As I held my hard-earned university degree in my hands, a rush of emotions overcame me. The past few years had been a whirlwind—filled with new challenges as well as opportunities for growth, friendships, and discovering my passions.
Late nights in the library, early mornings in the lab, and inspiring lectures equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills.
However, the future felt both thrilling and terrifying. Like many of my peers, pressure loomed to get ahead and start earning as soon as possible.
Employment seemed scarce, and it was unclear what kind of job I might find or whether I’d find one at all. The road ahead was filled with unknowns, and taking any opportunity that came along could have seemed appealing, just for independence and stability.
Nevertheless, I’ve learned that investing in yourself first is how you best position yourself to navigate the challenges and find work you love. Although the path is unclear, here are some lessons I’ve learned so far:
Look Within
When external pressures mount, it’s easy to meet others’ expectations rather than listen to yourself. But reflect on what ignited your passion during your studies. What problems do you aspire to help solve? What issues matter most to you? Your strengths, values, and motivations are yours alone, so nurture them as your compass over chasing job prospects. For me, expanding access to education and skills development for youth is deeply motivating. Your inner compass will point to a unique set of motivations, though.
Grow Constantly
While your degree shows how much you’ve learned, keep learning to stay adaptable. Read widely, take free online courses, and volunteer or intern to apply your skills in real-world contexts.
Develop professional soft skills—like communication, problem-solving, and time management—that are valuable across roles. Stepping outside my comfort zone to take on new challenges has been vital for expanding my competence and confidence in professional environments.
Continuous self-improvement will help you stand out when opportunities arise, even if the path is unclear.
Wellbeing First
When facing rejection, setbacks, or uncertainty, self-care is critical to sustaining your motivation and progressing towards your goals.
Maintain a routine, stay connected to supportive networks, engage in relaxing or rejuvenating activities, and regularly reflect on how far you’ve come. Be patient with yourself and avoid harmful self-criticism.
Your well-being enables you to navigate difficulties and pursue the right path for you, so make it a top priority.
Forge Your Path
Although the road after graduation is filled with unknowns, taking small steps each day towards your vision can help you travel further than you expect. Rather than chasing any opportunity, nurture your inner compass first. However, the need to earn a living is also real. Try not to see self-investment and earning a living as mutually exclusive.
Some suggestions for balancing as a young Nigerian graduate
- Take it one step at a time. Focus on small, manageable steps towards your goals each day rather than feeling overwhelmed by the end goal. Small wins will keep you progressing and motivated.
- Give yourself a timeline. Set deadlines to evaluate your progress, determine the next steps, and reassess priorities. Exploring opportunities for 6–8 months, then reevaluating job prospects, could work. A timeline helps you stay accountable while avoiding feeling rushed.
- Alongside learning, look for income opportunities. Part-time work, freelancing, or other opportunities that align with your strengths and values may generate income sooner while still allowing you to learn and grow towards long-term goals.
- Leverage free or low-cost resources. Limit costs where possible to reduce financial pressure. Many free resources can help you learn, grow, and find the right path for you.
Overall, with an ongoing effort to balance self-investment and earning a living, you can feel more focused and less overwhelmed.
Explore ways to sustain yourself financially while still prioritising learning and growth. Be patient with yourself and reach out for help when needed. With time and support, you can work towards an approach aligned with your vision.
While the future is unwritten, keep taking small steps each day towards what motivates you. With hard work and the courage to forge your path, you can overcome obstacles and build a life on your terms. Believe in yourself and keep going.
Do you have a success story to share with us? Leave it in the comment section below.
