When we went for NYSC while most of us were busy running around doing the normal NYSC stuff and hoping to be employed by money bag companies thereafter, my friend who studied Agric Econs went to a village in Ibadan and leased a few acres of land, mobilised some local labourers and  planted cassava and maize on it. By the time we finished NYSC he sold everything and made close to N1m. This was a business he invested not more than 100k. He went back to PH and started transportation business with the money he realised and today he is a self made man.

The point is, he is not at any disadvantage studying Agric Econs. After all, most Med.Lab grads end up doing routine jobs in private hospitals; running lab test etc. To keep his options open and still remain relevant in the ever dynamic job market most of us here suggested he takes certification courses in any area he considers necessary; Accounting, IT etc

^^^

It applies till tomorrow. The emphasis has shifted from what you studied to the grade you graduated with, at least at entry level. There is nothing wrong with Agric Economics and i see no edge a graduate of Med.Lab has over a grad of Agric Econs. In most unis (mine included) Agric Econs is a 5 yr course, same as in Med.Lab.So, what's the point gambling with the opportunity he already have?

I have two people, one studied Agric Engineering and the other Agric Econs. Both are doing very fine now. Just as T22 pointed out, how sure are we he would be offered Med.Lab should he retake Jamb taking into consideration that about 1.2million Nigerian youth write Jamb yearly and only about 20-30 % gain admission.

If i am to suggest, just as i did before, i would advise he goes for Agric Econs. Agric Econs uses economic principles and theories in the mgt of crop production, crop yields and livestock mgt. That means that someone who studied Agric Econs can confidently stand on his own after school, especially in the face of current unemployment. In fact, my friend made a lot of money while still in school rearing pigs and fishes. He became friends and business partners to most of the big pepper soup joints in town selling fishes. So, your bros will always be safe whether in the co operate world or as an entrepreneur.

Also, Agric Econs is just applied Economics. He will still take take some Econs and Business courses in addition to other science courses. In my third yr Agric Econs, Statistics and computer sc students all took our Introductory Econometrics courses. Even though most of them didnt quite grab most of the concepts but the overall idea will be retained.

So, let your bros grab this opportunity. His future is not by any means ruined.

T22 has offered a good advise. It also depends on the interest of your bros. He might end up falling in love with the course and decide to take it up to the Ph.D level.

Another area might be to go the I.T way. He could learn programming, networking etc and get certified before concluding his programme.

Also, at entry level what you studied in most cases don't matter. Let him take the course and watch how far it goes in the next two yrs and then decide what is good for himself.

^^^
I am just seeing your response now. I think economic history is the foundation of economic principles.

Economic theory is  simply a simplified assumption of economic realities. The real life is too complex to accommodate everything, so the economist detaches the necessary ingredients of the real life and build them into mathematical representation otherwise called models. This models are designed in such a way that the bigger picture is not distorted.

The basic economic model is that of a simple economy, where only the household and the businesses interact to make basic economic decisions. The hosuehold makes the consumption decision and the business ventures make the investment decisions. In mathematical terms this is represented as;

Y = C + I

The Y represents the National Income (GDP) in this context, C is consumption by household and I is the business sector investments. This forms the basic model of the simple economy. This is the land quaking classical models. There is no govt intervention and all decision regarding consumption and investment are made by the household. This forms a kind of a circular flow, representing the interrelationship b/w household expenditures and business investments.

Remember, expenditure by any of the sectors represent income to the other. This is what we call the Income-Expenditure-Income flow. This forms a kind of linkage between the sectors. Also, not all income is spent. Part is spent why others are saved for future consumption. This also represents a form of leakage in the circular. Also, any inflow in the form of investment represents an Injection. The part of income that is used for consumption is term the disposable income.

Another thing in this simple model is that there are not taxes, no foreign trade and no govt. This is the starting point of any macro-economic model. Then this model can be expanded to include the govt and the international sector. If that is done then the model becomes a bit complex, involving various mathematical representation.

This is the foundation of macro economic models

Lets kick start the model building process from here.

In addition, most of the concepts we leanrt in Economics were derived from Physics. The Accelerator and multiplier principles of Economics etc are all from physics.

A good physics grad can always always stand his ground in any conceivable situation.

But hey, na real hardwork oh.

^^^

Most likely.

Only God guarantees a job these days, i agree completely. My classmates who are working in good organisations now never worked hard like most of us did in school.

