Identifying A Career Path, A critical Step To Success.

Nigeria Education System is not structured in its design to evoke one's innate career path. But as an Individual, you must be able to manipulate and navigate through the systems in such a way that you faction out career path from the chaotic system by searching for strengths and focusing on strengthening those areas through formal and informal education. Working it out with what aligns with your passion, It is your implied duty to receive learning outside the four walls of the school.

Not born with a golden or silver spoon, so, getting a formal education in this part of the world is a great challenge for individuals like me and some others. Government-owned schools like ours lack basic funding and tools to help us stay in line with those that attended private schools, talk more of engaging the outside world. Nonetheless, few of us strived to succeed by learning through thick and thin, we dare the roar of the Lion King to be among the bravest.

The first interview I had after my first degree paved way for me to be a better person. In 2014, I received a mail from IPI Solutions Nigeria Limited to appear for an interview. During the oral interview section, some typical questions about my field were asked by the panel but I failed to provide answers. When the CEO, Mr. Adamu Garba asked why I don't have basic practical knowledge about my field, I blamed the system. The CEO responded by asking, IS THAT AN EXCUSE? Then I said No. I knew it wasn't an excuse for me to lack practical knowledge as an engineering student. Yes, the system isn't fair to someone like me, but I'm obliged to be a better person in what I've chosen as a career.

Education is not only what we receive in school. That is where most of us get it wrong. Education is what artisans gives too, education is what surfing the internet in the right way gives too, education is what I am giving here, Education is what our parents dish out, education is the very air that we breathe in. But do you consider it like that? Do you see these lessons? Do you structure it to manifest positively and guide you towards a definitive purpose?

The school is not 100% but if you come out of it well, it gives you more than a certificate. To identify a career path is to make a conscious decision to extend the field of knowledge acquisition. It gradually narrows down your path through conscious learning and acquiring skills in a particular field.

If Career is an occupation undertaken for a large chunk of the period of a person's life, which is also referred to as profession, job, vocation, calling, employment etc...then we should know that sometimes we don't find careers, careers find us. But it depends on what you're doing. It's like saying whatever you're doing when you die is what God will count for you. Were you drinking? Were you smoking? And trust me it is usually whatever it is that you do most.

I started out as a wannabe blogger, writing and posting through a free website. I was encouraged by a friend to attend a writing class in other to perfect my writing skills. The writing class I had some months back was the foundation to who I am becoming today. It all started out from somewhere, there is no magic in being successful. You gain expertise in what you do most.

Simply ask yourself these questions as regards career...In school, what do you do most? In life what do you most? What do you enjoy doing? What are the things you are naturally attracted to? These questions are important so that at the confluence of your meeting with career, you'll be making the right decision.

Ultimately it is about taking what's valuable for you and organizing it in a way that aligns with what you identify as your purpose in life. Learning skills to strengthen you and working and walking in that direction is a step closer to succeeding in life.

My name is Oyewole Moshood (Ankaurspeaks), I'm passionate to help the youths shun negativity, embrace positivity and lead a meaningful life of impact and value.