POST-SCHOOL COMPETITION: TIPS FOR POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES

CAREER AND MORE

WITH XFIRE ON WEDNESDAY

Xfire is a graduate of one of the notable public universities in Nigeria, with working experience in the FMCG and petroleum industry. He currently works as an engineer in a multinational oil company in Nigeria. He is passionate about guiding people to achieve their dream careers,  and he is known for his pragmatic approach towards career and life issues.

We often ignore polytechnic education in our scheme of things in Nigeria. Career write-ups and articles focus more frequently on varsity students and graduates. Even companies tend to pay more attention to university graduates in their recruitment and career drive. But the role of the polytechnic education cannot be ignored. Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology were officially established in Nigeria to produce middle level technical manpower needed for industrial and technological development of the country. But the scope of polytechnic education seems to have broadened over time as they now offer business-related courses. Additionally, the system is apparently more theoretically focused than before, due to the decrepit state of facilities in most public institutions of higher learning in Nigeria. This must have fuelled the recent agitation that products of polytechnics be given equal status with their university counterparts. The federal government once contemplated converting all polytechnics to universities but later dropped the idea (in 2006).

However, the goal of this write-up is not to join in the debate on the equality or otherwise of graduates of both institutions. The intention is to provide some basic guides to polytechnic students and graduates who wish to achieve their career desires.

1. Do away with inferiority complex and comparison – Inferiority complex won’t get you anywhere. It can only give room for bitterness and regret. The foundation of underachievement is unbelief and doubt. I have also met some really sound polytechnic students and products. I know at least 3 OND students who crossed over to the university to start afresh and finished with first class degrees, topping their individual classes. In the same way, there is no need for comparison between graduates of the two unique institution. The more you compare yourself with others, the less your resolve to succeed. make up your mind to succeed irrespective of your HND certificate. Believe in yourself. Winning the battle of the mind. That’s the first step.

2. Get good grades, both in OND and HND – An advantage of the polytechnic education is that their sudents get to acquire 2 certificates over the course of their studies. Getting good grades in both OND and HND is helpful for a number of reasons. 1) It’s easier to cross to a university with a good grade in OND. Most universities do not accept grades lower than an Upper Credit. 2) You can work with any of the certificates. I have seen people who earn well, especially in the oil/gas and manufacturing sectors just with the OND certificate, while they continue schooling as they work. 3) Many companies demand good grades as part of their key requirements for recrutiment. As a matter of fact, I have seen some vacancies that require a minimum of HND (distinction) or BSc (2.1). Good grades can brighten your chances of landing a good job. Oil companies usually recruit OND and HND holders with a minimum upper credit.

3. Use your period of industrial attachment wisely – This is another amazing benefit of the polytechnic education. You are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience as you are given a total of 16 months of internship – 4 months in ND 1 and 12 months after ND 2. Do not idle away at home during this period. Aggressively pursue industrial training (IT) opportunities. This is a chance to gain value-adding industrial or organizational experience. The labour market values relevant industrial experience and your internship is one way you can acquire that. Furthermore, you may be exposed new skills that may further enhance your employability.

4. Do a relevant professional course – There are a few professional courses that you can enroll for as you study in school. Don’t wait till you graduate. A relevant professional course, complemented by a good grade and 12-16 months of relevant internship experience will place you in a very good position in the labour market and in any industry you find yourself.

5. Plan for a PGD and Masters as soon as you can – No need wasting much time. Go for a PGD as well as a Masters degree as early as possible. Acquiring a masters degree from a reputable university can significantly reduce the effect of any perceived disparity. And in some organizations, getting a PGD will automatically mean that you can aim for the highest level your BSc counterpart can reach.

6. Distinguish yourself – The reality is that the society tends to favour BSc holders over their HND counterpart. This means that to excel in a system largely dominated by BSc holders, you always have to prove yourself beyond reasonable doubt. This means that you cannot afford to be a mediocre person. Build a culture of excellence in everything you do and know – in your area of expertise and in soft skills.

7. Learn new skills, be patient – Make yourself marketable. Continually and patiently develop yourself by acquiring relevant skills before and after graduation. As you patiently await a breakthrough in the labour market, engage yourself in activities or trainings that can add valuable skill sets to your resume. Skill acquisition can also help in self-employment.