Only God guarantees a good good.

^^^

I passed their test last yr but was not called for the interview. I can't tell what their reason was. I can now see why people spend millions to attend a redbrick uni.

tanimola22:

But the stated statement is true. I got really disheartened when I learnt of it. I was even regretting that I had not registered for and passed L1 until I got to know the ugly fact.

I don't even know whether it is worth it again sef. That is why I am asking.

Most people hate doing the old fashioned job hunt strategy--hit the street. I trekked round every corner of VI and broad street when i was looking for job. It was a strenuous experience but i thank God i did. That was when i discovered that most jobs are not advertised.

But, CFA L1 + UK master is more than enough to get a good job.

This thing is becoming serious oh

bukkytroni:

What do you mean by 'roaming the streets of Lagos'.

I assume you mean they are looking for job.

I will advise that they proceed with the next stage L2 and L3, while awaiting their time for a great job to happen.

When you become a CFA charterholder, your story changes.

I was supposed to have started my CFA stuff before now but got discouraged along the line. I decided i would go the CIS-CIIA route. However, there are mixed stories regarding this CFA thingy and i am unsure if it's worth the investment and time.

^^^
Hmmm, Nna this your statement get as e be oh. CFA L1 + UK Masters and yet no job.

Odikwa serious oh.

Thanks bro

That's a good job you are doing.

I was considering taking the CIS-CIIA route to investment banking. But i think i will have to reconsider my stance.

What's your opinion on the CIIA? Though CFA is more popular and prestigious, but the curriculum is almost the same.

^^^

Thanks for the info. I sent you email now.

^^^^

Exactly. He seems to be wandering. He is yet to identify an IT path for himself and yet blames NIIT for his predicaments.

Hmmm, NIIT.

I was there b/w 2008-2009. I did MCSE, and the training wasn't as expected. The only good thing i enjoyed was the conducive environment, coffee break and their books. NIIT books are among the best i have seen. The lecturers weren't that motivated, they appeared to me like people who struggled to get jobs in the mainstream IT field or telecoms but couldn't and then settled for NIIT. Most of them were paid b/w 30-50k

Op,

you appear to me like someone who is driven by money not passion. Finishing from NIIT won't make much difference in the IT industry. You need industry certifications, experience and robust knowledge of your field. I know you may have been told that employers would start knocking at your door upon completion of your programme at NIIT. Well, that is not the reality. You need to work hard and smart.

Get necessary certifications, build your network and hit the street.

^^^^

just pass aptitude test, interview and then hammer

This yeye abroad study sef na mixed feelings oh.

I missed an opportunity to be in chevron just because i wanted to get abroad cert. Now see what boyz are doing.

But God dey.

The interesting thing is that he said both engr and non engr earn the same thing, except offshore thingy. Wetin concern me with offshore.

BSc natural science
Msc Management pending
1 year work experience estate agent.

was looking to enter something like 'national bureau of procurement' for the service basically govt. However some have advise me that being under 30 govt wont employ,

I am not sure of the above assertion, in fact, i have never heard of it. There are countless people under 30 who are working for the govt.Very many of them. So, the above statement may not be completely true.

Although Id rather do Govt, 90% employment chance is what im after. Im sure I can do the job well anywhere,

Govt job is hard to come by because most govt employments are based on connection, ''who know who'' basis. I don't know how strong your contacts are but one thing is for sure- you need a very long leg to get a govt job these days. But in private sector you can always hustle your way through. Also, coming with a UK degree it may be easier to get a job in the private sector than the public sector because that (private sector) is where your degree and knowledge is mostly valued.

Lastly Im not so sure on Lagos o, I prefer the calmness of Abuja coming from Ldn and im very much aware that the private institutions are mostly Lag and PH.

Yes, majority of the jobs are in lagos and few others in PH. However, you might get a job that may require you to be posted to Abuja or any other place. Some people get jobs in lagos and later get posted to other states where the org have branches. So, spread your net wider.

2) Your views on some of the professional qulaification as extra 'CFA' etc ? Not sure if its worth it for me.

I don't think you need the CFA, except you want to go into finance or IB. However, i think project mgt certification or supply chain mgt will be okay for you. They are also in high demand here, especially the PMP stuff.

3) Is it only Lag,Abj, PH with solid job prospect how about KD,Kano? maybe less competion lol.

