EXCEL TALK SHOW
Organized by
THE EXCEL CLUB (GEN.03)
YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY CHAPTER
YABA, LAGOS STATE.
ON 30th OF JULY, 2010
1ST LECTURE
Conquering the Real Professional World:
...a guide for achieving success after school
Insights, Tips, and Tools to Assist You in the Transition from School to your Professional Career/Job.
Presented by
LXL Ogunyemi Tolu
After years and years of attending school, from those first days of kindergarten to the final days of college, your life is about to change drastically.
No longer are you going to have books, teachers, and tests -- but you’re also no longer getting huge chunks of vacation time. The routine you have known your whole life -- of getting up, going to classes, and studying – is about to change drastically.
To help ease your transition from school to professional world, I have developed this lecture paper. Each of the sections of this Conquering the Professional World Lecture is designed to provide you with insights and tools to help you break the wall that stands between you and your desire career/job. This wall is called “unemployment”.
As you face your last days of college and look at the precipice of the work life facing you, remember that this is the moment you have been looking forward to for many years – and now, finally you are about to start your independent adult life. Best of luck!!
Where to begin? Job Hunting!
Why are you in school? I won’t be surprised if most of you don’t can’t say precisely why you are here today as a student, why not on the road hawking plantain chips and pure water or hustling as its popularly called.
I am in school to be educated. If that is exactly what you are saying, then you don’t have any reason to be in higher institution. You should have been okay with secondary education. That is where the basic education ends. The major reason you are in higher institution is to be a PROFESSIONAL in your chosen career. Higher institution of learning is a home of prospective professionals.
What is next after school?
Thus, I will assume you are now a professional. Then the next is to show the world the stuffs you have in you as a professional. You are meant to be a salt to the world, not a salt shaker. A salt shaker only contains salt but does not taste salt. That is the reason why burial ground is taken to be the richest place in the world. That is where you see ideas/talents/wealth of experience wasting beneath the surface of this earth.
I need someone to get me right here, what next after graduation is to show the world whom you are, not go and make money. Add the salt in you to your professional world and see if you will not be successful. This is where most graduates got it wrong. If you make money your ultimate, you may likely end up in slavery for money you will never get. It depends on your definition of money anyway. You are destined to be rich, believe me, nobody is destined to be poor, it is circumstances that cause most people to choose poverty as their next of kin.
Identify a purpose as a professional, and pursue it. Be it as an employee or self employed, just discover a purpose to fulfill and be diligent in doing it. “Seets thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men” Prov. 22:29. Your success is guaranteed. If your own definition of success is money, then your being rich is non-negotiable. As a trained banker, you may decide to take up a job in banking industry to change the face of customer service in banks or to promote professionalism in banking. Your cause will be a driven force that will motivate you by the time you begin to face the examination of life in the professional world.
CROSSING OVER THE BRIGDE.
There is a bridge called “unemployment market” you will need to cross before you could badge the title “professional”. For the remaining parts of this note, I will be discussing one of the major branding instruments you will need to announce your presence in the professional world. With this instrument, if well branded, you will easily break this bridge and swim in the ocean of good job/professional career.
Resume Writing.
The success of an applicant on his job searching endeavors depends on the quality of his resume. Since most companies would ask for a resume first before interviewing an aspirant, it is good to create an impressive one. Achievements or accomplishments of an applicant need not to be preposterous. The key to having a striking resume is to be able to organize credentials and present each information with great clarity.
Today's job seeker has many options presented to him when he is trying to make a resume to clinch that job he is dreaming of. Much help related to resume is available online and websites even offer information on graphical elements of a resume. These include elements like fonts, style, and the feel of the resume and offer you options of traditional, creative and modern resume layouts. With the options available online for a job seeker with regard to professional resume templates, one should be aware of how to adapt the various resume layout options available to his needs. This way, he can ensure that he gets the best impact and result from the curriculum vitae.
