Isn't Education a Scam - let's talk

 Living a balanced life - series, ep.1

Career, Academics, Finance, Relationship and Faith

Some will say school is a scam. This statement was not taken out of the blues. It is as a result of the national experience on rising unemployment rates amongst graduates. So, let's tackle this: is schooling really a scam?

I will let you know that education is a phase of life meant to prepare us for the outside world. It is not a destination rather it's a journey.

In job applications, we see companies and organisations such as Commercial Banks telling applicants that if you are not up to 24 years don't even bother applying, yet you must have at least 3 years experience in a particular field and if you don't have at least a second class in your first degree, don't bother applying as well.

I wish to let you know this - a fact I wish I had known 5 years ago during my undergrads; Schooling may not guarantee your mountain top, but neither does mediocrity. Thus, you must put in your best at your academics.

 Organisations also say this when advertising jobs: the entry positions are for first class and second class upper graduates. If you have a second class lower, we can consider employing you as an intern, working under those who graduated with better grades, and after 2 years you will have to seat for an exam or screening exercise to reconsider you as an entry staff like others.

So, it's really tough for those that don't graduate with good grades.

Education is important and graduating with good grades cannot be underestimated.

With my experience in the business administrative sphere, I have identified four things that are paramount in selecting and recruiting workforce.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Competence.

Really, schooling, as it were in the average African institution, prepares us for just one of four; which is just 25% margin.

 But getting a high pass of that 25% is a leverage in the labour market.

In your schooling days, there're lots of opportunities you can harness to boost your skills and competence - get involved in volunteering, participate in relevant associations, start a business, undergo internship in your specialized field, lead a team - all these accumulate into your experience.

Learn relevant skills, and I will like to reiterate 'relevant.'. It's not enough to have a CV full of skill-lists yet of less use to the company you are seeking to apply to. A quick search on linkedin jobs will show you a list of jobs and their requirements. [PS: If you don't have a LinkedIn account yet, please do]. Soft skills are essential as well, consciously hone them. 

Harness your holidays and weekends to work on your future. Don't settle for less, there's more to life.

I will like to hear from you in the comment section- how has this touched you, and what's your take : is education a scam?