27/06/2020
FIRST-CLASS OR EXPERIENCE, WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT?
Okay, so I promised to air my view on the subject matter “First-class or experience, which is more important?”
Well, I had a few engagements on this issue both on WhatsApp and on Facebook and I couldn’t agree more with the choice of experience over first-class.
Apparently, a friend of mine had called during the day just to say that experience is the better option and then hung up, like who does that? LOL. I think this guy has got plenty of airtime credit, please if you are reading this at the moment kindly send N1,500 airtime to me as my data bundle is almost exhausted and I want to check for the meaning of “Kaleidoscope.” Mbok!
Oh, did I just digressed? Pardon my lack of focus.
Straight to my view on this.
But wait! Before I continue, I’m beginning to think that my respondents are biased, because most of them failed to give reasons for their answers.
So, I had seen a video clip on WhatsApp a few days ago, on an interview session: (Tweaked version)
Recruiter: Why do you think you should get this job?
Applicant: Simply because I’m more than qualified for this job, I have a first-class in Human Resource Management.
Recruiter: Oh, I see, any work experience?
Applicant: No, I’m a fresh first-class graduate.
Recruiter: Okay, but we are actually looking for fresh graduates with relevant work experience for this job. I'm afraid you aren’t qualified for this position. Next!
Oops, expectations cut short. He probably thinks having a first-class was all that mattered, right? But sadly, there is more.
It’s a known fact that schooling does not necessarily equip one with most of the knowledge and skills that one needs in the workplace. In the words of Onyeka, the Nigerian educational system teaches you how to learn, full-stop. (Although, I don’t completely agree with this, however, truth is served in this statement).
What experience does for a prospective job seeker is that it helps one put into action those theoretical concepts learned in school and more. Employers understand this as well as the cost implications of recruiting completely incompetent personnel, hence, the choice of an experienced applicant over a first-class graduate with no job experience.
Contrary to popular opinion, gaining experience in your field of study is a whole lot easier, with the growth in digital technology, you can now engage in virtual internship programs at the comfort of your home (see link in the comment session).
Another way to gain experience without having to scout for internship opportunities is through “freelancing”. This would be more beneficial for those that are studying or had just completed their undergraduate program in courses that require rendering services to people. You could consider learning some skills that are relevant to your field in order to effectively hover around this. For example, a student of computer science could help small businesses in designing websites tailored to their specific needs. This can be done offline or through online platforms like Fiverr, etc.
Mind you, I’m not trying to say having a first-class shouldn’t be a goal to chase after, certainly not! It would interest you to know that most of my friends in school are actually first-class products. However, your CGPA would only make up for a line in your CV while your experience should occupy about 5 – 10 lines.
So, my dear first-class folks, your grade is great, you've done well. In fact, it shows that you are capable of learning which is more like what the corporate world is about – learning, and learning some more. But then, your grade alone is not enough to land you your dream job. Experience is also important, if not importanter.
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