The Founder and Chief Coach of Academic and Post Tertiary Excellence (ACAPOSTE), Ms. Mosimiloluwa Koye-Ladele has emphasized the importance of setting deadlines for career-related plans.
Speaking at a webinar organized by the Centre for General Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with ACAPOSTE, Ms. Koye-Ladele stated that “an undated plan is a joke,” highlighting the need for students and fresh graduates to create actionable plans with specific timelines.
The webinar, themed: “Practical Steps to Escaping the Cycle of Unemployment,” also featured an address by Director of GST, UNILAG, Prof. Aderonke Lawal-Are, a presentation by the Team Lead of the Office of Career Development Services (OCDS, UNILAG), Dr. Ayodele Shittu; and vote of thanks by the Deputy Director of GST, UNILAG, Dr. John Faloju.
Anchored by Mr. Seun Ajidagba of GST, UNILAG office, the event provided a platform for Ms. Koye-Ladele to discuss various pathways to employment, including:
- Career-aligned employment: securing jobs in one’s field of study
- Opportunity-driven employment: leveraging unexpected opportunities
- Interests-driven employment: pursuing careers based on personal interests
- In-demand skill employment: acquiring sought-after skills
Ms. Koye-Ladele encouraged participants at the webinar to upskill through courses; develop valuable connections; build relationships within student associations; and ask themselves key questions to guide their career strategy, such as:
– What job do I want? How will I get it? When?
– What skills do I need to acquire? How and when will I acquire them?
– What relationships do I need to build? How and when?
For graduates actively seeking jobs, Ms. Koye-Ladele emphasized the importance of writing a strong Curriculum Vitae and cover letter; honing interview skills and leveraging professional networks to gain a competitive edge
At the end of the webinar, participants were armed with practical strategies to tackle the labour market. The message was loud and clear – take action, set deadlines, and turn aspirations/dreams into reality.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Editor: Joke Alaga-Ibraheem
