BusinessDay Career Fair provides career, entrepreneurship insights for youth

In response to the growing need to guide and coach young ambitious Nigerians, BusinessDay organised a Career Fair at the University of Lagos, Akoka recently. Experts have continued to make a case for employability training and the development of entrepreneurial skills to deal with the growing unemployment rates in Nigeria. For instance, “I would share with you, some perspectives from my experience as an entrepreneur and an employer of labour, especially as the founder of BusinessDay” in this singular first sentence Frank Aigbogun, Publisher/CEO of BusinessDay outlined the course of his intervention at the Career event.

Aigbogun continued “as a business newspaper, we are keen about the quality of human capital available in the labour market, we do this to strengthen the employability of graduates. Every week I typically talk to 30 to 40 senior CEO’s in Nigeria. We know what they want. So, we organise this kind of events to motivate, share knowledge and create opportunity for graduates to interact with potential employers and to develop a commercial mindset. Employers are seeking employees with entrepreneurial mindset and skills”
It is no longer enough to have a certificate, it might land you an interview but business leaders are interested in the ability of candidates to deal with particular business situations or manage critical resource. “We want to provide people with intelligence about what employers of labour are looking for. A Curriculum Vitae is no longer a stringing of bios but a personal statement, you passion, dreams and aspirations as an individual” BusinessDay’s publisher added.
Some seed venture capitalists were at the event and shared some valuable insights with intending entrepreneurs or business owners. David Tele, MD of Seedstars Academy, a seed venture capital firm, referred to some data affirming that in mind of a venture capitalist is the notion that only 10 percent of business ideas work. As soon as a would entrepreneur presents a business idea, the venture capitalist subjects it to due diligence and some evaluate business ideas by checking it for content, process and results.
“Every business has a life cycle. But many new businesses do not have clearly defined processes and measurable outcome built into a timeline. Most young entrepreneurs do not have clear objectives.

What product, which market? Is my business a necessity, or just nice to have, these questions must be answered at the initial stages and the clarity of the answers would determine whether any venture capitalist would pay attention to your pitch” Tele enunciated.
Ifeoma Udo, who represented the CEO of Angels Network, a venture capital firm, highlighted that entrepreneurship is a spirit, characterised by being a self-starter, a self-motivator and an innovator. These qualities are present in everyone even as employees. It is captured by the attitude of constantly asking ‘what can I give to my employer in terms value addition’.
“Funding is not revenue, but a life line. You need data, clear headedness, and the ability to calculate what amount of equity you need. But first you must grow value for yourself, focus on delivering superior value and the money will follow. Be dedicated and committed to growth.” Udo said.

 

STEPHEN ONYEKWELU