For many students, the ultimate goal is simple: attend university or polytechnic, complete your programme, collect your certificate and get a good job.
But the reality of today’s job market is that having a degree or HND alone may not always be enough to stand out.
Your certificate proves that you completed a programme of study, but employers and clients may also want to know what you can actually do with the knowledge you acquired.
This does not mean your degree is useless. Rather, it means you may need to combine your academic qualification with practical skills, experience and other qualities that can make you more employable.
1. Your Certificate Shows What You Studied
A degree, HND or other qualification tells employers about your academic background.
For example, a graduate of Computer Science is expected to have studied computing-related subjects, while a graduate of Accounting should have knowledge of accounting principles.
However, employers may go further by asking:
“What can you actually do?”
Two graduates can have the same qualification but completely different levels of practical ability.
That is why students should start thinking about skills before graduation rather than waiting until after NYSC or school completion.
2. Develop Practical Skills
Your course of study should not be the only thing you learn in school.
Depending on your career interests, you can develop additional skills such as:
Microsoft Office and productivity tools
Data analysis
Digital marketing
Graphic design
Coding and web development
Video editing
Social media management
Communication and public speaking
Research and academic writing
Project management
Customer service
Financial literacy
The right skill depends on your field and career direction.
3. Gain Experience Before Graduation
One common mistake students make is waiting until graduation before looking for experience.
You can begin much earlier.
SIWES, industrial training, internships, volunteering, freelance work, school projects and part-time opportunities can help you gain practical exposure.
Even when an opportunity does not pay much or at all, it can sometimes provide something valuable: experience you can demonstrate on your CV.
4. Learn How To Use Technology
Technology is changing the way many jobs are performed.
Students should therefore understand the digital tools commonly used in their chosen field.
For example, a student interested in administration may benefit from learning productivity and collaboration tools, while someone interested in science may need data-analysis, laboratory or specialised research software.
You do not need to learn every technology available.
Instead, identify the tools that are relevant to the career you want to pursue and become competent in them.
5. Build A Portfolio
Saying that you have a skill is different from showing evidence of that skill.
A portfolio allows you to demonstrate what you have done.
For example, a graphic designer can display previous designs. A writer can showcase published articles. A programmer can present projects. A researcher can highlight relevant academic or research work.
Your portfolio does not necessarily have to contain professional jobs. Well-executed personal projects can also demonstrate your ability.
6. Improve Your Communication Skills
Being academically intelligent does not automatically mean you are a good communicator.
You may have excellent knowledge but struggle to explain your ideas during an interview or workplace meeting.
Learn how to:
Write professional emails.
Speak clearly.
Present your ideas.
Listen actively.
Ask meaningful questions.
Work with people from different backgrounds.
Communication is useful in almost every career.
7. Networking Can Open Doors
Sometimes, opportunities come through people who know what you can do.
Build genuine professional relationships with lecturers, classmates, alumni, employers, professionals and people working in your field.
Networking does not mean begging people for jobs.
It means building relationships, learning from others and making people aware of your interests and capabilities.
8. Your CV Should Show More Than Your Certificate
If your CV only contains your name, school, course of study and graduation year, you may be missing an opportunity to demonstrate your value.
Where appropriate, include:
Relevant skills
Internship experience
Work experience
Volunteer activities
Certifications
Projects
Professional achievements
Leadership experience
Relevant software or technical abilities
Always make sure the information is truthful and relevant to the opportunity.
9. Keep Learning After Graduation
Graduation should not be the end of your education.
Industries change. Technology changes. Employers' expectations change.
A qualification that was highly relevant several years ago may need to be complemented by new knowledge and skills today.
Take courses, attend workshops, read industry materials and continue improving yourself.
10. Don't Ignore Your Degree
While your degree alone may not be enough for every opportunity, your academic qualification still matters.
Some professions require specific degrees, professional qualifications or licences before you can practise.
Your degree can also provide the theoretical foundation upon which you build practical skills.
The goal is therefore not to choose between certificate and skills.
The goal is to have both where your career requires them.
Going to university or polytechnic and earning a certificate is an important achievement. But your graduation should be viewed as the beginning of your professional journey, not the end.
While you are in school, ask yourself:
“Apart from my certificate, what can I do?”
Develop practical skills. Gain experience. Build projects. Improve your communication. Learn relevant technology. Create a portfolio and continue learning.
Because when you eventually leave school, your certificate may tell people what you studied.
Your skills, experience and achievements can help demonstrate what you can do.
𝗖𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 © 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗕𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 – 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱.
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