First Class Diary: Every Graduate should be Concerned with Skill Application-SO
Hello everyone! It’s Monday again! I apologise for not showing up last week. Trust me, I will not try that again. Smiles!
My scholar for the week is a young champ. Sarah Oshunniyi is a graduate of University of Lagos.
In her words,
You will have to come to terms with the fact that your best may not be enough. Sometimes, it will require the effort that you think you can’t give (those extra hours in the library). It’s not a sprint, it is a marathon!
Enjoy!
Abigael Ibikunle of Edugist: Please share with Edugist, a little about your background.
Sarah Oshunniyi: I am Sarah Oshunniyi, a First Class graduate in Philosophy, from the University of Lagos. I’m a proud QCOG (Queen’s College Old Girl), a firm believer in smart work! I believe creativity is necessary when you’re striving to succeed.
You also have to do what is suitable for you. It’s never the best approach to wholly adopt someone else’s advice or method of doing things. You have to find a way that suits you. I applied this to my academics and it worked.
AI: Was there any motivating factor(s) that influenced your choice of discipline and institution?
SO: The University of Lagos was my dream school. It is a highly respected school and I’m very proud to be an alumna.
However, I failed my entrance exam to study law. So, I had to study Philosophy instead. I ended up really grateful because Philosophy is a fantastic course.
AI: There are two major skills that every student must possess: COMPETENCE and PERFORMANCE. While competence revolves around skill acquisition, performance is much more concerned about skills application. It is believed that most graduates are competent because their academic performance testifies to this. But they are performance-challenged. This poor performance ipso facto hinders them from getting lucrative jobs in the labour market. What can you say about this assertion?
SO: There is a balance to everything. As much as it is necessary to acquire skills that are relevant in the workplace, it is also necessary that you know how to apply the said skills.
Sarah Oshunniyi
It’s like knowing your books to just pass the exam and knowing your books to boost your knowledge bank. You have to think long term. You have to remain relevant in the workplace.
Hence, every graduate should be concerned with skills application.
AI: What do you think is responsible for competence without performance? Please suggest ways of improving the performance level of university students and graduates
SO: I can’t emphasize this enough, it is very important for students to learn this. I learnt it during my internship right before my final year. So, I think that work experience is very crucial to learn the skill application I mentioned earlier.
AI: Achievement in life transcends one’s personal efforts. There were people who, during your programme, rendered some assistance that made your dreams a reality. Who are specific persons whose contribution you can’t forget in your first-class feat?
SO: God gave me a lot, and I mean a lot of helpers along the way. If I start naming people, this interview may not end. But I’m really grateful for my family and the overwhelming support they provide.
AI: As a first-class graduate, are you currently gainfully employed?
SO: Yes, I am
AI: Do you think your grades have or is giving you any major advantage over other graduates with lesser grades?
SO: I don’t think so. I believe that it all depends on how you apply those skills you acquired over time. Basically, how you stay relevant.
AI: For students who aspire to graduate with outstanding grade like yours, what would you advise them?
SO: You have to be determined, because the journey is not smooth.
You will have to come to terms with the fact that your best may not be enough. Sometimes, it will require the effort that you think you can’t give (those extra hours in the library). It’s not a sprint, it is a marathon!
Every semester, I gave my best, even when it wasn’t enough. I put in more effort the next semester. Had a goal and I had to achieve it.
AI: Any other thing you would like to share?
SO: No, thank you!
That’s it for this week’s episode. I hope you enjoyed the interview. Got a scholar you would love to be featured? Would you like to sponsor any of our scholars you find their stories inspiring?
Or want to contact any of them for employments and engagements? Please reach out: abigail@edugist.org or call +2347035835612.
I am Abigael Ibikunle and celebrating excellence is a top priority for me. iTeach, iSpeak, iTrain, iFacilitate, iWrite, iInterview and iLoveYou all. Smile! See you next week!
