The uncertain future of graduates
Correspondent | Friday July 3, 2020 14:40
They are happy and motivated. They know they are on the right path and their future is heading in the right direction. They have the desire to do and be more.
But for most of them, that hype ends when they approach their third years or towards the end of their studies. One would ask why students are filled with so much positivity when they are fresh out of senior school and preparing for their first years? It could be because for four years they know they will have a school allowance and although some might argue it is not much, at least it is something right.
For about four years they focus on school and then it becomes time for them to leave. That is when for most students reality starts to settle in, what I am going to do with my life, where am I going? Will I get hired? These are just a few of some of the thoughts going through the minds of students about to get their degrees or diplomas. The reality becomes even harsh when some students regret the choice of their study.
Life after tertiary for some students is hell. It is no secret that the country is overflowing with thousands of graduates roaming around the streets unemployed. Students hear stories of people in their respective fields having spent 10 years without a job and still counting with the job hunt.
With COVID-19, it is already evident that job hunting for class of 2020 or any other graduate out there is going to be twice as difficult.
We hear stories of companies retrenching their workers because they cannot afford to pay salaries due to the effect COVID-19 is having on the economy. One can wonder what the future has in store for not only graduates but the rest of the unemployed folks out there.
Where do students go after graduation? Some start their own businesses; some lucky ones get hired while others do not find jobs. What happens to those who do not find jobs? Life becomes difficult for them because they cannot pay bills and everyone knows what happens when you cannot pay bills.
Reality is starting to set in for the final years, that it is the end of a chapter and the beginning of another one. These are some of the responses from some final students completing at the University of Botswana.
The graduands were asked how they felt when they began varsity and how they feel now that it is the end of their long journey. The other question was what their future plans were:
Moitshepi Roseanne
Tsamodimo (final year student at the University of Botswana)
“I began hopeless because I am that hopeless average student. They always said wena o to feeila. I picked a course that favoured my senior school performance but I’m not passionate about my course. Now that I’m leaving, my mind is running around thinking ka go dira jang. I am going for bo plan b. My plan is to try different businesses, apply for jobs, and make money.’’
Mosetsana Boiditswe
(final year student at the University of Botswana)
“Uhmm for starters I wasn’t happy with my course so I was wondering gore have I made the right decision. I didn’t want to take a gap year because being home was getting to me…Right now I really don’t care about school keore whether I finish or not akena sepe because of the unemployment rate gape ke nale fear ya go nna motuba go sena allowance. But my goal is to get as many degrees and certificates as I can.”
“I am still deciding on what to do, but I think it will be selling something, will see gore eng. Hopefully ke ta boela sekolong or get a job that will help me with my hustle. And yes ke gone ke thalehang because ke tswa mo comfort zone ya allowance.
My biggest goal is to make my salary a bonus more lifeng yame and I do believe I will get there.”
Kamogelo Bridgett
Ditlhobolo (final year student at the University of Botswana)
“Ending the varsity journey got me with mixed emotions. Firstly I’m excited that I’m about to finish but at the same time I’m sad I’m going to miss my varsity experiences.
I want to give back to mama what she sacrificed but I know the employment industry is a bit sketchy.
I will keep trying until something comes up but if it doesn’t, then I will have to hustle a little bit different then. Well that is how we varsity students go through each and every day’’
Best of luck to our graduands, graduates and to anyone unemployed.
TSHEGETSANG TEBELELO*
* Tshegetsang Tebelelo is a final year student at the University of Botswana pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Counselling. She is a published author and passionate about writing