HOW I BRIBED MY WAY TO A JOB

My moral integrity so convinced me that I am immune to some compromise. I imbibed principles which till date have largely defined who I am and how I live – even perhaps how I respond to various issues; most of which I learnt from my Dad.

Though bribery characterizes our immediate society, such that educational certificates can be obtained through mere giveaways, I thought I would forever be dissociated with bribing.

During my second year in the university, I thought of my course of study as a deadlock. I considered the present Nigerian society and saw no prospects, no future, and no exciting professional experience in the course. However, I continued and completed the course with enthusiasm and optimism.

Sure enough, graduating from school, I was greeted with the labour market reality and the usual mantra Nigerian graduates are not employable. Well, I agreed or rather, agree with the mantra to the extent of the quality of practical education dished out to students, relative to our global competitors in the real business world. Then my moral courage failed me. I knew I had to do something – something that would change my life forever.

I understood that employers or employing organizations were seeking something more than certificate. So, I was willing to offer something more.

The meeting with my employer was brief and interesting. It was not a job via connection – as in ima mmadu but unusual, in respect to the size of the bribe. He was very impressed that the wrap had the relevant content.

HOW MUCH WAS THE BRIBE

Simple. The bribe was accumulated in 3 batches.

My employer, on handing him the bribe asked “Where did you get all these from?”

“A one year sweat” I responded.

Now the bribe I handed to him was PROFESSIONAL SKILLS acquired through professional development.

That’s the language of today’s business organization.

The question is not “What did you study?” or “What certificate(s) do you hold?” It is rather “What can you offer?” “Why should I hire you?”

Those who have developed professional skills beyond paper qualification are gold mines to business organizations.

There is no bribe more potent than that. Professional skill is a bribe confidently given (by you) and gladly received (by your potential employer).

I spent my first year after graduation to develop professional skill in my area of core interest and it paid off immediately after my national service.

Again, NO BRIBE IS MORE POTENT THAN WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COMPANY.

Organizations would rather hire 1 man who has the knowledge and skill to do the job than 3 men who need to be trained in the knowledge and skill.

There is job everywhere. There are not many persons ready to work. Get the right credentials and bribe your way to a job…like I did.