The ongoing ASUU strike in Nigeria is to say the least frustrating. However this may have been a blessing in disguise as it affords undergraduates the opportunity to engage in some positive activities that may boost their chosen career in the future. Average recruiter in Nigeria today has expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of job readiness by a majority of Nigerian graduates. Therefore, the Nigerian undergraduate who is currently sitting at home and bemoaning the strike should be asking “How do I acquire necessary competencies and skills which are relevant for wealth creation and the 21st century work environment”.
• Actively seek information
Every undergraduate should become an active seeker and devourer of information. If you do have a habit of reading books (try to form the habit) then spend as many hours on active search engines or information sites on the internet reading articles, opinion blogs, as well as local or foreign news and knowledge trend discussions. Equally students should try to read daily newspapers, paying keen attention to the business sections containing sector reviews and analysis. Through the habit of seeking information, you will discover hidden opportunities (internships, contests, free training, scholarships etc.) & shifting business trends.
• Acquire a new skill
This piece of advice includes but is not limited to lower skills. Skills like hat making, tailoring, bead making, baking, hall decoration for events, make-up, photography etc. because these are huge revenue-spinning activities which individual can build on. Also higher skills like personnel management, project mgt., HR mgt. 2nd language can also be acquired. New ICT skills can also be relevant.
• Engage as a volunteer/intern
Undergraduates should readily volunteer their services within organizations that will in turn serve as a platform for experiential work place learning. Not only will this provide early workplace experience and skills but in addition such an activity will give the CV leverage & create an edge over the rest of the labour market competitors.
• Initiate social change solutions
One of the easiest and fastest ways to create impact is by solving immediate social needs within your host community. Undergraduates can come together within their communities and form collaborations to solve existing social challenges. Through such collaborations many undergraduates who are idling away at home can begin to tackle a host of social problems using sustainable business models for their host communities.
• Engage in ongoing competitions or research assistance
For the young undergraduates there are numerous creative writing & essay competitions on various subjects ranging from Science to the arts as well as biz plan and enterprise competitions, both local & international. Irrespective of whether or not the individual wins such competitions (which could result in financial rewards, national acknowledgement & media recognition) he would have been exposed to new knowledge on a wide array of subjects through the research involved in the preparatory stages of such competitions. Furthermore, students with strong academic profiles can offer their services as research assistants to their lecturers who might currently be pursuing independent research for journal or self- publication.
Meanwhile apply for this essay competition for undergraduates at http://bestlegacy1..com

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