You are graduating; so what?

You are graduating; so what?

By MUSYOKA NGUI

Beyond the veneer of flashy campus lifestyle is the real world. Not that campus is not real but it is controlled and so many players care. The HELB, parents, the government all jostle for your attention. They want to pamper you bordering on the spoil.

But five months after campus and starring at graduation in a fortnight is a journey with a difference. While I can’t say I tarmacked I had the humility to accept less than my qualified chores. Both at a personal level and professionally.

It is a chapter that I have inked considerably. Online, on paper on hearts and on minds.  Sometimes it required getting your feet on the door even if you do not exactly belong inside. When you get inside you will get a place to sit. Be prepared to stand, to wait for your turn and most of all appreciate little favours.

Baptism with Fire

Nothing impresses a boss than following instructions and delivering your brief. Better still go beyond the call of duty. No one will forget.

Between college and job is a whole new baptism with fire. A lot of weaning, toughening up and hope. As a young adult you must be independent. Make your own money, pay your bills and take care of yourself. Sometimes it may mean painful decisions, sad sacrifices but all are worth the effort as no condition is permanent.

You learn how to move on, to go with chance and change and stay strong. All these things are not taught in campus. While you leave storm on a cup of tea masquerading as a real relationship, politics and daily routine welcome to the dynamic world where action is and no one cares.

But for comrades behind, start something in college. Be active. Run something. Get a name and build on your niche. Here we don’t ask 5Ws and H we dig deeper into your publishing, networks and contributions. It is a whole day two journalism. Make sense of the environment by asking so what? You have a degree so what? Do you have skills? In short it is more of what you can offer not what you are asking for.