Navigating Language Educator’s Career Transitions from Graduation to Professional Success in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper attempts to navigate the complex landscape of career transitions from graduation to professional success in the challenging Nigerian job market. It examines the realities of the evolving job market in Nigeria, including the skills gap, graduate influx, and the informal sector. The paper emphasizes the critical need for graduates to develop essential qualities to thrive amidst underemployment, unemployment, unemployability, and complex career dynamics. It highlights skills such as self-awareness, soft and hard skills development, networking, resume and cover letter writing, interview and communication skills, and personal attributes like humility, proactivity, resilience, and creativity. The paper provides recommendations tailored to the Nigerian context, with a specific focus on language education.