Educate a Girl, Educate a Nation - Sierra Leone

For many young graduates, the transition from university to the workforce is expected to be a smooth journey paved with opportunities. Christine, like many others, believed that her academic success would open doors to a promising career. However, as she quickly discovered, the job market is not always fair or predictable. In her own words, Christine shares her journey—one filled with challenges, resilience, and the determination to keep moving forward despite setbacks.

Like many young graduates, I once believed that life after university would be easy. With my degree, I thought that securing a job in a bank or corporate office would be a smooth and straightforward process. That dream fueled my years of study, pushing me to excel. But now, standing on the other side of graduation, I am confronted with a harsh reality—one filled with frustration, disappointments, and an uncertain future.

I attended an International High School, where I worked tirelessly, eventually graduating as the best WASSCE student in my school and the third-best in the country. My outstanding academic performance made me believe that my future was secured. With such a strong record, I was convinced that companies would compete to hire me after university.

With this mindset, I enrolled at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) to study Accounting—a field I believed would provide the best opportunities for a stable career. Throughout my university years, I remained focused and confident that I would find employment quickly. But as I now realize, life does not always go as planned.

After graduation, I wasted no time. I eagerly sent countless job applications, believing my qualifications alone would be enough. But weeks turned into months, and still, nothing.

One of the hardest lessons I have learned is that getting a job is not just about your degree—it’s about who you know. Unfortunately, I don’t have influential connections in high places who can recommend me for opportunities. Many jobs are filled through referrals, leaving people like me struggling to even get an interview.

Despite my best efforts—visiting offices, networking, and continuously applying—I remained jobless. It is painful to watch others secure jobs through connections while I am left behind.

Luckily, I secured an internship at a nonprofit organization. I worked as a secretary to the Assistant Executive Director, handling official correspondence, invitations, and scheduling his activities. It was a bittersweet experience—I gained valuable skills, but the stipend was low. Still, I am grateful for the exposure and experience.

Faced with prolonged unemployment, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I ventured into selling clothes to generate income. However, running a business is difficult, especially when the capital is lacking.

Without sufficient funds, I couldn’t stock up on large quantities of clothes, which limited my sales and profits. Some days, I made a few sales; others, I made none. It was discouraging, but at least it kept me occupied.

Despite all my efforts—education, job applications, internships, and business—I am still searching for stable employment. The emotional toll of joblessness is overwhelming. Every passing day feels like wasted time, and the mental exhaustion is absolute.

I see former classmates progressing in their careers, while I remain stuck in a cycle of uncertainty. I often ask myself, Was all my hard work in school worth it? But deep down, I know I must keep pushing forward.

This journey, though painful, has taught me some important lessons:

• A Degree Does Not Guarantee a Job – I once believed that academic excellence alone would secure my future, but the reality is different.
• Connections Matter More Than Qualifications – Many jobs go to people with the right contacts, not necessarily the most qualified candidates.
• Starting a Business is Difficult Without Capital—Entrepreneurship is an option, but success is limited without financial resources.
• Life After University is Unpredictable – No matter how well you plan, things don’t always turn out as expected.

Even though I am still unemployed, I refuse to give up. I will continue to apply, network, and explore new opportunities. If I need to improve my skills, I will. If I need to take a different path, I am open to it.

I hold on to hope—hoping that my story will change one day. I will secure a good job, build a successful career, and look back at this struggle as just a chapter in my journey. Until then, I will keep pushing forward.

To every graduate who is struggling to find a job, you are not alone. The journey is challenging, but we must remain determined and resilient. Our struggles today will shape our success tomorrow.

The dream is still alive. The future is still bright. We just have to keep moving forward.

Christine’s story is a powerful reminder that success does not always come instantly, but perseverance can lead to new opportunities. While the road has been difficult, she refuses to give up on her dreams. Her resilience speaks to the strength of so many graduates facing similar struggles. To all who are navigating the uncertainty of life after university, know that you are not alone. Stay determined, keep learning, and continue pushing forward—the future is still bright.

With appreciation,

Amy and the Develop Africa Team

Links:

• Educate Girls to become Empowered Women