Winafrica inspires newly graduates to action.

It's quite interesting to know that what works for graduates in the 20th century is failing graduates in the 21st century. What brought success in one economic age cannot be depended upon in the next economic age.

It is thus clear to see that while some traditional industries such as hedge funds and other financial institution are declining in profits, others like robotics, artificial intelligence, programming and renewable energy industries are providing boundless opportunities.

In 2016, many "experienced hands" are fast losing their jobs because of the advent of multi-purpose computers which bring automatic downsizing and redundancies in both private industries and government agencies.

It did not come as a surprise then, when Standard Charted Bank Plc decided to lay off 15,000 of its employees worldwide as part of restructuring. This will remain the trend for some time.

But it will interest you to know that even as “restructuring” become the order of the day, some workers still remain irreplaceable.

Unfortunately, many students graduate and rest on their ores of high GPA's and think they are entitled to certain jobs with a certain salary ceiling. I am afraid that sense of entitlement belongs to the garbage cans now. You need to do so much more than your certificate and I urge you to be a ready learner with an open mind.

Do not think your first class results guarantee you success in the world of 2016. Except for the few of you who might settle for "the normal", a serious employer doesn't care about the description of your certificate. Read what Dei Tumi, a businessman and an employer said about certificates: "the depth of your conversation determines your level of education rather than your certificate."

Global Competences

Be smart enough to acquire new skills that put you in high demand. You are in competition not only with graduates around the world but with automated machines, robots and other forms of machines and smart phones. So you've got to learn new skills.

In the World Economic Forum's report on the Future of Jobs (January 2016), competencies such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management and emotional intelligence were identified as topmost global competencies.

Others may include international languages and the ability to work and navigate yourself around other cultures.

Creativity and Critical Thinking

These two are very important and can save a graduate's job any time. They can make you compete effectively with fierce technology and anybody anywhere in the world.

The secrets to these global skills are reading, analysis and meditation (deep thinking). I have often said that my hobby is thinking and not talking. I feel creative, fulfilled and give better analysis and answers when I spend time to think over a problem.

Otherwise, I am not an effective person.

Thinking is a difficult and boring exercise and it is often avoided by lazy folks. But the earlier you start, the faster it brings results and fulfillment along the line.

Thinking about "what new thing can I do?" for hours, days and months will stir up the rivers of living waters (gifts, ideas, solutions) that Jesus prophesied about in John 7:38. It can get you a job, keep you there and best still, empower you to start your own enterprise.

I remember how my uncle complained to me in 2012 about how his colleague who is a communication officer was sacked because "he lacked creativity". This is a man with a master's degree in communication from a reputable university and has over 10 years of experience but was sacked for lack of creativity.

They both worked in an American company close to the US Embassy in Cantonment and any time I went to their office, I would see the inscription "communications specialist" on their lintel.

Recently, I heard about a man who owns a consultancy and offers services to The World Bank, Citi Bank and other multinational financial institutions who want to fire his employees because “they lack creativity”. As I write now, he has won four new contracts and is seriously looking for creative hands but his fear again is about the shallowness of most university and college graduates.

You don't need a pastor's prophesy to agree that critical thinking and creativity are your last straws to success in this world.

Acquire New Knowledge

Riley B. King, an American guitarist and song producer said, “the beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you".

With this, I advise you to acquire new and relevant knowledge. You can start a certificate program in relevant areas that are related to your field or interest.

Your employer cares a lot about how you spent your National Service or "idle" time after school. There are so many certificate and diploma courses in the traditional universities that you should take advantage of.

Others are MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses), which are many on the internet. Examples of some credible free online education platforms include, Edx, Cousera, Khan Academy, Udasity, Alison, to mention but a few. Many of these online courses were started by professors from Harvard, MIT and other American and European universities.

The good thing about them is that their courses are tailored to meet new and upcoming trends in the job market. Start one now and pay just a penny for your certificate.

Join Clubs and Volunteer

There are so many clubs and NGO's who need your talent. Get involved and build job experience and leadership skills. Do not sit and complain about unemployment in the world when there are so many opportunities in your community that you can take advantage of. Take responsibility and volunteer your talents and gifts--you never know where your salvation may come from.

The world is expecting you to be the breakthrough. Be open-minded, live in the brooding room of critical thinking and produce creative fruits that will change the African narrative. See you at the top!

WINAFRICA : Inspiring the African Dream.

#JustTryUCan

Contact Director for more materials:

Fredericktse62@yahoo.com

Frederick K. Kofi Tse