I don't know the outlook of the job market in kano but i can only say - prepare for any situation. The competition will always be stiff anywhere. There are thousands of young graduates, so many of them with UK degrees and certifications without jobs. The best you can do is to leverage on your ''foreign degree,'' networking skills, connection and then prepare for aptitude test and interviews.

I think you have a better prospect in the private sector. Government's recruitment is seasonal and it's often done on federal character principle. So, you might be left out. Also the pay and learning in the private sector is something to hustle for, especially the MNCs, banks etc.

what is your specialisation? How marketable is it in the labour market?

My recommendation/suggestion remains the private sector.

^^^^

I think the inferiority complex as exhibited by edu students stems from the fact that teachers are not properly remunerated in this part of the world and the teaching professional is considered non-lucrative and often viewed with disdain. This perception tends to affect the student's general outlook. Also, the faculty of edu. in most schools are considered ''dumping'' grounds for ''not too serious'' students who could not score high enough in jamb to be admitted into programmes of their choice. So, in order to pity them and provide them with the benefits of university education they are sent to the faculty of education to waste their time. This is the dilemma of most students of this great faculty.

The most surprising part is that the students of edu don't seem to know what they have or the kind of training they are receiving. I wish i had done Edu/Econs at Uniben when i was first admitted. A typical student of education does more courses than his mates in school. In my class for instance, why Economics students were doing just 7 courses, Edu/Econs students were doing 11 courses. This includes all core econs and educ courses and this was in our finally year oh. If presented with a choice of selecting between two graduates of maybe Economics and Education/Economics, from the same institution and grade, i would definitely go for the guy with edu/eco. The education courses on their own makes one very versatile and inculcates the required people skill necessary to function optimally in an organisation.

It pains me most that even graduates of education don't seem to know all this. Imagine a 2.1 graduate of education mgt asking if his/her educational background would affect her/his career propects in HR. If a graduate of education cannot function well in an HR position i wonder who will.

achmed1:

@tanimola . Am a recent grad of b.ed educational mgt with a 2.1 and i am almost thru with professional exams in personnel cipm. I also intend to do a masters in hr. From your candid point of view do stand a chance in makin a successful career in hr given my educational background. And cud it in anyway prevent me from getting to d top of my career ladder. Thnx

You have a 2.1 and that is all you need to get started. So far, you are on the right track. Relieve yourself of any form of inferiority complex which may have been as a result of what your friends say or think about your course of study. Get the necessary certifications, and if possible, get a masters degree in Hr or any management field. When I told my cousin i was studying Economics she said i was studying a woman's course. Today, the economics has taken me farther than her own profession. So, move on.

So, you want to go for Pharmacy because people say it's lucrative? And you are already in 200 level? Unless you are below 20 yrs i would advise you to continue with physiology. Your undergraduate degree matters less these days because you can easily switch to another program during your postgraduate studies. Which course isn't lucrative even? Even Igbo/Yoruba/Hausa languages are lucrative these days because i have seen people who read these languages but work as consultants for google etc. So, why do you want to waste two yrs of your life just because people say a course is lucrative? Why not build your career based on passion and then watch the money flow in later? In today's job market, age plays a very vital role. Younger people tend to get job earlier than older ones. Employers give preference for younger graduates than older ones. So, don't waste much time in school pursuing shadow when your mates are already earning money.

In my 100 level in school then, i had this friend of mine who was admitted to study Economics but his family insisted he studied Law because it confers respect and seems more ''lucrative.'' He went back to write Jamb and ended up wasting two yrs of his life seeking admission to study law. Finally, he went back to Economics and works with one of the leading MNCs in 9ja today upon graduation. Also, when i told my family i was studying Economics my cousin sister told me i was studying a woman's course. But today, am glad i did.

So, what do you make of this? It's all about passion, determination and hardwork. Physiology is as lucrative as Pharmacy depending on what you make of it. All you need is to graduate with a top grade and the world will become your oyster. When my woman gained admission to study Food sci and tech, people said she wanted to waste 5 yrs just to learn how to ''cook.'' You can see how ignorant people can be sometimes.

Unfortunately, it's hard to determine which profession is more lucrative than others in Nigeria due to unavailability of data regarding earnings by professionals. So, everything is all about perception. Just because that your village man who studied Law built houses at every corner does not make Law more Lucrative than history, after all Chinue Achebe, Wole Soyinka etc never studied medicine, Law or any heavyweight course. Today, graduates of Mathematics, Economics and Accounting work in Total and earn N17m per annum whereas graduates of pharmacy, medicine, law etc struggle to get a job of 100k per month. Again, it depends on individual characteristics, luck and maybe hard work.

