COURSE OR CURSE!

1.0 OVERVIEW Whatever the course you choose to study in the university goes a long way in dictating the career path you follow in your life. So, one needs to take his time in considering some points before choosing a course, so that the course will not seem to be a curse on the long run. However, there are some myths about choosing a career that you may be aware of or not. These are myths at best, and are entirely wrong. These myths are given below; a. Choosing a career is simple Actually, choosing a career is an involved process and you should give it the time it deserves. It involves learning enough about yourself and the occupations which you are considering in order to make an informed decision. b. A career counselor can tell me what occupation to pick A career counselor, or any other career development professional, can't tell you what career is best for you. He or she can provide you with guidance in choosing a career and can help facilitate your decision. c. I can't make a living from my hobby Says who? When choosing a career, it makes perfect sense to choose one that is related to what you enjoy doing in your spare time, if you so desire. In addition people tend to become very skilled in their hobbies, even though most of the skill is gained informally. d. I should choose a career from a "Best Careers" list Every year, there are numerous articles and books that list what "the experts" predict will be "hot jobs." It can't hurt to look at those lists to see if any of the careers on it appeal to you, but you shouldn't use the list to dictate your choice. While the predictions are often Course or Curse! Joseph T.O CAC VONO CLOSE, CHALLENGE, MUSHIN, LAGOS Page 1

based on valid data, sometimes things change. Way too often what is hot this year won't be hot a few years from now. In addition, you need to take into account your interests, values, and skills when choosing a career. Just because the outlook for an occupation is good, it doesn't mean that occupation is right for you. e. Making a lot of money will make me happy While salary is important, it isn't the only factor you should look at when choosing a career. Countless surveys have shown that money doesn't necessarily lead to job satisfaction. For many people enjoying what they do at work is much more important. However, you should consider earnings, among other things, when evaluating an occupation. f. Once I choose a career I'll be stuck in it forever Not true. If you are unsatisfied in your career for any reason, you can always change it. You'll be in good company. Many people change careers several times over the course of their lifetimes. g. If my best friend (or sister, uncle, or neighbor) is happy in a particular field, I will be too Everyone is different and what works for one person won't necessarily work for another, even if that other person is someone with whom you have a lot in common. If someone you know has a career that interests you, look into it, but be aware of the fact that it may not necessarily be a good fit for you. h. All I have to do is pick an occupation... Things will fall into place after that Choosing a course is a great start, but there's a lot more to do after that. A Career Action Plan is a road map that takes you from choosing a course to becoming employed in that occupation to reaching your long-term career goals. Course or Curse! Joseph T.O CAC VONO CLOSE, CHALLENGE, MUSHIN, LAGOS Page 2

i. There's very little I can do to learn about a course without actually studying it. While firsthand experience is great, there are other ways to explore a course/career. You can read about it either in print resources or online. You can also interview those that are studying the course, and even graduates of the course. Having done away with all these erroneous myths about choosing a course/career, let us now move to the important things about choosing a course/career. The first thing that you need to know before choosing a course/career is YOU! Yes, Yourself! You need to do a self-assessment of yourself so as to know your strength and weakness. You need to gather information about Gather information about your interests, values, roles, skills/Aptitudes and preferred environments. 2.0 LEARNING MORE ABOUT YOURSELF You want to choose an occupation that fits your unique qualities -- your abilities, talents, needs, values, and interests -- and the lifestyle you want to live. Knowing your "unique qualities" is not easy. It is a challenge for everyone. But, the clearer picture you have, the more likely you are to choose a satisfying career. It is important to write your ideas down. You may find this difficult to do, many do. But, it will make a big difference in your self-understanding. Write down your thoughts and feelings and make a folder to keep your notes and writings. In learning more about yourself, you can try the suggestions given below. 2.1.1 Look Carefully At Your Achievements in School Or At Work To Identify Your Abilities.

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Which subjects have you done well in, or not so well in? If you work, do the same analysis. What does this tell you about your abilities -mechanical, verbal, numerical, artistic, and people skills? Be careful not to overlook, or leave out, your abilities. Looking over the 17 Foundation Skills will help you avoid doing this. 2.1.2 Examine how you use your leisure time Your hobbies, activities with social, political, or religious organizations. For each one, write down three headings: Abilities, Interests, and Values. And, under each heading write down your thoughts. 2.1.3 Analyze your likes/dislikes This involves critically examining yourself to unearth those things you like, and those you hate. You will also know analyze what you have passion for, and your strengths and weaknesses . 2.2 KNOW YOUR PERSONALITY Research shows that the match between personality and job plays a major role in Job satisfaction and success. One career psychologist, Dr. John Holland has identified six personality types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional. In reality, most people would fall within more than one type. The Realistic Type Likes to work with animals, tools, or machines; generally avoids social activities like teaching, counseling, nursing, and informing others; has good skills in working with tools, machines or animals; values practical things you can see and touch or things you can build or make better; and sees self as practical and realistic. This personality type will do well as a horticulturist, fire fighter, policeman, engineer, sailor, welder, nutritionist, taxi driver, bricklayer, construction manager, carpenter or mechanic. Course or Curse! Joseph T.O CAC VONO CLOSE, CHALLENGE, MUSHIN, LAGOS Page 4

