The Dilemma of a Tertiary Graduate

In Ghana, the journey through tertiary education is often seen as a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future. From the moment you step onto the campus of the University or any of the other esteemed tertiary institutions, you are filled with dreams and aspirations. Yet, as the final year draws to a close, a palpable anxiety begins to set in. The excitement of graduation is often overshadowed by the daunting question: “What next?”

For many Ghanaian students, the completion of tertiary education is both a monumental achievement and a source of immense pressure. You have spent years navigating the rigors of academia, burning the midnight oil, and striving for excellence. Family and friends have high expectations, often seeing your degree as the golden ticket to success and financial stability. But as you don your graduation gown and cap, the reality of an uncertain future looms large.

The job market in Ghana is notoriously challenging. Despite the country’s rich resources and growing economy, securing employment can be an uphill battle. As a fresh graduate, you find yourself competing with not only your peers but also experienced professionals who have been in the job market for years. The fear of unemployment or underemployment becomes a constant companion.

You send out countless applications, each meticulously crafted to showcase your skills and potential. Weeks turn into months, and the silence is deafening. The excitement of graduation fades, replaced by frustration and self-doubt. You start to question the value of your degree and whether all the sacrifices were worth it. The conversations with parents become more strained, as they too grapple with the reality that the investment they made in your education has yet to yield tangible results.

In the midst of this uncertainty, there is a profound sense of isolation. You see your friends posting on social media about their new jobs or further studies abroad, and you can’t help but feel left behind. The weight of societal expectations is heavy, and the pressure to “make it” becomes almost unbearable. It’s not just about personal ambition anymore; it’s about proving yourself to a community that has placed its hopes and dreams on your shoulders.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, there are moments of clarity and resilience. You begin to realize that the journey doesn’t end with graduation. It’s merely a new chapter, filled with its own set of challenges and opportunities. You start to explore alternative paths; internships, volunteer work, entrepreneurship. These experiences, though not what you initially envisioned, begin to shape you in unexpected ways.

The support of loved ones becomes invaluable. Conversations with friends who are going through similar struggles provide a sense of solidarity. Family members who once only knew to ask about job offers now offer words of encouragement, reminding you of your strengths and capabilities.

The journey post-graduation is a test of endurance and adaptability. It requires a redefinition of success, one that is not solely based on immediate employment but on personal growth and perseverance. You learn to celebrate small victories; an interview call-back, a successful freelance project, or the decision to pursue further studies.

In Ghana, where the challenges are diverse, the story of the tertiary graduate is one of resilience and hope. It is about navigating the crossroads with courage and finding new ways to carve out a future. The path may be fraught with uncertainties, but it is also filled with possibilities.

As you stand at the threshold of this new journey, remember that you are not alone. Thousands of graduates before you have faced the same dilemmas and have emerged stronger. The road ahead may be uncertain, but it is also an opportunity to redefine your narrative, to forge a path that is uniquely yours.

In the end, the dilemma of a tertiary graduate in Ghana is not just a story of struggle; it is a story of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering hope. It is about finding your way, despite the odds, and creating a future that reflects your dreams and aspirations. I hope and pray we all make it up there.