Experience: There’s nothing quite like that word to rain all over your graduation parade. Why? Because in case you haven’t noticed, your degree means nothing to employers without it…and let me guess - you don’t have any.
You keep trying to explain to your parents that you can’t get any experience until you get a job, but no one will give you a job unless you have experience. After they all told you that a degree would be your ticket to a great future, you’re still sitting there, slopping your mom’s porridge all over your dressing gown while you go through the motions yet again on gumtree…and it’s 11 am.
What’s more, getting a job is harder than ever now that you are competing with victims of the recession who have experience. On top of that, you also have to deal with the fact that in these shifty economic times, you are vulnerable without experience even if you do land a job because you are so dispensable on the last in, first out policy.
According to Jan Coetzee, managing director of Manpower South Africa, the current generation of graduates has been entering the job market with totally unrealistic expectations, compared with those of their predecessors.
“They think a degree will ensure they get work. And I cannot say how many come to us looking for a monthly salary of at least R20 000, exorbitant benefits or a management position.”
These individuals have, however, zero work experience and compete with an ever-expanding pool of jobseekers.
In an interview published by Fin24,com, Coetzee went on to explain that the recession is also bringing home emigrants from England, Australia and New Zealand, adding even more competition to the job market. All while the market itself shrinks as companies save money by cutting out non essential labour.
So, what does this all mean? Was your degree a waste? Absolutely not. But as Coetzee says, adjust your expectations and if you are still an undergraduate, it is not too late to take some proactive steps to protect yourself!
Gaining work experience before you enter the job market is the key to enhancing the value of your degree. So while you are still studying, think of where you want to work and find out about opportunities for vac work at those companies. Apply for part time jobs that will furnish you with genuinely useful skills; the average student waitress or bartending job just doesn’t stand out anymore.
The more we chat to our tutors, the more we feel confident that tutoring is one of the best student jobs out there.
- It’s flexible during term time as well as holidays, and so does not threaten to jeopardise your study time.
- It shows not only that you understand your subjects but also that you know how to communicate effectively and read the demands of the learner.
- It demonstrates intelligence, professionalism, commitment and reliablity.
- It’s challenging and ultimately, incredibly rewarding.
These are soughtafter qualities and skills that would immediately separate you from the rest of the pack.
If you decide you would like to be a tutor, we at Penguin Tutoring have opportunities available all over the country.
All you need are A or B matric symbols in the subjects you want to tutor and to convince us with your application that you could carry the standards of professionalism to which we adhere. Visit www.penguintutoring.co.za/tutors/apply.
Oh and one more thing: at least 5 years of previous experience is essential………………………Ha! Just kidding!
