By Miriam Taita Ikupu
I have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Science (Chemistry) from the University of Goroka like I always state in my Expression of Interest Letters.
 |
| Miriam Taita Ikupu |
I have decided to vent after sending 100s of applications out for entry level jobs, graduate programs and scholarships to no avail.
First of all, UOG DOES NOT ONLY graduate Education Students (Teachers), there are HUNDREDS of CONTENT STUDENTS graduating with VARIOUS DEGREES in SCIENCE and HUMANITIES! So if you see a graduate from the university of Goroka applying for a position that doesn't relate to teaching, check their transcripts and certificates properly before throwing their applications to the side.
It was disappointing enough sitting through my graduation ceremony with guest speakers addressing us content student graduands as though we were graduating as Teachers on that day! I felt like I was sitting through someone else's graduation. The only good motivational quote I got was "and for those students not taking education, you will be lucky enough to get a job"... I'm stating this because it just shows how ignorant people can be.
Also, how are we not qualifying for any of the graduate or scholarship programs? I have friends who have outstanding grades, great references who have done community service but still have not even been shortlisted for anything. Someone please shine some light on this. Maybe we're not doing something right.
And if we're not getting a job, and we want to start up something in our field, we still need credibility to start it especially if it is to do with science. So at the end of the day, we still need mentors and hands on experience to navigate through the unknown waters because we're fresh out and do not know how or where to begin. And don't get me started with facilities and funding.
Anyway, I hope a conversation can start about some of these things.
Finally, all the best to my fellow graduates who are still job seeking, looking to further their education or who just need motivation to send out those applications or planning to do a startup. Hang in there, keep on knocking, the one that's meant for you will open.
Keep the faith, God's got you.