MEDIA OR ENGINEERING CAREER: BETWEEN TALENT AND ACADEMIC STUDY

Hi Jarus,

You are doing a very good job here that I really appreciate. May God continue to strengthen you. However, I have a problem I will love you to give an advice on. I’m a final year student of mechanical engineering in a federal university in Nigeria and currently on a CGPA of 3.71.

I have always wanted to be an engineer because of the salary attracted to the profession in the Nigerian labour market. But somewhere in my 400l, I discovered that the only thing I get passionate
about is being a media presenter. I have a wonderful voice and a great English communication skill people do tell me about. I have even met people who have told me it will actually be fulfilling if I can get into the media profession. They say I can change the world with my voice and my skills and talking on a radio or television as a presenter will provide a great platform to reach the world.

Now, I’m confused.

Firstly, is it advisable for me to drop a career in engineering for a career in the media house, knowing fully well that I have the ability to cope in whichever one I choose? Secondly, if you’ll advise me to take up the media career, how do I start about it? This is because all my life, the only thing I ever knew is engineering and science.

Anxiously waiting for your reply, as it will be very vital to my decision making. Thanks a lot, sir.

Bayo

***

Dear Bayo,

First, almost everybody has one other side skill that can be put to use elsewhere. I am an economist by academic training and accountant by professional calling, but I realized I have a thing for career stuff, which are not in any way related to my academic and professional training. Actually, I have written a book, not on economics, not on accounting, but on career.

I will not advise you to drop your interest in engineering. Your CGPA is currently close to the boundary of 2.1, don’t let it slip. Face your studies very well to ensure you graduate with 2.1. You never can tell whether it’s your engineering degree that will be more useful to you than your innate communication skill. Whether you will go into engineering or media, just focus on your engineering study first.

Yet, you should keep developing your communication talent. Your engineering degree will not stop you from getting a communication job when you graduate. You may start reading the profiles or biographies of communication gurus in the mean time.

I wish you all the best.

Jarus

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