If pharmacy gives you joy and fulfillment then go for it. But, if your resolve to study pharmacy is based on it being lucrative then i will suggest you give it a second thought. We live and operate in a dynamic world. Before it was Law and Medicine, now it's Business and I.T. Who knows what will be on board by the time you graduate, maybe physiology or something else.

Ty_coon:

Goodluck with that sire, if you like study Igbo Language in Harvard University!

Don't mind our moderator, am sure he was joking Pharmacy in OOU is as good as Pharmacy in OAU. But, i would choose OAU over OOU maybe because of perception, reputation and the opportunity to meet other serious minded students.

^^^

I like your spirit. With this spirit you are definitely getting in. I think there is a recruitment fair for 2012 in lagos??

Why can't he do it in Nigeria? Why India?

Ajanle KoKO

Jarus

It will be a hard one deciding which comes first

Very matured and respectful, even when their individual personalities are under attack by some mischievous posters

In the European ECTS system, transcripts are called Transcript of Records (ToR), and are used to document the [b]performance of a student over a certain period of time by listing the course units or modules taken, the credits gained, and the grades awarded. [/b]The Transcript of Records provides a standard format for recording all study activities carried out by students. It is an essential tool for academic recognition.[1]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcript_%28education%29

^^^

That's the kind of response you get when people who have no clue on issues being discussed make senseless comments. What is the justification to invade another country's foreign premises. And tomorrow this set of people will end up becoming our law makers, people who know nothing on international law and inter country relations.

The South African govt should have been shivering now if this was to be the UK and US embassy because of the actions of these senseless policemen.

^^^

And you are any better, huh

Are we discussing corruption or the illegal invasion of another country's premises? Can you name any govt that is not corrupt, including your revered South Africa?

^^^

Another sensible person

^^^

Don't mind those silly people.

South Africa must be the most lawless country on earth

There's no justification for an ordinary police officer to invade the embassy of another country, except maybe if there is war between the two countries.

Oba234:



chill out!  what is the point of you cursing? Well leave me be with my inferiority complex and live in your grand delusion.

Stop making this silly argument. They were denied visas and so? Is that enough reason for ordinary police officers to invade the embassy of a sovereign nation? Any country reserves the right to either allow you entry into their country or not, why is that of SA an exemption?

G-Chux:

Shame on the Nigerian Embassy. If this is true, more shame to our dilapidated ego. They couldn't restrict bribe taking to their fellow countrymen. Pretty ugly.

How did you find out that the bribe allegation is true and even if it's true, is that enough reason to invade the embassy of another country?

Are south Africans this lawless that they do not respect the integrity of another nation, even a dilapidated one like Nigeria?

Yeah, i benefited from his ''engrish'' tutorials.

Ola biy

wow! hahahaha, i didn't notice this

Me ke? Recommended??

Jarus was so busy at the politics section that he had little time for ''us'' here. Aj is a mod, and so many other excellent contributors. Sagamite was also busy moderating another section. T22 is also good, he comes in when the road seems to be blocked and brings in fresh perspectives.

Normally, i would have gone for Violent

One good thing about violent is not just his contributions but his depth of analysis.

^^^

I meant after the CCNA. It takes relatively shorter period to get the CCNA than MCITP. Considering that age is no longer on your side and the apparent difficulty in getting entry level job i still recommend you get the CCNA first. CCNA  is cheaper, faster to get and recognised in the industry. No experience is useless, what you need is to garnish your CV and make it catchy to employers. So, you can ultimately leverage on your  little networking experience and kick start your career from there. while taking the CCNA you can freelance for an ISP or collaborate with others to handle major industry projects, even without pay.You can also consider taking project Mgt certifications as recommended by the mod or you may take a PhD and go into academia since you already have an Msc.

Aside connection, the only way to get into the I.T industry is to apply for jobs. Apply to as many jobs as possible.

^^^
So, just to pass apt test and then speak better''engrish'' at the interview then i will start earning all these. O boy, if na juju i fit do. Man don dey old yet pepper never rest.

Do they now pay better than these IBs?

From your background, i may suggest you start from CCNA and then progress from there.Also, try and see if you can get into one of the major players in the I.T industry that will give you a boast in your career.