having a diploma, a bachelor degree, honours or even a master’s does not automatically guarantee anyone employment. A lack of job readiness, job scarcity, a mismatch between available skills and demands of the labour market, the disconnect between job seekers and location of jobs are often cited as some of the key drivers of both youth and graduate unemployment.
University should be viewed as a transitory space between education, employment or entrepreneurship. It is a fantastic space to polish oneself and make oneself desirable to potential employers and seed funders for startup businesses. It is therefore important that one gets a number of things right: Apply and attend training, symposiums, exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops available at the university and outside. Classroom content does not make a distinction between you and everybody else with the same qualification. A whole lot can supplement class content.
Be yourself. I strongly advise against those scripted responses to interview questions that circulate on the internet and social media. Each of us has a story of her/his own. Answer earnestly and honestly. Tell your own story and do this with tact and confidence. You do not want to see yourself having the same life story, skills and competencies stated by the three interviewees who went in before you. Being yourself should give you the edge.