Every year, thousands of young people graduate from universities full of dreams, ambition, and excitement for the future. But for many, the excitement quickly fades when they realize the reality of the job market , long lines at career fairs, countless applications, and months (sometimes years) of waiting for that one call that may never come.
The truth is harsh but simple: the world is changing, and traditional jobs are not as available as they once were. It’s time for young graduates to shift their mindset from job seekers to job creators.
For years, students have been trained to think that success means getting a “good job” after university. We’ve been told to study hard, get good grades, and then secure a stable position in a big company or government institution. But in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, that formula doesn’t always work. Companies are downsizing, automation is replacing human labor, and competition is fiercer than ever. The number of graduates is increasing, but the number of available jobs isn’t growing at the same rate.
That’s why it’s time to think differently. Instead of asking, “Who will hire me?”, young people should be asking, “What problem can I solve?” Because every successful business, no matter how big or small, it starts with solving a problem. Look around your community. What challenges do people face? Is there a service they need but can’t easily access? Is there a product missing in the local market? That’s where opportunities lie.
Entrepreneurship is not only about starting big companies with millions of dollars. It’s about innovation, creativity, and courage. It’s about taking what you’ve learned, your knowledge, your skills, your ideas and using them to create value. Even starting small counts. Whether it’s launching a digital marketing agency, a local food delivery service, a clothing brand, or an app that helps students learn more effectively, every step toward creating something new is a step toward building your own path.
Of course, starting a business is not easy. It requires patience, discipline, and resilience. You will face rejection, doubt, and failure but that’s part of the process. Many of today’s successful entrepreneurs failed multiple times before finding their breakthrough. What matters most is persistence. The goal isn’t to get rich overnight but to build something that lasts, something that gives others opportunities too.
Universities also have a role to play. Education should not just prepare students to work for others, but also to think independently and take initiative. Courses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and financial literacy should be emphasized as much as traditional academic subjects. Mentorship programs that connect students with successful entrepreneurs can also inspire and guide them to take the first steps toward building their own ventures.
Governments and private institutions, too, should support this shift by creating startup funds, incubation centers, and accessible training programs. But even without large-scale support, young people today have an incredible advantage: technology. With a smartphone and internet connection, one can learn new skills, market products, reach customers, and even collaborate with people around the world, all from home.
The mindset change starts now. Graduates must realize that employment is no longer guaranteed, but opportunity is everywhere. You are not just a job seeker, you are a potential employer, innovator, and change-maker. Rwanda and Africa at large need more creators, not just applicants.
So, to every student who has just walked off the graduation stage: celebrate your achievement, but don’t stop there. Look within yourself and around your community. Find a problem, create a solution, and turn that idea into something real. The future belongs to those who don’t wait for opportunities but create them.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
