If you are a graduate without a job, you have asked this question at least three times. Most graduates were sold the illusion that all they needed was a degree, and jobs would be waiting. Alas! This is not the reality.
What is worse?
45% of graduates in Africa are in these shoes.
So we ask again why?
There can be various reasons why graduates struggle to find employment, and this article will discuss them.
LACK OF RELEVANT SKILLS:
Graduates may not possess the specific skills or experience employers require in their chosen field.
COMPETITIVE JOB MARKET:
In some industries, an oversupply of graduates may compete for a limited number of entry-level positions, making it challenging for individuals to secure employment. Some examples are Microbiology, Chemistry, Mass Communication, and Accounting.
MISMATCH BETWEEN EDUCATION AND JOB MARKET DEMAND:
There might be a disconnect between the skills graduates acquire through their education and the skills demanded by employers in the current job market. In fact, for emerging jobs (product management, project management, content creation, etc.), the university degrees offered in most African universities have nothing to do with these careers.
LIMITED NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES:
Many job opportunities arise through networking, and graduates without solid professional networks may find it harder to secure employment. Most do not know they need to develop such networks or are too timid to network even when presented with the opportunities.
LOCATION CONSTRAINTS:
Graduates may be limited by geographical constraints, especially if they are not flexible about relocating for job opportunities. Women with spouses are even more reluctant for family reasons.
ECONOMICS CONDITIONS:
Economic downturns or recessions can decrease job openings, making it more difficult for graduates to find employment. We saw this happen in 2020.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS:
Some graduates may have unrealistic expectations regarding salary, job responsibilities, or career progression, making it harder to find suitable employment. Every day, graduates are more concerned about how much they will be paid despite their near-zero skill level.
INADEQUATE CAREER GUIDANCE:
Some graduates may lack proper career guidance or support to help them navigate the job market effectively. You find out that most need more clarity on what they need. This is why we created the CLARITY module at the Skilled For Work Academy. This module comprises 5 video lessons and can be accessed for free in the online school. Visit https://itrainafrica.com/free-workplace-skills/
EMPLOYER PREFERENCES:
Employers may prefer candidates with prior work experience or specific qualifications, which can disadvantage recent graduates. Employers must get the job done, and recent graduates must show they can do it.
LIMITED SOFT SKILLS:
While technical skills are important, employers also value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, which some graduates may lack.
Addressing these challenges may require efforts from educational institutions, employers, and graduates to ensure that graduates are adequately prepared and supported in their transition from education to employment. This transition phase, in which a graduate needs important soft skills, is a huge gap we can help you solve within 6 weeks using our employability-focused program, the workplace foundational skills (WFS) program.
Here is the link to join the soft skills school at I-Train Africa. Visit: https://itrainafrica.com/workplacefoundationalskills/
As Written By I-Train Africa In 2024