Graduate unemployment; the way forward
The nation’s universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions annually churn out a large pool of human resource.
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This is essentially a good thing but the harsh reality is that the job market in our beloved country is relatively small and is not expanding at a faster rate to absorb the large pool of graduates.
It is heartwarming to note that in the face of these realities, some young graduates have ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with little or no capital. The truth is that some fail but many are doing quite well.
Many young graduates have successfully established companies that are breaking even, making profits and offering employment opportunities to scores of others.
It is at this backdrop that I wish to entreat and encourage graduates to begin to consider venturing into entrepreneurship.
It was the famed scientist, Albert Einstein, who once noted, "I am thankful for all those who said no to me. It’s because of them I’m doing it myself."
When companies shut their doors at you, it is perhaps about time you create your own company.
Yes, the funds to start may not be available but you can find a way around this challenge. Research and explore; brainstorm and fine-tune concepts and ideas. Start small and start with what you have. That is how many global brands began.
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Many thriving companies today began in people’s garages, homes, at street joints, on table tops and the likes.
Consider the humble beginnings of these global brands:
The Walt Disney Co. with the highest grossing media conglomerate started in a one-car garage that belonged to Walt Disney’s uncle, Robert Disney.
Apple’s first computers were built in a small garage in Cupertino, California. Google was started in a 2,000 feet Menlo Park garage.
Amazon started in a garage in Bellevue, Washington. Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) was launched in a 12x18 foot garage in the back of the house its founders were renting.
The important thing is to start where you are and with what you have. You may also consider freelancing (in your area of expertise) as a precursor to starting a fully-fledged company.
Take advantage of free advertising sites to promote your products, services or business. Read wide and research as much as you can in the line of business you may be interested in. The Internet will be a helpful tool in this drive.
Admittedly, it can be extremely tough but with a good idea, the requisite skill and knowledge base, a clear set of goals, focus, persistence and hard work, the idea that seemed implausible because of obvious monumental challenges will begin to take shape.
It was Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who once observed, “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”
Consider strategically volunteering your services. Be the best you can become in your chosen field with continuous personal development.
What you may not know is that in volunteering your services (at the beginner stage), you are building credibility, valuable business connections, honing your skills and in a certain sense marketing yourself, business, brand or service.
It is important to note that as a graduate, you possess the mental fortitude, intellectual capacity, varied competences and an inherent ability to accomplish incredibly magnificent feats.
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