The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a mandatory program for all Nigerian graduates, requiring them to serve in a Nigerian state for one year. However, many corps members work as teachers, which often does not provide them with the skills necessary for the job market. This lack of skills can hinder their ability to secure employment after completing their service.
In this article, we have compiled a list of productive activities you can engage in during your service year to increase your chances of landing a fulfilling job afterward. Here are seven ways to build your career during this time and become a desirable candidate in the job market after your service year.
1. Learn a skill.
The workforce of today favors skilled individuals. In fact, a skilled OND graduate may find it easier to secure a job than an unskilled holder of a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, due to the demanding schedules that Nigerian undergraduates experience, there is often little time to learn a skill while studying.
However, during your service year, you have the opportunity to learn a skill. You will likely have a considerable amount of free time, so why not use it to prepare yourself for the workforce?
There are many skills that you can learn proficiently during your service year. With focus, you can learn a skill to a basic level in six to nine months.
Top Skills to Learn During NYSC:
- Digital Marketing: Managing social media, SEO, and online ads.
- Content Writing: Creating articles, blog posts, and web copy.
- Graphics Design: Using tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop to create visuals.
- Data Analysis: Working with Excel, SQL, or Python to interpret data.
- UI/UX Design: Designing user-friendly websites and apps.
- Video Editing: Cutting and assembling video footage for content.
- Software Development: Learning programming languages like JavaScript or Python.
2. Gain Work Experience via remote internship
Many NYSC members include their teaching experience from the NYSC in the work experience section of their CVs, but recruiters often find this less appealing. It can be challenging to gain work experience when most of your academic years have been focused on exams, internships, and projects. Additionally, many graduates find that their NYSC placements are primarily in teaching roles at government or private schools.
Fortunately, several top companies offer remote job simulations (internships) for those looking to gain valuable work experience. These job simulations are free and provide opportunities for graduates interested in careers in marketing, accounting, software development, and more.
Another strategy is proactively reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn or other platforms to inquire about placements, even if it means accepting a stipend. If accepted, you may be able to work your Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) alongside that company.
3. Practice Job Tests
Graduate trainee roles are designed for recent graduates with little to no industry experience. To be considered for these positions, most companies require applicants to go through three stages: registration, an aptitude test, and screening.
The aptitude test stage involves computer-based testing (CBT), and it is crucial to pass this stage to move on to the next one. Consistent practice with job tests can significantly improve your chances of passing the aptitude test.
Many companies utilize GMAT-style questions as well as questions from Dragnet. Here is a sample Dragnet questions that you can download.
4. Optimize your CV
The Curriculum Vitae is simply a document that is required to get a job. A well-optimized CV for fresh graduates should include personal details, a career objective, education, work experience, and skills. When your CV is well-crafted, it increases your chances of finding a fulfilling job after completing your NYSC.
To build an impressive CV, focus on acquiring new skills, documenting your achievements, and gaining relevant work experience. By the end of your service, you will have a well-written CV that will help you stand out in the job market.
Download Free CV Templates for Fresh Graduates.
5. Get a LinkedIn profile.
As of 2025, LinkedIn remains the dominant platform for recruiters, with over 90% of recruiters actively using it to source and vet candidates. Opening a well optimized LinkedIn account is of great important for job seekers.
Here are a few tips that’d help in creating your LinkedIn account:
- Use a professional photo that clearly shows your face.
- Your headline should include keywords related to your dream job title, such as “Accountant | Data Analyst | ICAN Certified.”
- Complete your profile by filling out the sections for experience, education, certifications, and skills. – Actively engage with posts from recruiters to increase your visibility and enhance your networking opportunities.
- You can also reach out to recruiters or hiring managers via cold emails to inquire about job openings at their company or express your interest in working with them if there are any available roles.
6. Attend Professional Events
As a corps member, attending events (such as NYSC-organized programs, career fairs, workshops, or community development activities) is a great way to build valuable connections
Don’t let a remote posting limit your connections. Engage in virtual events like Twitter Spaces, LinkedIn webinars, Google Meet career sessions.
Networking opens doors to mentors, job referrals, and collaborations beyond your physical location.
7. Write Professional Exams for Scholarships.
The service year will provide you with the chance to prepare very well for your professional exams if you’re planning to relocate abroad after the service year. Utilise this opportunity well and prepare for the exam so that you can ace it at a go.
Here are Top 14 Scholarship Exams to Study Abroad you can write.
We wish you Goodluck!
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