Where will I get a Job after University? What job can I do after university? That is still the mindset of many students. Many still have the mindset that it is the weight of the degree that secures you the job. What might be missing is simple: the population of humans available in the world is more than the jobs available. Yet still, a lot of people feel it is just a matter of time, after university, I will get a job, that is the wrong turn of things, actually. You may as well complete and join the lots that are yet to get a job for themselves after four years of living university campus.
So you are a recent graduate who walked out of the university not long ago. You have your degree in your hand, happy, but immediately, you walk out of those gates of the university, and the world feels huge. I understand the pressure that comes from family; everyone expects you to start sending out CVs, and that is where the first mistakes come from. You wait days upon days, and the call never comes, and some just wait for the miracles. It is high time we change our mindset.
I know of a girl back in the university who started selling fashion wear while in school, while most sat back learning how to prepare perfect CVs. The truth is, the system doesn't work like that anymore. As a graduate myself, who has experienced the world after school, I think it is wise to share why you should start thinking of business after university and not look for jobs.
Why Consider Business After University?
After the degree, there is a simple question you should ask yourself. What next? Imagine working under a boss who pays you less than what your certificate holds? Imagine that the transportation you take to and out of work every day consumes 70% of your monthly earnings. Here is why this should bother you. When will you build that big house you dreamed of since you were a kid? How would you be able to save some money for an emergency fund to help yourself in challenging times? You see? There are many reasons why you should be thinking of business rather than looking for a job.
There are many advantages that come with having your own business.
- You take control over your own career instead of working under someone else's rule.
- A business, when you plan it well, gives you unlimited income potential.
- It teaches you to save, market lead interns in many ways.
- You will build assets that last for a lifetime.
This is not without proof because a report I read from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) in 2022 found that young adults who start businesses right after graduation have higher long-term career satisfaction when compared to those who chase after employment.
How do you get around it?... How do you choose the right business?
1. Identify a problem that you can solve.
Yes, this is very hard. I know very well. Now, a lot of the problems we come across already have ways to go about them. It is like before you think, someone has already thought. But it doesn't have to be the same all the time. Look around you
- What frustrates you or your friends?
- Are the gaps in the market around you or online services?
If you can determine this, then the next headache comes. Do you have the skills and the capital to start right away? Where am I going to start the business from? Those are the few things you will be asking yourself.
2. Confirm Your Ideas
Here is where it could get tricky, but that is also not a big deal. After having discovered this, ask yourself if it saves time and money?
What do I have to do before I start a business?
- You have to undertake surveys and interview people.
- Offer a small service to see how people like it before you begin.
- Research and check competitors and trends, and how people will demand your business.
Caution you should take when starting a business.
Start very small and not big at once. This is because it takes time for people to get to know your business.
- You do not have the money yet, so use tools that cost less.
- Reinvest the profits you make into the business to make it grow.
- Avoid too much borrowing, you might collapse your business.
Tips you should have in mind.
A business does not grow in just one day when you start. It takes time for you to drive customers into the market. This is why I want to share with you these helpful tips to keep yourself going along the line.
- Learn from people who have already been in the space where you are finding yourself.
- Look for people who are experienced than you and ask them for guidance.
- Create a strong online presence if your business is online.
Research that backs this post:
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report, 2022
Forbes, “Startup Failure Statistics and Lessons,” 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it advisable to start a business immediately after university?
Yes. Starting right after university is a smart decision, especially if you have a clear idea.
2. What type of business can a new graduate start with little capital?
- Online tutoring
- Freelancing (writing, design, marketing)
- Social media management
- Graphic design or printing services.
- Selling fashion items or thrift wear.
3. Should I look for a job while starting my business?
Yes, absolutely. You can start a side hustle while applying for jobs.
4. What skills do I need to start a business after university?
Basic financial management, time management, problem-solving, communication, and customer service.
5. How long does it take for a small business to grow?
Mostly between 6 to 18 months, but that also depends on the owner of the business and the market.
You can also read: How to Think Like an Entrepreneur Even If You Don’t Run a Business
