Two career lessons for every unemployed tertiary graduate

Within the last month, the University of Technology (UTech) and the University of the West Indies graduated more than 4,500 students between them from graduate, undergraduate and doctoral degree programmes in various disciplines.

The joy and euphoria which attend such commendable academic achievements have been muted for many, however, by the stark reality that notwithstanding their degrees, their job prospects are dismal.

In fact, Professor Errol Morrison, president of UTech, was explicit in pointing this out, even as he proposed a way out. In his graduation address at the National Arena on November 3, he noted that while only approximately 10 per cent of the Jamaican population is privileged to enjoy a university education, the job market will not be able to absorb all graduates.

His appeal to the graduates was, therefore, to use their skills in innovation and entrepreneurship acquired at UTech to create new enterprises and businesses to generate income for themselves and others.

For many unemployed university and college graduates, there is one glaring problem which is blocking their ability to recognise and grasp excellent job and self-employment opportunities.

That problem is not capital. Neither is it material resources such as office space, machinery or any such thing. Their problem is a mental one: They can't see themselves doing certain kinds of jobs, after having spent four years getting a prestigious academic degree. That's it!

They fail to grasp two of the most important lessons any one can learn about charting a successful career path from where you are to where you want to be.

The first of these lessons is this: The important thing is not where you start but that you start.

In other words, as a young graduate, you can't expect to start at the top. You also may not get to start in the area you studied or one that is your ideal.

This shouldn't be a deterrent to starting, however. Even if you are being paid only a stipend, take the opportunity.

The second lesson is very much related to the first and is this: It's not what you do but how you do what you do. How you do what you do relates to your work attitude.

Many people will only be passionate, disciplined and diligent in their jobs when they are being paid their ideal salary and when work conditions suit them. This shouldn't be however. Always work hard and go the extra mile, no matter your salary.

Also, if you can get a janitor or street sweeper job, or if you can start a plumbing or shoe repair business - don't think it beneath you just because you went to university. What counts is that you're making an income and are learning about business, customer service and sales and marketing.

Refuse to be shackled by embarrassment at what your friends and family will say. It's your life and career. Do what you can where you're at, with what you've got, and you'll be amazed at how opportunities to advance towards your ideal job or business will unfold.

Glenford Smith is a motivational speaker and career & life success strategist. Check out his Smart Career Success Strategies newsletter at www.CareerBizAcademy.com or send feedback to glenfordsmith@yahoo.com