If you are a member of the Batch B Stream 1 set of corpers, congratulations on ‘graduating’ from an otondo to a full-fledged corps member! After three rigorous weeks (that felt like months) in the orientation camp, it’s time to immerse yourself fully into the life of a corper, as you commence your NYSC service year.
Beyond the monthly clearance duties, CDS meetings and more, there are certain things you should take into consideration, as they will help you throughout your service year— and even after.
Add Value in Your Workplace
Now that you have been deployed to your PPA (Personal Place of Assignment), it’s up to you to make the most of your experience there and leave a great impression. Even if you do not like the PPA you have been posted to, try to accept it in good faith and determine to give your best. Contribute to the growth of the organisation by making helpful suggestions, sharing ideas and being a great team member.
Learn As Much As You Can
Make this period a learning phase. Whether it’s academic, career-related or even regarding life in general, be open to gaining new information that will be beneficial to you during and after your service year.
Acquire New Skills
If you paid attention to the SAED programs in camp, you’ll know just how important it is to acquire new skills. Take a deep dive into the most valuable skills needed in today’s workforce and take up anyone that piques your interest. Those skills will help you make some good money, and improve your employability level, as well.
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Invest in Friendships and Connections
Your NYSC service year provides you with an opportunity to make new friends and connections. From fellow corps members in your CDS group and Local Government to your co-workers, you can meet people who can keep you company, and most importantly, help you grow in different areas of your life. As you make friendships and connections, build them by investing your time. Also, ensure that you are offering value, as well.
Plan Towards The Future
Your service year might seem like a long time but hey, it will be over pretty soon. It’s not a bad idea to start making plans for your post-NYSC life. Do you want to pursue a postgraduate degree? Migrate to another country? Make a career pivot? You can use this period to think your options through, make plans and ask for help if you need it. Do not put yourself under pressure, though.
Save That Cash!
One of the worst things you can do during your service year is to blow through all your money. Don’t get so carried away by the allawee and monthly income from your PPA, that you ignore the importance of saving.
It’s always good to have money saved up— it’s a hedge against life’s uncertainties (you never know what can happen during and after your service year) plus it gives you a sense of satisfaction.
Have Fun
Yep, there’s so much fun to be had. Why miss out on it? If you are serving in a different state than your state of residence, try to have as much fun as you have. Meet new people, visit new places, try out new food and make new memories. Try—to the best of your ability—to have an exciting and memorable service year. You want to be able to look back at your service year and smile, don’t you?
P.S: While having fun, try to be as safe as possible. Follow the COVID-19 prevention guidelines and try to avoid danger, as much as you can.
Have a wonderful service year! 🎉
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