You should always ensure that your resume looks as professional as it can be along with making the content relevant and valid. Have a heading to present your name, contact number, home address and maybe email address. You can include a job objective as the first item in the CV. Then you can go on to add information such as a resume objective which could simply state the name of the position applied for. Select appropriate fonts, and graphic style to create an appealing CV. There are several resume layouts such as one-column resume layout, two-Column resume and centered resumes. Search online for the various types of templates available.
Focus on the detailed layout of your resume and make sure it is consistent throughout in the way the resume is written. Typically, short sentences and phrases are recommended for easy reading. Sentences should be to the point and clear. Proof read for errors. In general, about one or two pages of resume containing vital information is deemed to be sufficient.
Overall, your resume should be entirely error free as this is a reflection of you as a potential job candidate. Have more than one other person to look through your resume. Incorporate all relevant changes and you will be well on your way to securing a job.
Make your resume a ONE-IN-THOUSANDS.No doubt the unemployment market is highly competitive, there is always an assurance that thousands of resume will accompany your resume to the desk of your prospective employer, so you need to make your own stands out and interesting to read.
Effective wording on a resume often means the difference between an interview and rejection. Regardless of your level of qualification and experience, if it isn't presented EFFECTIVELY within your resume it won't land you a new position. Here are some expert wording tips to help you stand out from the crowd:
1) BEGIN EVERY SENTENCE WITH A VERB
Creating an action-oriented resume is critical to a successful job search. For example, take the following line:
"I managed several teams and their scheduling and solved project issues."
The actual CONTENT of the sentence is valuable, but it's just not getting across effectively in its current form. This sentence can be revised along the lines of:
"Controlled multiple project teams and scheduling, and rapidly addressed issues."
2) DEMONSTRATE SKILLS, NOT BUZZWORDS
Don't make the mistake of cramming your resume full of buzzwords thinking it'll land you interviews. Recruiting agents want to see resumes that DEMONSTRATE KEY SKILLS above all else. For example, take the following line:
"Proven project management and comprehensive use of risk and change management disciplines."
This line doesn't work because it's simply a laundry list of buzzwords with zero context. It can be re-written much more effectively as:
"Managed critical projects throughout all phases, successfully mitigated risk, and adjusted to changing needs."
3) ERR ON THE SIDE OF PROFESSIONALISM
Striking the correct tone is essential. For example, take the following line:
"I looked after department budgets, wrote reports, and corrected paperwork errors."
An entire resume using this type of language comes across as amateurish and undersells the candidate at every turn. This can be revised as:
"Controlled multiple department budgets, crafted detailed reports, and proactively resolved discrepancies."
Career Objective
Most effective resume contains job objectives. Objectives are included in the resume to let employers know of an applicant’s intent. Normally, job objective is placed at the upper portion of the resume. Usually it follows name and contact information of an applicant. It is advised to keep objective as general as possible, not mentioning a particular job position to avoid being typecast. This is to allow the employer to decide on a job that most likely fits to an applicant’s qualifications.
Then, remember to keep the tone transparent. As much as possible, avoid mentioning a specific intent unless if the applicant has a specialized skill or talent that he wants to pursue.
Enhance Your Credibility With a Great Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter.
Submitting a poorly constructed cover letter will cause you a lot of damage. Your resume will not only be ignored but also possible job interview will be out of reach. As a job hunter, you might need a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume, and information. The CV functions the same way as a resume. However, they are more preferable for advanced degree holders in academic and research fields.
As such, a CV cover letter should be written carefully and it should contribute to your reader's good perception of you. The letter is designed to accompany your CV. Metaphorically, it functions like a friend does, that is, to help and support each other. It is submitted so that you have the opportunity to capture the hiring manager's attention as it provides more specific details on your skills and experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for. For a well-written letter, follow these simple steps when writing a cover letter.
• Be Brief yet Complete. It is vital that you keep your letter brief. A quality cover letter should be able to capture and keep the attention span of the reader. The best way to do it is to keep your cover letter short and yet complete as possible. Otherwise, you will be losing the reader's interest for every additional 5 minutes that he or she reads your letter. Bear in mind that for some people it is not interesting to read some strangers professional skills and experiences. So put yourself in other people's shoes.