 The Artistic Personality Type Likes to do creative activities; generally avoids highly ordered or repetitive activities; has good artistic abilities - in creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art. Values the creative arts and sees self as expressive, original, and independent. One who has such personality can be an editor, writer, cartoonist, illustrator, interior designer, fashion designer, landscape architect, painter, photographer, actress, choreographer, producer, television presenter, music composer or singer. The Investigative Personality Type Likes to study and solve math or science problems; generally avoids leading, selling, or persuading people; has good skills at understanding and solving science and math problems; values science and sees self as precise, scientific, and intellectual. He may choose to be a geophysicist, food scientist, medical doctor, psychologist, actuarist, computer programmer, historian, marketing researcher or sociologist. The Enterprising Personality Type Likes to lead and persuade people, and to sell things and ideas; generally avoids activities that require careful observation and scientific, analytical thinking; is good at leading people and selling things or ideas; values success in politics, leadership, or business. The Social Personality Type Likes to do things to help people; generally avoids using machines, tools, or animals to achieve a goal; has good skills at teaching, counseling, nursing, or giving information; values helping people and solving social problems; and sees self as helpful, friendly, and trustworthy. This group is suitable as Course or Curse! Joseph T.O CAC VONO CLOSE, CHALLENGE, MUSHIN, LAGOS Page 5

counseling psychologist, school counselor, social worker, nurse, teacher, and coach or fitness trainer. The Enterprising Personality Type Likes to lead and persuade people, and to sell things and ideas; generally avoids activities that require careful observation and scientific, analytical thinking; is good at leading people and selling things or ideas; values success in politics, leadership, or business; and sees self as energetic, ambitious, and sociable. He will enjoy a career as a sales person, hair stylist, fast-foods worker, lawyer, judge, training specialist, engineering manager, accountant or an insurance underwriter. The Conventional Personality Type Likes to work with numbers and record; generally avoids ambiguous, unstructured activities; is good at working with written records and numbers in a systematic, orderly way; values success in business and sees self as orderly, and good at following a set plan. To this group belong the office manager, receptionist, freight agent, confidential assistant, cashier, dispatcher, and word processor. The knowledge of your personality trait will enable you choose a profession that is in consonance with it. This, of course, will make you excel more easily. So, put your knowledge to use. 2.3 THE 17 FOUNDATION SKILLS The seventeen foundation skills are divided into five groups viz Basic skills, Thinking skills, Problem-solving skills, Decision making skills, and people skills. Basic Skills

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Reading: Identify relevant details, facts, and specification; locate information in books/manuals, from graphs; find meaning of unknown words; judge accuracy of reports; use computer to find information. Writing: Write ideas completely and accurately in letters and reports with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation; check, edit, and revise for accuracy and emphasis, use computer to communicate information. Mathematics: Use numbers, fractions, and percentages to solve problems; use tables, graphs, diagrams, and charts; use computer to enter, retrieve, change, and communicate numerical information. Speaking: Organize and communicate ideas clearly; speak clearly; select language, tone of voice, and gestures appropriate to audience. Listening: Listen carefully to what person says, noting tone of voice, and other body language; respond in a way that shows understanding of what is said. Thinking Skills Creative Thinking: Use imaginations freely, combining ideas or information in new ways; make connections between ideas that seem unrelated. Problem-Solving Skills: Recognize problem; identify why it is a problem; create and implement a solution; watch to see how well solution works; revise as needed. Decision Making Skills Visualization: See a building or object by looking at a blueprint, drawing, or sketch; imagine how a system works by looking at a schematic drawing.

