For many Nigerian students, university is seen as a time to focus only on academics. But in today’s fast-changing world, that mindset no longer works. Employers are now more interested in the skills you have and the experience you’ve gained, not just your certificate. This is why career building for students is more important than ever before.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate was 7.2% in the third quarter of 2023. However, underemployment was even higher at 15.1%. This shows that many graduates either struggle to find jobs or end up in roles that don’t match their skills. The earlier you start preparing, the better your chances of avoiding this.
The good news is, you don’t have to wait until after NYSC to begin. Whether you’re just starting university or already in your final year, you can start laying the foundation for your future career. This article will guide you on how to start a career in university, build practical skills, and get you ready for life after school, even with a busy class schedule.
Why start career building in school?
University is more than just lectures, exams, and CGPAs. It is the perfect time to start discovering your strengths, building skills, and gaining real-world experience. Starting early gives you a major advantage in today’s competitive job market.
A report by Jobberman Nigeria revealed that only about 20% of Nigerian graduates are considered employable without further training. This means 8 out of 10 graduates lack the right skills employers are looking for. By focusing on career building for students while in school, you can avoid this gap and become job-ready before graduation.
Students who build careers early are also more confident, have better networks, and often get better job offers after NYSC. In fact, many start earning money before graduation by freelancing, running small businesses, or working part-time.
If you’re wondering how to start a career in university, the answer is simple: start small, stay consistent, and use the opportunities around you. Every step you take now adds up later. Waiting until after school might be too late in a job market that rewards early preparation.
Skills Nigerian employers are looking for
If you’re thinking about career building for students, one of the first things to focus on is skill development. These days, employers are not only interested in what course you studied, but what you can actually do.
Many companies want graduates who can communicate well, solve problems, work in teams, and use digital tools. Skills like graphic design, content creation, data analysis, coding, and social media management are now in high demand. The good part is, you can start learning most of these skills right from your room using free or affordable online platforms.
To succeed, it’s not about having all the skills at once. Just pick one and start. That’s how starting a career in university begins, by choosing one skill and growing with it. The earlier you start, the better your chances of standing out after graduation.
Easy ways to start a career in university
Starting your career doesn’t have to wait until after school. In fact, some of the best career moves happen during your time in university. If you’ve been wondering how to start a career in university, here are some simple and realistic ways to begin:
- Learn a digital skill: Platforms like Coursera, YouTube, and Udemy offer free or low-cost training in things like design, writing, coding, and digital marketing. Start with one and practice consistently.
- Take internships or volunteer roles: Even unpaid roles can help you gain experience and build your CV. Look for student internships in local companies or NGOs.
- Freelance online: Websites like Fiverr and Upwork allow you to earn money by offering services like writing, design, or tutoring, all from your laptop.
- Start a small business: Many students earn extra income from selling snacks, offering laundry services, or even printing and design work.
- Join school clubs or competitions: Student associations, tech hubs, and debate clubs help you build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that employers value.
All these steps are part of career building for students. You don’t have to do everything at once, just start where you are and grow from there. Every effort you make now increases your chances of success after graduation.
Common challenges and how to beat them
Starting a career while in university isn’t always easy. You may face a few challenges along the way, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Let’s look at some of the common obstacles students face and how you can overcome them:
- Time Management: Between lectures, assignments, and social activities, it can be tough to find time for career building. The key is planning ahead. Use a planner or an app like Notion to organize your tasks and set aside time for skill development, internships, or freelancing.
- Lack of Resources: Not all students have access to fast internet or computers. But many resources, like online courses, can be accessed through mobile phones or at school libraries. Make the most of the resources available to you and consider networking with classmates to share equipment or data.
- Limited Experience: It can be intimidating to start when you feel like you don’t have enough experience. Start small by taking on simple projects, volunteering, or freelancing. Every little bit of experience adds up and will help you grow.
- Finding Mentors: It can be hard to find the right guidance. Try reaching out to professors, alumni, or professionals in your field through LinkedIn or school events. Many people are willing to help, and it’s worth the effort to connect.
By tackling these challenges head-on, you’ll be able to make real progress with career building for students. Overcoming obstacles will also teach you resilience, which is a key skill for success after university.
Don’t wait till graduation
The truth is, the earlier you start career building for students, the better prepared you’ll be for life after university. Success doesn’t happen overnight and waiting until after graduation might be too late. The job market today is more competitive than ever, and those who start early have a clear advantage.
Think of your time in university as a launchpad for your future career. Every small step you take now, from learning new skills to gaining hands-on experience, will help you stand out to future employers. Remember, how to start a career in university is simple: start where you are, use the resources around you, and keep building consistently.
So don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take action today, and your future self will thank you.
