By Marycynthia Chidiogo Odidika
If you’re a few months away from the end of your service year, or it’s already ended. Then, this one’s for you. There’s always that cloud of emotions—fear, doubt, anxiety, all rolled into one confusing feeling that doesn’t even have a proper name. Unless you already have a job lined up or come from a financially secure background, one question just keeps repeating in your mind: “What’s next?”
Your parents want to know. Your friends are asking. The community is looking at you. Even NYSC wants to know what’s next (that’s literally what SAED is about). And if you still don’t have an answer, it stings a little. Because, honestly, you should at least have an idea of where you want to be.
But I’m not here to tell you what’s next after NYSC. I’m here to tell you how to get to where you want to be, and how not to settle for less.
Start With Intention—Plan Your Service Year
If you’re yet to serve, let me say this: plan your service year before it comes. I’m not here to spill everything, but I hope you get the idea. Why is planning important? You need some level of experience and relevant experience.
Even if you’re unsure of the exact path, lean towards what you love, what you’re good at, and what you can possibly monetize. Surround yourself with people, organizations, and even CDS groups that align with that future you imagine.
Just Out of Service? Use What You Have
Now you’re done with NYSC so what next? Using myself as an example: I’m a copywriter. Jobs don’t just knock on my door because I served at a digital firm. That only gave me a foundation. I still need to go out there and show what I can do.
And that’s what you need to do. Use what you have. If you served in a relevant role, amazing. Use that as your reference point. Build on it.
Create Opportunities—Don’t Wait for Them
Sometimes, the jobs don’t come, so you create your own opportunities. Still using copywriting as a reference: I didn’t wait. I started writing articles, website copy, emails, social media content and basically anything I could get my hands on.
By doing this, I was not just learning or practicing. I was building proof and evidence of my skills. And yes, you have to post them—especially on social media. That’s how people see what you can do. That’s how you start getting noticed.
Try Cold Outreach—Even If It’s Tough
Let’s talk about cold outreach. It’s hard. It’s nerve-wracking. It tests your patience. But trust me, one right yes makes all the other silence and rejections fade away. And by the right yes, I mean an opportunity that lets you grow and not just earn. (Though if you get both? Beautiful.)
Here’s how I did it:
I created a list of companies I wanted to work with.
I found out their problems and how I could help.
I put together a simple portfolio showing what I’ve done.
I personalized my messages.
I sent out over 100 emails in my first month. Guess how many replied? Zero.
But I didn’t stop. And you shouldn’t either. Chin up!
You Want a Job? Show You Can Work
It’s true that you’re looking for a job. But no one and absolutely no serious one would ignore solid proof that you can actually do what you say you can. That “yes” will come from the right person, but only if you’re ready.
Don’t shy away from internships or free gigs just to get a good reference. Ask for help. Let someone look over your CV and cover letters. Refine your application game. And don’t forget to pray. This journey is not for the faint-hearted.
This Isn’t a Life Manual—but It Might Help
Look, this isn’t some perfect step-by-step guide on how to live your life or get a job. But I’m pretty sure you’ll find something helpful—unless you’re already all set, and if so, lucky you!
It’s going to be tough, especially if your parents and the government can’t support you financially. But the end result of finding the right organization, role, or career path will make it worth every sweat, prayer, and rejection.
P.S. You Don’t Have to Be an Entrepreneur
Not everyone is built for entrepreneurship. And that’s okay. I know Nigeria pushes it a lot to hide certain economic truths. But if you want to climb the corporate ladder, please do. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting structure, stability, or a fancy office ID card. Rooting big for you. xoxo.
