By Kagalula Dabrine Mathew
As Uganda celebrates the latest cohort of university graduates, it’s essential to temper expectations with reality. In 2000, only 20,000 students graduated from universities across the country. Fast forward to today, and Makerere University alone has produced 13,509 graduates.
The job market has not expanded at the same rate, making it challenging for new graduates to secure employment.
As Uganda celebrates the latest cohort of university graduates, it’s essential to temper expectations with reality. In 2000, only 20,000 students graduated from universities across the country. Fast forward to today, and Makerere University alone has produced 13,509 graduates. The job market has not expanded at the same rate, making it challenging for new graduates to secure employment.
To parents, be patient with your children. It may take at least five years for them to establish themselves in their careers. The competition is fierce, and it’s unrealistic to expect them to land their dream job immediately.
To fresh graduates, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you – create your own. Volunteer, take on internships, and consider working for lower pay to gain experience and exposure. These experiences will not only build your resume but also help you develop valuable skills and connections.
Additionally, here are some more tips for fresh graduates:
– Develop a strong online presence, including a professional LinkedIn profile.
– Network and attend industry events to meet people in your field.
– Consider starting your own business or side hustle.
– Be open to learning new skills and adapting to new industries.
– Don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance from mentors and professionals.
And to parents, here are some additional tips:
– Encourage your child to explore different career paths and industries.
– Support their entrepreneurial endeavors, if that’s the path they choose.
– Help them develop a budget and financial plan to manage their expenses.
– Remind them that failure is a natural part of the learning process, and it’s okay to make mistakes.
By being realistic, proactive, and supportive, we can help fresh graduates navigate the this world.
About the author;
Kagalula Dabrine Mathew has a bachelors’ degree of Adult and Community Education from Makerere University. He also holds a Certificate in Expanding Global Influence from Global Goodwill Ambassador University, Certificate of Non-profit essentials from Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation, Certificate of Becoming Global Citizen for Sustainable Society co-organised by the Asia-Pacific Centre of education for International Understanding and Ban-KI moon Centre for Global Citizens, Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Swiss Re-startup Academy.
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Editor’s note;
The above message serves students and parents in East Africa  and Africa generally because we generally share or experience the same economic land scape and same economic and social challenges.
