What If I Graduated And I Can’t Seem To Get A Job In South Africa? Here’s What I Can Do
Graduating from university marks an important milestone in any student’s life, but for most young South Africans it tends to come with a lot of frustration; the reality is that the job market is often misaligned with one’s passions. If you’ve earned your degree and cannot secure a job in your field of interest, don’t panic, you’re not the only one experiencing this. Here are some pointers that might help you.
1. Go For It. You Aren’t Alone – Don’t Panic
We all know that South Africa has a very high youth unemployment rate, with quite a number of sectors having an oversupply of graduates. It’s essential to step back and think – set aside the emotional turmoil; try and understand and approach this systemically. Just take a deep breath, try reflecting, and take some time planning your next moves meticulously.
2. Take Any Offer (For Now) But Concentrate
Of course, right now it may feel of no relevance, but simply taking on any employment, even retail, hospitality, admin work, or even side jobs, can help as they provide value addition in the form of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and even time management. However, stick to your long-term aims.
Tip: In your free time, ensure you are applying for jobs within your skillset,working on enhancing your skills and building a relevant professional network.
3. Upskill or Reskill
In case you are faced with limited opportunities in your niche, it may be prudent to improve your chances by taking short courses or certifications that resonate with what employers specifically desire.
Affordable (even free) courses are offered through online sites like Coursera, Udemy, and FutureLearn.
Check SETA (Sector Education and Training Authorities) in SA which might have stipends for learnerships.
Digital marketing, coding, data analysis, and project management are examples of skill areas that are currently in demand.
4. Internships and Volunteer Work
While they do not offer much remuneration, unpaid or underpaid internships are a valuable way to gain experience and expand your network. Volunteer work, especially with NGOs, tends to lead to more permanent roles and enhances your CV.
5. Start Something Small
If you consider yourself an entrepreneur, this might be the best time to bring your side hustle into reality. Numerous graduates have recently been starting small online businesses, offering services such as tutoring, to help pay the bills while waiting for their break. Even if temporarily, this becomes a powerful stepping stone.
6. Networking is Critical
Expand your professional connections to gain value. Utilize LinkedIn, attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with fellow alumni.
7. Strengthen Your CV
Ensure that it has no errors, and highlight skills that are transferable to the position you’re applying for. A CV that is too generalized may signal a lack of effort in a saturated market. Always ensure that your CV, resume, and cover letter are tailored to specific roles and positions.
As a bonus tip, invite career professionals to critique your documents to provide a picking lens you might not have used for your resume and cover letter.
8. Analyze Further Studies (Research First)
Fundamentally speaking, taking on an honors, postgrad diploma or a master’s degree opens doors of new opportunities. However, only commit to studying where there is no existing competition for it.
9. Explore International Opportunities
If you’re willing to consider other countries, look for remote positions with international companies. There is a growing trend for companies outside of South Africa to hire remotely without the need for relocation.
10. Maintain Mental and Emotional Health
The anxiety and stress of facing rejection can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professional support services when necessary. It’s important to note that while this juncture is difficult, it is only a phase. There are many seasoned practitioners who have walked this path before you.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Holding a Degree in South Africa
Obtaining a degree from a tertiary institution in South Africa is considered a crowning achievement — one with many aspirants but few contenders. From a South African perspective, a degree is both a landmark to be celebrated and an unprecedented gateway to myriad possibilities, particularly for newer graduates who often find themselves in the maze of opportunities and challenges. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of South African graduates confronting today.
Advantages of being a Graduate in South Africa
1. Increased Earning Opportunities
Even while unemployment still poses a challenge to many regions, South African graduates with degrees tend to earn more over time compared to those lacking tertiary education. Holding a degree increases the chances of securing better-paid jobs with added perks, especially in skilled areas such as engineering, finance, and information technology.
2. Increased Access to Employment
Public and private sector employers value formal qualifications, often viewing them as the minimum requirement to consider candidates. Graduates enjoy easy access to non-curriculum related employment at educational institutions, placement opportunities, and even postgraduate leadership training schemes, unlike their nongraduate counterparts.
3. Self Development and Self Esteem
Accomplishing a degree includes a wide range of elements beyond studying such as: commitment, evaluation, managing one’s time, and knowing oneself. These competencies enhance one’s career or entrepreneurial venture.
4. International Travel
Job ready South African citizens find it easy to relocate for work, further education, or self employment, particularly within the digital economy.
5. Increased Social Visibility
This is the case for younger members of the family and, in many South African communities, seeing a university graduate in the family is a pride. This serves as an great role model for younger siblings and friends while more often than not earning appreciation and responsibility.
Being A Graduate In South Africa Comes With Its Fair Share Of Challenges
1. Elevated Levels of Unemployment for Youth
Finding suitable work that matches their educational background is the most crucial problem for most graduates. Stats SA shows that a significant number of unemployed youth have education, but there seems to be a disconnection between the qualifications they hold and the jobs available.
2. Gap With Practical Work Exposure
It becomes even harder for fresh graduates to leave the classroom and enter the workforce because their university education was solely focused on theory. Due to a lack of experience, many graduates do possess the required academic knowledge, making them appealing candidates.
3. Barriers To Inequality Ways Of Working
From a privileged background with access to contacts, their laptop, and a stable internet connection as some graduates are, others face deep rooted lack of transport, inadequate infrastructure, limited viable work prospects and social support.
4. Underemployment
Even under the right employment conditions graduates may still find themselves grappling to obtain a position within their desired industry and level of responsibility which is expected by their education.5. Ways to Maintain One’s Mental Health
The lack of a job, need to financially support a family, and future uncertainties all increase levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression. Mental health services are unfortunately lacking, or are simply not present, for young graduates.
Finding a Healthy Middle Ground
Holding a degree in South Africa is an accomplishment, but pursuing a job is a challenge in itself. Balance in one’s life is achieved through mental strength, learning, and being flexible. Assertive graduates need to be energetic and think ahead of where the market is moving to make ends meet, whether through freelance, side gigs, or part-time jobs that require different skills.
Changes on a larger scale are equally important. Work-ready graduates are not easily found, and there is a notable gap in theory and practice. That’s why employers, educational institutions, and government agencies are called to collaborate and actively facilitate opportunities for work-integrated learning, promote favorable business condition, support self-employment initiatives at school, and develop curriculum relevant to current market trends.
What awaits South Africans who earn a degree is a long, drawn-out contest devoid of opportunities. However, the country is in dire need of fresh perspectives, unbridled enthusiasm, and skills from its educated youth to move forward. If channeled appropriately, mental attitude, and opportunities provided to graduates of today, they can adequately turn into the leaders- and the country- truly deserves.
Final Thoughts
Although your ideal job may not come along at the present moment, remember that every encounter, situation, and experience – even if it seems unrelated – is in some way part of your journey. Maintain a proactive mindset while adapting to the circumstances. It’s no secret that the South African economy faces some difficulties regarding employment opportunities, but what comes out on the other side are enduring qualities you polished through the struggle: resilience, versatility, and adaptability.