How to Get a Permanent Job after Your NYSC Year

If you’re a Nigerian who has completed your university education, you should know that one of the requirements after graduation is the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This programme asks Nigerian graduates to dedicate one year to serving the country.

NYSC was established to bridge gaps created by a lack of proper infrastructure and human resources in Nigeria. Following the civil war, the government realised the need to strengthen national unity and foster opportunities. By bringing young people together and sending them all over the country, NYSC aims to break down cultural barriers and build a sense of national cohesion. During this year, instead of learning solely in classrooms, you gain real-world experience by contributing to communities and the economy, gaining a deeper understanding of Nigeria.

The NYSC Journey

The NYSC journey begins with a three-week orientation camp, followed by deployment to various workplaces, known as Primary Place of Assignment (PPA), for the remainder of the year. Upon completion, you face the next phase: securing a permanent job.

Some corps members get retained at their PPA, while others prefer to return home and begin the next phase of their lives. The reality of job hunting sets in quickly, and the NYSC allowance package (allawee) is often insufficient in the current economy. Therefore, planning ahead during your university years or NYSC year to get a good job after the programme is important.

Making the Most of Your NYSC Year

Working at your PPA provides some insights into the job market. Even if you’re not posted where you’d like, it's an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that you can include in your CV. 

Given the competitive job market, it’s wise to start your job hunt during your service year. Start submitting your CV and portfolio to jobs you admire so that by the time your service year ends, you might have secured some offers. Don’t be discouraged by your lack of experience; networking sites like LinkedIn have made it easy for both experienced and newbies to build a solid portfolio online by showcasing their capabilities. Create a profile, share your expertise, including the experience you’re gaining at your PPA, engage with others by commenting on posts, and attend relevant conferences and networking events to build your network.

Creating a Strong CV and Job Searching

Having a well-crafted CV is essential for your job search. Go online and find free resources and templates you can use or get professional help to create a CV that highlights your skills effectively. By now, you should have an idea of the types of jobs you want. Consider starting with entry-level jobs or internship programmes if possible. Start searching for them on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Jobberman. Check out this article on sites where you can find remote jobs that pay in USD. Don’t let job requirements intimidate you; position yourself to meet the requirements by building the necessary skills. 

Enhancing Your Skills with Certifications

Certification courses can boost your CV and skills. You can find free courses and tutorials on platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube and paid courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera. Use the Geegpay virtual dollar card to pay for these courses if needed. However, don’t go on a spending spree and purchasing courses you won’t complete. Be selective and only take courses relevant to your desired roles, and practise what you learn.

Exploring Content Creation

If you enjoy content creation, consider it as a career path. Follow successful creators in your space and learn the strategies they use to grow and land clients. Content creation can include writing blogs, making videos, managing social media accounts, or designing graphics. It’s a booming path that you can tap into and grow. 

Freelancing Opportunities

Freelancing is another viable option. The good thing about it is, you can start as soon as you collect your NYSC certificate. Freelance roles such as virtual assistant, graphic designer, content writer, social media manager, web developer, and online tutor are in high demand. Create profiles on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr and use any of these winning proposal templates to apply for gigs. Set up your profile, include your work in a portfolio, and open a bank account to receive payments in foreign currencies. This part is very important so you do not miss out on payments after getting the job done. Geegpay offers instant EUR, GBP, and USD bank accounts, as well as a virtual dollar card for making payments for subscriptions, courses, and online shopping.

Exploring Entrepreneurship

If traditional jobs aren't for you, consider starting your own business. Leverage the skills and experiences you gained in university and during your NYSC year. Identify a gap in the market and create a solution. This could be a small business or a startup. Entrepreneurship allows you to be your own boss and can be very rewarding if you are passionate and dedicated.

Preparing for Interviews

Once you start applying for jobs, be ready for interviews. Practise common interview questions and prepare answers that highlight your skills and experiences. Research the company you are applying to and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. Dress professionally and be punctual for your interviews.

Building Soft Skills

While technical skills are important, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are also crucial. These skills can make you more attractive to potential employers. Participate in activities that help develop these skills, such as volunteering, joining clubs, or taking part in team projects.

Job hunting after NYSC can seem hard especially because you’re just starting out and it’s probably the first time you’re doing it. But you can get a great job if you put your mind to it. Remember, if the sun and rain couldn’t hold you down during your service year, employment shouldn’t either.