Does Graduating with First class honours mean anything? 5 first class graduates share their experiences in the Nigerian Labour Market: Myths, Challenges and Advice.
On Graduating with First Class Honours and Preconceived Notions in the Workplace.
Graduating with first-class honours is still a big deal. From my service year, I noticed that I got preferential treatments from certain people, but it is no news that some people don’t even rate you and your degree. I have heard people say things like a first class degree is overrated, I will rather pick a 3rd class graduate, with the right skill set than pick a first-class graduate and we can’t judge them, to be honest they have their reasons.
So lately, I have been wondering whether there are sentiments attached to first-class graduates in the workplace, and how do they handle it without feeling like a fraud.
This blog post is in a bid to understand what it feels like to graduate with a first-class degree, and working in Nigeria, and whether or not this degree has the power to single-handedly shape the experiences and career path as a whole.
I also took the liberty to probe further, by interviewing my friends to know how being a first-class graduate affect interactions with your bosses, line managers, and even your colleagues.
From Chisom and Chidinma, scholars who work in academia to Olumide, Priscilla and Tope who work in leading financial institutions within the country. This post also explored reactions of family members and touched a little bit on school life too.
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed putting it together.
Chisom Ndigwe
Year of graduation: 2015
Course of study was Banking and finance.. Covenant didn’t have finance so it was the next best thing..but my grandpa worked as a banker so I felt inspired by him
Do family and friends look at you differently or hold you to some high standards as a result of this degree?
I am actually the first person to have a first class from my mum and Dad’s side…so it’s a pretty big deal.lol.. my convocation was huge..my dad called the entire village
What things, activities, or relationships did you have to give up in a bid to bag this first-class degree?
well I enjoyed teaching my course mates and taking tutorials…so having a first class came easy….I didn’t feel like I lost out on anything.. well I was a geek + spiricoco..and my friends were also the same..lol..so we were all happy. Also studying at Covenant University streamlined my focus. So I didn’t socialize much..my activities were basically…class, chapel, library..then hostel. No boyfriends But I never compromised on my movie time…I was a major movie buff..name it, I’ve watched it..
would you do give it up, over and over again, in other words, any regrets?
I wouldn’t give up my experience..it’s a major part of who I am today. Plus being the first of six children..I was always told to set good example..so at least I got my parents off my back. However I wish I explored other passions more. I came to the realization after graduation that there were so many other talents I wanted to explore apart from being good in academics..like creative design…but coming out with a first class placed even more expectations on me..it sucked. Lol. .my dad told me after graduation that the reward for hard work was more hard work..for crying out loud one of my course mates that came out with a 2:2 got a car for graduation!!. I also later realized that coming out with a first class isn’t enough these days..it humbles you really, when you realize that’s it’s more than the certificate. First it’s about God’s will, what you love doing or what makes you happy. In the case of Nigeria you’ll need some connections if you know what I mean. If you are not adding more to the certificate, you have to be chasing your passion. You can’t just be feeling good about a degree.I decided to explore my teaching passion…maybe keep creative design for when I make money. Lol
What are the common myths about first-class graduates in your place of work?
Well I work at a place that has so many super smart people.. the MSA research program of LBS takes the best of the best..at my place of work people speak intelligence .it can be intimidating sometimes..plus we are supposed to all move for our PhD programs so having a first class really helps to get a scholarship. However, I used to think having a first class was a major criteria but I have lots of colleagues with a 2.1 that are one of the smartest people I know..
Can you share experiences showing the discrepancy between your expectations versus the realities in the labour market? ( in relation to job search, Efficiency at the workplace e.t.c.)
Well for me they were a whole lot of discrepancies. I flunked a number of job entrance exams after school at the point of graduation. I had gotten so many awards that i didn’t think it would be possible not to have a smooth sail into the industry. It dawned on me that I needed a mind shift. I decided to drop the mentality of having a first class and work towards being better. I got my chartered banking, did lots of volunteering and a master’s degree. Then I got a real job for the first time. What a ride♀️
Where I work, those that really love research excel easily..It takes more than hardwork. It takes passion. Loving what you do and being passionate about it fuels the drive to work hard and be productive.
