My sister, Ngwashi Charlotte was one of the ~7000 students that were graduated by the University of Buea-Cameroon last weekend. As an alumni who was filled with the graduation excitement 6 years ago and went on to build a thriving medical/health career, I shared with her some lessons (both passed down and developed from my experience).
This may be useful to other fresh graduates, so feel free to share(with credit) to those not on LinkedIn, while encouraging them to open an account if they want to build networks, learn and find opportunities.
1- This is just the beginning of your learning journey: The job market is evolving and you have to catch up. You don’t have to switch careers to a purely tech one, but figure how to be among the top 10% that are using modern tools to solve problems in your sector. Remember you have the foundational knowledge; being innovative can give a competitive advantage. I always get side eyes when I say I am a medical doctor but work for a Bank. My vision for universal health remain but the routes are many.
2- Your education or Cameroonian degree is not useless: Seek ways to globalize your degree and don’t be limited to the Cameroon job market. For example, you may need to be ECFMG certified or take some exams, please take the steps to make your prove of knowledge, the certificate globally recognised.
3- Do what you have to do till you get to where you do what you want to do. You may not have your dream job but whatever you find to do, do it diligently. Build your experience, build your network and be humble. Money is important but money follow expertise. With proper work ethic, you will go far. Build your expertise, do not be ashamed to start small.
4- Get financial education: Learn to make, manage and multiple money early enough (via credible means). No matter how small, the power of compounding is incredible. I did not do this, so I am playing catchup now and have to invest aggressively to ensure I have enough for my retirement.
5- Resist the urge to compare your journey with your peers, use digital tools to help craft a career. Focus on your path. Start by doing an assessment of your skills, your industry, where are the opportunities, where are the jobs, where is the impact. Put all of this together and craft a career path that will be financially and emotionally rewarding. A simple prompt in chat gpt will help you.
6 – Do not be entitled: That is the fastest way to disappointment. Nobody owes you anything not even your parents. With this in mind, you will not be expectant but work like your life depends on you. Seek help, follow professionals, pay for services but always know it rests on you to get to where you want to be.
Let me know if you need examples of resources for job search, skills upgrade and how to craft a career path. I can make follow-up posts for that.
All the best dear friends! Hope this was helpful.
