By: Ibikunle Sodeeq Opeyemi
School life is one of the most memorable and relaxing times in one’s life, you enjoy that period tension-free and just go with the flow. However, what happens after our school life ends? We are taught about all the equation and numerical, but we are not prepared for life after school. Your parents won’t make you feel like a visitor in your house because you are waking up by 11 am while your mates are at the office. They’d probably only expect good results and give accolades. They understand that their investment isn’t ripe yet, so they will wait.
But what happens after it’s over, and you have to face the “real world” as a graduate? What do you do then? You honestly don’t have all the answers. For the most part, you will have to sit down and decide what your next steps will be. Will you go for NYSC? Get an internship? Go get a Master’s degree? Stay home for three months and relearn how to breathe? I think it is in this “deciding” that many people worry and sometimes make the wrong decision.
Well, life after school requires a more practical approach. It is the most crucial time of your life which will determine your future. We must be prepared beforehand so that life after school will become full of comfort for you. The most important thing is to set realistic goals and build a career.
Navigating the transition from student to professional can be a challenging but ultimately a rewarding journey. As you stand at the threshold of this significant milestone, the world beyond The Polytechnic, Ibadan walls may seem daunting, full of unknowns and uncertainties yet, it is precisely this uncharted territory that holds the promise of growth, exploration, and transformation. Your next chapter awaits you, filled with opportunities to discover new passions, build meaningful connections, and craft a career that reflects your values and aspirations. The question is, are you ready to embrace the unknown and write the next chapter of your life with purpose, resilience, and courage? Navigate the transition from student to professional, and unlock your full potential in the world beyond graduation.
To unlock your full potential, it's essential to recognize that this transition is not just about finding a job, but about discovering your passion, developing your skills, and pursuing a fulfilling career. Start by setting clear goals and creating a plan to achieve them. Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in your field, and don't be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Embrace lifelong learning and stay adaptable to changes in your industry. Most importantly, remember to celebrate your successes and learn from your failures, as these experiences will shape you into the professional you were meant to be.
Also don't limit yourself by this "I don't have what it takes to succeed in this industry."
This limiting belief undermines your confidence, suggesting that you lack the skills or worthiness for career advancement. It often stems from unfair comparison and self-doubt.
I hope it helps ease your anxiety, as well the present could be confusing and scary, and you might even feel like an athlete on the tracks tying their shoelaces while the whistle has been blown, especially when everyone around you is obsessed with the question: “What’s next?” But by trusting yourself, you will figure something out along the way.
And finally, a quote:
Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X.
I am rooting for you, near-graduate.
See you next week!