Am definitely not the same girl that graduated with a first class in 2015. I don’t even remember that I did nowadays. My mind has shifted 360 degrees..from good grades to purpose.
Priscilla Abimbola
Year of Graduation: 2016
Course of Study: Biochemistry
Do family and friends look at you differently or hold you to some high standards as a result of this degree?
Hmm my dear, well I’ve got friends and family that hold me to high standards, like I should never make any mistake or be confused at any point in my life, I mean you did finish with a first class.
Oh there’s my father that thinks my first class degree is the reason I can oppose some of his views and ideologies that he is trying to shove down my throat, he thinks it gives me the boldness and to him that’s pride. See its crazy how people address you different when they know what grade you graduated with. Reason I barely speak about it.
What things, activities, or relationships did you have to give up in a bid to bag this first-class degree?
I have to give up constant partying and aimless waka around Lagos.
Would you give it up, over and over again, in other words, any regrets?
I would give up the regular partying yeah but not the aimless waka around Lagos, because network and visibility.
What are the common myths about first-class graduates in your place of work?
That we know everything, and never make a mistake.
That we do not have a life as such they can burden you with all the work and you should never complain because you don’t exactly have a life neither are you used to socializing.
Can you share experiences showing the discrepancy between your expectations versus the realities in the labour market?( in relation to job search, Efficiency at the workplace e.t.c.)
Oh boy, pardon my lingua but I remember my first job at a pharmaceutical company, as per first class Biochemistry graduate, I expected a lot as a quality control officer having to carry out several test for daily production, I had started before HR gave me my offer letter, it was 40k per month and they were going to pay twice, 18th of the month and 9th of the next month, you can bet I quit. I had other interviews done where they said I was too qualified for the role I applied for, one even said they couldn’t pay first class salary, it was crazy.
At my current workplace, sometimes my colleague feels intimidated when conversations about grades come up, they get all defensive and abusive afterwards especially if you make a mistake or omit an important information, they forget we are humans too and we make mistakes.
Temitope Emmanuel
Year of graduation 2015.
Course of Study Religious Studies.
Do family and friends look at you differently or hold you to some high standards as a result of this degree?
Yea, sort of.
What things, activities, or relationships did you have to give up in a bid to bag this first-class degree?
Nothing really, i still did church work and held a post in my final year
Would you give it up, over and over again, in other words, any regrets?
I did not have to give up much and I really have no regrets.
What are the common myths about first-class graduates in your place of work?
In most cases, you are expected to solve all problems and volunteer for hard tasks.
Can you share experiences showing the discrepancy between your expectations versus the realities in the labour market? ( in relation to job search, Efficiency at the workplace e.t.c.)
I got a placement in a bank without any training, my first job. I had no work experience, nor office training with the expectation that I would catch up and learn on the job considering my grade. It was quite tasking and I was under a lot of pressure, they just expected that I would do fine.
Olumide Akola
Year of Graduation 2017
Course of Study: Biochemistry
Do family and friends look at you differently or hold you to some high standards as a result of this degree?
I can say they’re proud of me but nothing less was expected, it has always been the norm in my family to do well academically. Sometimes I feel like I’m the dumbest in the house..lol
What things, activities, or relationships did you have to give up in a bid to bag this first-class degree?
Although I was never really a social person, I cannot say I sacrificed much to get this degree. I never really spent a lot of time reading; I only read when I absolutely had to. In fact, I had my worst performance in the session where I had the least friends and activities. I attribute my success to the God-given ability to pay attention to the right things/be in the right place at the right time)
Would you give it up, over and over again, in other words, any regrets?
I wish I could have come out of my shell a little more, or maybe even studied a different course, but I am satisfied with what I have been able to achieve.
What are the common myths about first-class graduates in your place of work?
A popular myth is one that you should know everything about anything because you’re a first class student, regardless of your discipline.