People Skills Course or Curse! Joseph T.O CAC VONO CLOSE, CHALLENGE, MUSHIN, LAGOS Page 7

Social: Show understanding, friendliness, and respect for feelings; assert oneself when appropriate; take an interest in what people say and why they think and act as they do. Negotiation: Identify common goals among different parties in conflict; clearly present the facts and arguments of your position; listen to and understand other party's position; create possible ways to resolve conflict; make reasonable compromises. Leadership: Communicate thoughts and feelings to justify a position; encourage or convince others; make positive use of rules or values; demonstrate ability to have others believe in and trust you because of your competence and honesty. Teamwork: Work cooperatively with others; contribute to group with ideas and effort; do own share of work; encourage team members; resolve differences for the benefit of the team; responsibly challenge existing procedures, policies, or authorities. Cultural Diversity: Work well with people having different ethnic, social, or educational backgrounds; understand the concerns of members of other ethnic and gender groups; base impressions on a person's behavior, not stereotypes; understand one's own culture and those of others and how they differ; respectfully help people in these groups make cultural adjustments when necessary. 3.0 FITTING IN WITH THE NIGERIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM In 1977, The National Policy on Education made

recommendations for a system of education that segmented the system into 6 years of primary education. The six years of primary education are part of the 6-3-3-4 system described earlier. The system was designed to allow an exit point after nine years of schooling to

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continue careers through apprenticeships or other vocational training programs. However, this has been replaced with the UBEs 9-3-4 system. The UBE involves 6 years of primary School and 3 years of junior secondary school, culminating in 9 years of uninterrupted schooling, and transition from one class to another is automatic but assessed through continuous assessment. This scheme is monitored by the universal basic education commission (UBEC), and has made it free and a right of every child.

3.1

Promotional Exams Students spend six years in Secondary School that is 3 years of

JSS(Junior Secondary School), and 3 years of SSS(Senior Secondary School). By Senior Secondary School Class 2 (SS2), students are taking the GCE OLevel exam, which is not mandatory, but most students take it to prepare for the Senior Secondary School Exam. The Senior Secondary School Exam is taken in the last year of high school (SS3). The SSCE is conducted at the end of the Secondary School studies in May/June. The GCE is conducted in October/November as a supplement for those students who did not get the required credits from their SSCE results. The standards of the two examinations are basically the same. A body called West African Examination Council (WAEC) conducts both the SSCE and GCE. There is also another examination body which conducts the SSCE Exam. The body is National Examination Council (NECO). It conducts its exam in June/July for SS3 students and December/January for private students. A maximum of nine and a minimum of seven subjects are registered for the

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examination by each student with Mathematics and English Language taking as compulsory. 3.2 Vocational and Technical Education at Junior Secondary One of the objectives in splitting secondary education into junior and senior secondary education was to create an exit point after completing junior education. This system placed emphasis on terminal objectives aimed at providing practical skills for those students who were judged to lack the ability to continue with an academic career in a higher education institution. 3.3 Business Studies at Junior Secondary School Level A business studies program was introduced in 1982 into the Nigerian secondary school curriculum in order to address the countrys economic and technological deficiencies. The objectives were to create an opportunity for students to have a broad understanding of business activities, information. 3.4 Higher Education The as Nigerian higher and education system The is comprised of their functions, interrelationships between business organizations, and to provide students with skills for processing Schools

universities, polytechnics and colleges offering programs in areas such teacher education agriculture. polytechnics were established to train technical, middle-level manpower. Some of the colleges are beginning to award degrees. First year entry requirements into most universities in Nigeria include: Minimum of SSCE/GCE Ordinary Level Credits at maximum of two sittings; Minimum cut-off marks in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) of 200 and above out of a maximum of 400 marks are required. Candidates with minimum of Merit Pass in National Certificate of Education (NCE), Course or Curse! Joseph T.O CAC VONO CLOSE, CHALLENGE, MUSHIN, LAGOS Page 10

National Diploma (ND) and other Advanced Level Certificates minimum qualifications with minimum of 5 O/L Credits are given direct entry admission into the appropriate undergraduate degree programs. Duration of undergraduate programs in Nigerian Universities depends largely on the program of study. For example: Social Sciences /Humanity related courses 4 Years (two semester sessions per year), Engineering/Technology related courses 5 Years (two semester sessions per year), Pharmacy 5 Years (two semester sessions per year), Medicine (Vet/ Human) 6 Years (Have longer sessions), Law 5 Years (two semester sessions per year). 3.5 GOD-CHOSEN COURSE/CAREER Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman watch but in vain (KJV). The importance of God in any decision-making process cannot be over-emphasized. However, we all look up to direct us to the right path in choosing well for MARRIAGE. Why is it that it is only when some people want to marry that they seek for Gods guidance and direction in choosing? This is actually WRONG! We need to seek for Gods guidance in everything we do, to the extent of which cloth to wear for a particular day! We need to learn (if you dont know) how to seek Gods guidance in all areas of our life. Once we have mastered this, it will be easy for us to know Gods choice concerning a course/career. This choice is often in the direction that God has been directing you towards (if you have been spiritually aware).

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Conclusively, having learned all these, it is then pertinent to apply this knowledge so that your chosen course will not be a curse and your chosen career will be a carrier. Thank you for listening.

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