evidencechidozie@gmail.comLife After Graduation: How to Enter the Labour Market
Graduation day feels like a dream come true photos, proud parents, and that feeling that you’re finally done. But after the noise dies down and everyone goes home, reality sets in.
Now what?
For many fresh graduates in Nigeria, entering the labour market feels like jumping into a storm without an umbrella. Jobs are few. Connections matter. And sometimes, even first-class graduates are left waiting. But all hope isn’t lost. There are steps you can take to make the journey smoother even in this tough economy.
Want to get updates about scholarships on WhatsApp? Click here
Join LinkedIn and Build Your Online Presence
Linkedin is one social media platform that is often overlooked.
But it’s not just another social media platform. LinkedIn is your online CV, your digital presence in the professional world. Companies, recruiters, and even NGOs now look there first before considering you. The earlier you create a profile, the better.
Post your projects. Talk about your skills. Share the things you’re learning. You never know who’s watching. There are also communities and job groups on LinkedIn where people post internship opportunities, entry-level jobs, free courses, and professional advice.
It’s free, so what’s stopping you?
Volunteer – Everything Must Not Be About Money
We know. Things are hard. NYSC allawee barely covers anything. But volunteering is one of the smartest things you can do as a fresh graduate.
Volunteering is helpful because it will teach you new skills and expose you to real work environments. It also helps you build connections and show potential employers that you’re proactive
The truth is, many people get their first job through volunteering. Someone sees your work ethic, notices your commitment and decides to give you a shot. It’s not magic it’s just visibility and effort.
Don’t wait for the “perfect” job. Sometimes the road to it starts with a free one.
Want to get updates about related posts on twitter (X)? Click here
Take Online Courses and Build Relevant Skills
Your undergraduate degree is good, but today skills sell more than degrees.
While waiting for your dream job, learn something. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and even YouTube offer free or affordable courses on digital marketing, graphic design, data analysis, coding, project management, and more.
Many Nigerian companies now ask for practical skills, not just certificates. And if you’re lucky, some of these platforms even offer free certificates that boost your CV.
Don’t just sit at home scrolling aimlessly learn, grow, and upgrade yourself.
Network – Talk to People, Ask Questions, Join Communities
You’ve heard this before: “It’s who you know.”
Sadly, it’s true.
But here’s the catch, you don’t need to know a senator or minister to get connected. Start by talking to your seniors, NYSC colleagues, lecturers, church members, or even that auntie that works in a company. Let people know you’re job-hunting. Ask for advice. Join WhatsApp groups for job seekers. Attend free seminars or webinars. Just be present.
You can’t afford to be silent in a world where opportunities are shared in conversations.
Intern or Work Part-Time – Start Small if You Have To
There’s this pressure to land a “big job” immediately after school, but the truth is: not everyone starts that way.
Some people begin with internships, part-time jobs, or even freelancing. That’s okay. Experience is experience. And every job you do adds to your story, your CV, and your growth.
Don’t look down on small beginnings. That ₦70k job might be your ladder to a ₦700k opportunity.
Stay Positive and Realistic
Unemployment in Nigeria is real. It can be frustrating, especially when you’ve done everything “right” and nothing seems to be working. But don’t give up.
Stay realistic don’t expect magic within one month. Stay consistent keep applying, keep improving. And most importantly, stay hopeful. Things can change quickly when preparation meets opportunity.
If you need to cry, cry. If you need to take a break, do it. But don’t stop moving.
How to Score 7.5 or 8 in IELTS (Without Stressing Yourself Out)
If you are planning to apply for a scholarship, you need to note that most scholarships require an International English Language Proficiency Test (IELTS). Scoring high (7.5-8.0) in an IELTS might sound difficult but it is very possible. You don’t need to be a “perfect English speaker” to get there, you just need to be smart, focused, and consistent with your preparation.
First, you need to understand something: getting a high score is not about being flawless. It’s about showing the examiners that you can communicate clearly, use a wide range of vocabulary, organize your thoughts, and understand what you hear and read. That’s it.
Why Most Students Struggle to score 7.5 or 8 in IELTS
One big reason is that many students only prepare to “pass” IELTS not to master it. If you’re aiming for a 6.0 or 6.5, basic preparation can take you there. But if you want 7.5 or 8, you need to aim higher in everything you do: your speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
Another reason is fear. When you keep telling yourself that the test is too hard or only geniuses get 8.0, you already start on the wrong foot. Fear blocks your brain from performing well, even when you actually know the answers.
Also, many students practice alone without real feedback. They don’t know the small mistakes they’re making mistakes that can easily cost them half a band or more.
And let’s be real, IELTS requires smart preparation, not just “more” preparation. It is not about studying long hours every day. It’s about practicing the right way every single day.
Connect with us on X @apexbio24 for more academically related topics.
How to Score 7.5 or 8 in IELTS
1. Know What the Examiners Want
This is the first smart move. Go online and check the IELTS band descriptors. Learn what the examiners are actually looking for in your speaking and writing. That way, you are not just practicing blindly.
2. Upgrade Your Vocabulary (But Keep It Natural)
High scores come from flexible vocabulary — being able to say one thing in different ways. Learn synonyms, learn phrases that real English speakers use, but please, don’t sound like a robot. Use words that fit the situation naturally.
3. Mix Your Grammar
You don’t have to speak in long, complicated sentences all the time. Mix simple and complex sentences naturally. Show that you can use conditionals, passive voice, and relative clauses when needed. That’s enough.
4. Organize Your Thoughts Clearly
Especially in writing and speaking. If your ideas are all over the place, it will hurt your score. Always plan your writing. In speaking, give your answers structure — for example: answer the question → explain → give an example.
5. Practice Like It’s The Real Exam
Practice under timed conditions. No breaks, no cheating, no checking answers after every question. Train yourself to handle the pressure now, so it doesn’t surprise you on exam day.
6. Get Real Feedback
If you can, find a tutor or someone who really knows IELTS to check your essays, your speaking style, and your practice tests. Honest feedback will show you what you need to fix.
7. Stay Positive and Consistent
There will be days you feel tired or frustrated. It’s normal. Just don’t stop. Even 2–3 hours of smart practice every day will get you closer to your target. Trust the process.
Interested in international scholarships? Check these out
Fulbright Scholarship Programme
University of Glasgow Sanctuary Scholarship
University of Bologna Scholarship
Japanese MEXT Scholarship for both graduate and undergraduate students
MTN Scholarship for undergraduate and post-graduate students.
NNPC/SEPLAT Scholarship for Nigerian undergraduate students
And many more scholarships
Final Words
Entering the labour market after graduation isn’t easy especially in Nigeria. But it’s not impossible either. With the right attitude, willingness to learn and a little bit of hustle, you can start carving a path for yourself.
Join LinkedIn. Volunteer. Build skills. Network. Start small. Remember, you’re not alone. Thousands of other graduates are figuring it out too.
The road may be rough, but trust me it leads somewhere.
evidencechidozie@gmail.com