Can you share experiences showing the discrepancy between your expectations versus the realities in the labour market? ( in relation to job search, Efficiency at the workplace e.t.c.)
I think everyone knows that in the country today, your qualifications do not provide a surety for adequate employment; however it does boost your chances. I can say I am one of the lucky ones, although I had my fair share of regret mails, I didn’t have to wait too long to find reasonable employment. The workplace is an entirely different environment from the classroom. I changed discipline from Science to Finance and I’ve had to do a lot of adapting. I’ve learned that the job requires a lot more than being book smart.
You have to be skilled to succeed. Emotional Intelligence, Time management, Creativity etc are very important workplace qualities that don’t come with a degree. No one cares about your degree if you’re not performing, In fact they begin to doubt it.
I think some people are even intimidated by it (first class degree) and try to “humble” you. In all, a degree is only the first step, continuous self development in other areas of life is key to giving one the holistic outlook that is expected of a first class graduate.
Year of graduation: 2016
Course of Study: Geological Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra
Do family and friends look at you differently or hold you to some high standards as a result of this degree?
Well, yeah, in a way. Interestingly, you have to continually be a figure to other younger folks, much more my siblings and extended family. You are basically tagged the advicer, instructor or mentor.
Although, I still get some negative reactions from the portion of the Nigerian population who do not see obtaining the grade as much. I mean, some people really believe that bagging a first class means a less social or boring life; others by their comments imply that the grade isn’t the true test of knowledge. Generally, it’s been a more positive appraisal of some sort.
What things, activities, or relationships did you have to give up in a bid to bag this first-class degree?
Hmm. Quite honestly, I didn’t give up so much. Funny thing is I worked part-time in a secondary school, managed a Christian female blog, and volunteered a lot.Still, I kept my head in the game, and did my best to avoid clueless and less focused associations, studied very hard and trusted my maker for actualization of my dreams.
Would you do give it up, over and over again, in other words,any regrets?
Ofcourse, wrong associations! I would give it over and over again. No major regrets.
What are the common myths about first-class graduates in your place of work?
The most common myth that I am most uncomfortable with is that first class graduates are expected to know everything, literally everything. Sometimes, I wonder how possible this is. I know a lot of things, yeah, but please, just as I tell my colleagues everyday, I don’t know every-every thing. I am only human.
Can you share experiences showing the discrepancy between your expectations versus the realities in the labour market?( in relation to job search, Efficiency at the workplace e.t.c.)
Candidly, I’d like to believe that I had a seamless transition into the workplace after service. This is because I spent barely two months in the labour market, before making a decision on which job offer best suited my current goals.
Truthfully, I was hit by strange realitiesas I journeyed after national service. First of which is, many people feel that first class graduates should always have things figured out, and should never be caught in a fix. Personally, I know I have made a number of plans, followed them through diligently, failed and have had to remake them. So, please, no one knows everything about life, not even first class students, we are only doing our all to excel against the Nigerian odds.
Secondly, being a first class graduate doesn’t mean you cannot be unsuccessful in job interviews or be dealt numerous rejected applications. For instance, you can go so far in a recruitment exercise and be denied at the last interview, a job well qualified for, on a rather slimsy excuse. So believe me when I say,I got countless rejections and recorded successes too.
I must also add that many employers doubt the possibility of our commitment to designated jobs for a rather long time under conditions we might not find pleasant. I guess, this influences some of their decisions, or not. I remember a striking comment I got from an interviewer‘Why should I employ a first class who would definitely leave this company high and dry on getting a better paying job?’ I did my best to convince the interviewer otherwise, but her expressions were simply that of unbelief.
Another important thing is ‘your certificate only isn’t sufficient for the demands that the workplace would present you’. A number of special skills, and appropriate/positive attitudes to little things matter a lot. I consciously learnt that everyday.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and probably picked a point or two from all the gems that these scholars shared with us.
So let me know in the comment section, what are the myths you had or still have about first class graduates, is graduating with a first class degree really enough in the Nigerian labour market or anywhere around the world.
