, helps you develop personal relationships and connections with people in the field you want to be and go to conventions. Engaging in conferences and career fairs improves networking. Secondly, think about people who can help you such as professors, former classmates, neighbors, relatives and friends. You never know who in your network may hold a promising opportunity. Don’t be hesitant to send them a message or take them out for coffee and ask respectfully.

Building your own brand is a critical step towards securing a job. Branding yourself can help people understand your values and objectives quickly with regard to your skills and what you want to do. Keep depositing your smart applications to any career opportunities that come across in the newspapers, internet, radios or TV stations.

Different recruiters may be impressed by your CV and develop an idea of hiring you. It’s also crucial that you find a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that will teach you different skills and give you more experience. Be entrepreneurial and start your own business. There are lots of different businesses that can be generated without using huge amount of capital. Good examples include home-based businesses startups.

Don’t give up.

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YOUR DEBATE:

Emmanuel Barakunda, Football Coach

Don’t take any employment for granted even if it’s far below your expectations. Many graduates tend to despise job opportunities thinking that they don’t suit their standard. This has resulted into many being unemployed. My advice is for you to be flexible and take any job that comes by. After all that is a foundation that will open up more opportunities.

Ronald Collins, Business Student

Experience is required more that anything when it comes to employment. Taking on internship in line with your desired career would help you to gain experience and eventually when seeking for a job, you will have everything they need. It doesn’t matter if you work without pay; your target should be gaining experience to make you competitive on the job market.

Tito Gakire, University Student

As a fresh graduate, you should give job creation a thought. When people leave school they should first study the available market and eventually come up with potential ideas of how to provide what is lacking on market. Concerning funding, there are many institutions ready to fund such resourceful ideas. Job creation should be your goal as you move forward.

Cedric Mfuranzima, University student

Don’t sit while waiting for employment to show up. Attend several trainings going on in line with your field as you carry on employment search. Trainings, conferences and seminars offer plenty of resourceful knowledge and skills that can help you find a desired employment. As a fresh graduate, find out which business/employment trainings that are going on in your areas of study, eventually this will help you .

By Dennis Agaba