DILEMMA OF A JOBLESS ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE
Good day Sir,
My name is Valentine. I just rounded up my NYSC at Rivers State and I studied Architecture. My plan for life is working (getting more experience and saving money) so I can go for my Masters by early next year. I have submitted my CV to many companies and Architectural firms but none of them has called me for interview.
I am getting a little confused about what to do because I am running out of patience and my I don’t have much money in my savings now and I don’t want to rush into being on my own so I will not commit any professional blunder. I don’t know why a big City like Port Harcourt will be treating me like this.
My Parents are forcing me to try and find a job and I know how Architecture line works I must have my masters before I can think of going for my professional exam and they have made it clear that they will not train me if I want to go for the Masters. Age is not on my side and if I start work I may not have the strength and power to do the Masters again unless I get the work and work as a contract staff and still do the masters but up till now none of the companies has called for interview. I am confused.
What’s your own view sir?
****
Dear Valentine,
I passed this case to one of our analysts, Emmanuel Ewumi:
Congratulations on the completion of your studies and NYSC programme. Accommodation is one of the basic necessities of life and considering the current housing deficit in Nigeria which is currently put at about 16 million housing units, I am of the opinion that competent professionals in the building and construction sectors of the economy will always be sought after. Students should plan their work life and career path right from the University, internship and work/study programmes should be encouraged by our Universities.When I was in the University, students of Architecture, Building Technology and Estate Management were the richest on campus, making hundreds of thousands and millions of Naira per year, none of them graduated to start looking for jobs.
I think you have to open your eyes in order to see opportunities in the building and construction industry. We currently have a dearth of competent and reliable professionals in that sector. If artisans and unskilled labourers in the sector are carving a niche for themselves, I see no reason why an Architect can not do same. If you can not get Architectural firms to work with in Port-Harcourt, why don’t you relocate to cities like Lagor or Abuja. Your parents have informed you that they will not finance your Masters or professional studies, the onus now lies on you to get a job or create a job for yourself. Your training as an Architect should enable you to function in a number of roles in the building and construction industry eg project manager, land economist, property/facility management. quantity surveyor etc. My friend please commit your ways to your God if you believe in Him, learn to be more creative, think out of the box, expand your horizon and you will definitely see possibilities.