• Motivate Your Reader. If you can, motivate the recruiting manager to look into your application form and CV. Typically, you can motivate an employer if he thinks that you might be the right person for the position as it will make his life simpler and his task may be finished much earlier. So always highlight your relevant skills and qualifications for every letter you will be sending.
• Introduce Yourself Positively. The cover letter generally may reflect the kind of person you truly are. It is an introduction between you and the employer. With this in mind, it is important that the letter should make a good impression. Remember that the letter serves a purpose and you should take advantages of it. When introducing yourself to the readers, factual information is necessary. This includes real contact information.
• Clearly Indicate the Position you are applying for. Always be specific. Specify the position you are interested in and do not expect the hiring managers to guess the position you are applying. They do not have the time for that. Aside from this, also clearly indicate your strong points and achievements. In the marketing world, we call this SELLING POINT.
• Proof Read Your Cover Letter. Honestly, it will be difficult for you to proofread your own writing. Since this is the case, consult or ask a friend to read your cover letter and also your CV and other application forms. Ensure that it has no misspelling, poor grammar construction and bullets.
Lastly before I cross the lines, always attached copies of your credentials each time you are asked to drop your C.V.
Now I can see you on top of your professional game. Yes! kife is a game and especially securing a good job in our dear country. But with a well branded RESUME/C.V. I see you winning. If you can follow the principles listed in this lecture note, the empty net of job placement will be opened to score a winning goal that will advance you into the PROFESSIONAL WOLRD. So I pray you don’t “yakubu” the chance when it comes.
Don’t forget; when you get to the professional world, let EXCELLENCE IN ALL DIRECTIONS be your watchword. I wish the best of success.
Elevator speech
I want you to do something in a jiffy, take a pen with paper and write an ELEVATOR SPEECH. Assuming you meet with your creator now and he asks you to make a request, under 60seconds, what kind of professional life do you admire?
This is what I mean by elevator speech. It takes less than 60seconds to travel in an elevator. Can you summarise your professional objectives/goal in a sentence?
Do that right away and start walking toward achieving it.
Best of success!
I would love to have you join me on your journey through life. It is always more fun doing it together! You can follow me on www.facebook.com/rightvision.network I will help you expand your reality and launch your own power to create the life you deserve!
Right Vision Network is a capacity building outfit for Public speaking, Self discovery & Reality expansion powered by Right Vision Multi-Concepts
CONTACT:
LXL Ogunyemi Tolu
President/CEO
Right Vision Mulit-Concepts (RVMC)
Business Management, Business Branding & Promotion / Industrial Services, Training & Public Speaking.
+2347034746541/+2348056604803
@RVMC………we expand your reality.
2ND LECTURE
GET CHARTERED!
THE NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION
A CASE STUDY OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT OF NIGERIA (ICAN)
Presented by
LXL Ogunbode Olayemi S (HND, ACA)
INTRODUCTION
The labour market is so competitive these days that many employers of labour hardly reckon with OND, HND and BSC holders. The reason for this is not farfetched; many graduates are not well equipped with the technical abilities expected by the employers of labour. Employers of labour see graduates as people that are half baked. This challenge then necessitates a reason for professional qualification. There are several recognised professional bodies in the financial sector like ICAN, ANAN, CIBN, CIPM, ACCA, e.t.c. We will be using ICAN as our case studies due to the edge it has over several professional bodies.
WHY ICAN?
Accountancy is a profession which many people find attractive. The reason for this is not far-fetched. Accountancy is a viable option for people wishing to enter the job market upon qualification. It holds the glamour of self-employment for dedicated and hardworking men and women. To become an effective accountant and a professional, one needs to become a Chartered Accountant. The only way to become a Chartered Accountant in Nigeria is through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, (ICAN).
THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF NIGERIA
The Institute was established by Act of Parliament No. 15 of 1965. The Act empowers the Institute to:
Determine what standard of knowledge and skill are to be attainable by persons seeking to become members of the Accountancy Profession and to raise those standards from time to time as circumstances may permit;
secure in accordance with the provision of the Act, the establishment and maintenance of registers of fellows, associates and registered accountants entitled to practice and to publish from time to time a list of those persons;
Perform, through the Council of the Institute, all other functions conferred on it by the Act.
EXAMINATIONS:
The Institute organizes two (2) examinations
Accounting Technicians Scheme (ATS)
The Institute's Professional Examinations
ATS STUDENT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Five (5) credits pass including English Language and Mathematics in the West African School Certificate Examination, General Certificate of Education or Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in not more than two sittings.
Ordinary National Diploma of any Polytechnic recognized by the Council of the Institute
National Certificate of Education (NCE) from any College of Education.
Any other relevant qualification approved by the Institute.
THE PLACE OF AAT IN THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION
In line with its statutory responsibilities, the Institute conducts examinations for prospective members who, on qualifying as Chartered Accountants, occupy top-level positions in various sectors of the economy. Below this level are the HND and B.S.C (Accounting) graduates who are not professionals. Thus, between the Chartered Accountants and their unsophisticated and diverse clients, there existed a vacuum that needed to be filled. This vacuum could only be filled by Accounting Technicians who are trained to understand and interpret the language of the professionals to the clients.
ADVANTAGES OF AAT
Holders of the Association of Accounting Technicians qualification can use their certificate to proceed to the ICAN Professional qualifying examinations scheme and eventually qualify as full-fledged Chartered Accountants.
The AAT certificate can also be used to secure admission into a University to study B.S.C Accounting, Banking & Finance, Economics, Taxation, Business Administration, etc. Many Nigerian Universities equate AAT Certificate with ND (Accounting) Upper Credit and, so, admit holders into 200 level of a relevant degree programme. This is particularly crucial because these days, importance is attached to University degrees by employers of labour in the Nigerian and global economy.
An AAT certificate holder can work in both the private and public sectors of any economy in the world. The certificate indicates competence, integrity and ability to take on responsibility of an accounting nature. The duties that might be assigned vary from organization to organization. They range from more routine to technical works. In the commercial and industrial sectors, holders of AAT certificate should be able to earn rapid promotion to middle level management particularly with dedication and hard work •
Holders of the AAT certificates are very good Audit clerks checking records and conducting bank reconciliations.
i. He/She may be an invoice clerk checking invoices
ii. Be required to prepare data for computer system
iii. Be required to prepare or check PAYE, VAT and other tax returns
PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATIONS
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In order to register as a student with the Institute, an applicant must hold a qualification not below the followings:
The degree of any University or Higher National Diploma of any Polytechnic recognized by the Council of the Institute.
ICAN ATS Final Certificate
Any other qualifications hereafter to be approved by the Council of the Institute.
Approved meanwhile are:
The final examination of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA).
The final examination of the former Corporation of Secretaries.
The final examination of the Association of International Accountants (AIA).
The final examination of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria
STAGES OF EXAMINATION
Foundation - 3 subjects
Intermediate - 4 Subjects
Prof. Exam. I - 4 Subjects
Prof. Exam. II - 4 Subjects
ADMISSIONS AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OR FELLOW OF THE INSTITUTE
Candidates are eligible to be admitted as Associates after they have successfully completed all the stages of the examinations. Successful candidates are formally inducted at a ceremony presided over by the President of the Institute and Chairman of Council and thereafter use the title "ACA" Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountant, after their names. To be a Fellow of the institute, Associate Member must have been in professional practice for a minimum of five (5) years or in other jobs for ten (10) years.
WHEN TO START?
The answer is NOW, to avoid being referred to as a half baked graduate. Get loaded with relevant professional knowledge now so as for employers of labour to seek for your service in future. For further details on how to register with ICAN and details of subjects to write in all stages, visit http://www.ican-ngr.org/ or better still get in touch with us at excel club international for proper guidance.
Contact:
Excelclubinternational05@yahoo.com
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