BY NONDUMISO MASEKO
Over the past few weeks, our tertiary institutions have hosted their graduation ceremonies, which were wonderful to see. The pictures are so beautiful, and it’s obvious that the graduates are filled with joy; their families are beaming with pride. It’s a moment of undeniable achievement. But behind the photos and celebrations lies a reality many are hesitant to voice: the quiet uncertainty of what comes next.
For some, the transition is seamless, guided by a part-time job, an internship, or maybe even a full-time role. But for many, the world after university feels like a vast and unfamiliar landscape. The structure of semesters and deadlines you’ve grown to know is now gone, replaced by one daunting question: What next?
I remember my own graduation vividly. I held onto hope because the organization where I’d interned, a government ministry, had hinted at some job openings around the time when I finished my degree. I clung to that promise — me and the few others who did our internship there — only for it to say … well, there were job openings. I’ve never been interested in any job openings where applications are hand-delivered since that experience.
While preparing my applications for other jobs and staying in touch with my friends from time to time, I began regretting not joining societies like ENACTUS during university, where many of my peers developed the soft skills employers seek. I remember spending my holidays at home while friends took on part-time work in retail or elsewhere, gaining experiences that now prove valuable on their resume. All I had was my degree, but it didn’t seem enough.
I spent nearly two years trying to secure my first job. The reason is that I dwelled too long on past regrets and self-pity, instead of focusing on learning from my mistakes and making the most of new opportunities to grow and deepen my skills.
Don’t repeat my mistake.
Enjoy your graduation. Bask in the joy and celebration! But know that sooner than you think, you will need to get up and start building your career profile. You should have already started, but the next best time is now! From my experience to yours, here is a practical guide to navigating the ‘what’s next?’.
The job market is tough, so you need to be tougher and more intentional. Here are a few realities you’ll likely face and how to navigate them.
Tune Out the Noise
You will hear loud, fearful voices from those jaded by unemployment. You may have heard them at your graduation, but the celebratory noise drowned them out. Now, in the quiet, their warnings may seem amplified. Your first task is to learn how to shut them down. Believe, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the certificate in your hand, including your competencies, is your gateway to the future.
Manage Your New Financial Reality
A significant portion of your income previously consisted of a student allowance; however, that source is no longer available. You’re probably thinking some have it better because they come from well-to-do families but let me tell you something: even the most supportive parents often pull back financially after university. You’re likely cash-strapped—a difficult reality, especially since job hunting itself costs money. Accept this with grace and understanding so you can reduce your spending patterns accordingly. Be meticulous with your spending, down to how you use your data. Your energy and your finances should be channelled towards your career growth.
Pivot Your Plan and Be Strategic
Your post-graduation life may not match the vision you had. Building anything of value takes time, and right now, your primary project is your career. This might mean taking a job you never thought you’d do. Do it if it is consistent with your long-term career objectives and helps you acquire necessary skills. Consider applying for Graduate-In-Training programs, even unpaid positions, to gain valuable experience. Consistently pursue professional development by participating in training workshops and conferences, as well as enrolling in online courses to enhance your skill set.
Build Your Profile, Meticulously
Your resume is the living document of your professional journey. Every time you gain a meaningful skill or experience, add it. Find a trusted professional to help you communicate your value comprehensively, because if you can’t articulate your worth, how will an employer see it? Alongside your resume, build your LinkedIn profile. Think of it as the dynamic extension of your resume, showcasing your skills in real-life experiences. Most companies check it, so its importance cannot be overstated.
There’s so much more to say about this new season—and we will, in time. But for now, let this be your starting point. Before we wrap this up, congratulations once again on your incredible achievement. You worked hard for this. You deserve this celebration, and your future self is already proud. Now, don’t let that hard work go to waste. The building begins now.
NOTE — While I have so much more to share, I would like to hear from you. I encourage you to share your feedback, or even your job-hunting experience, at this email address: Communications@khulumaeswatini.com
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