Completed

Future Professionals Initiative (FPI)

A youth employability and career-readiness programme for recent graduates and early-career professionals.

FPI 2.0 combined an in-person career development workshop with a four-week virtual support and mentorship programme, covering CV and cover letter writing, interview techniques, personal statements and essays, and professional networking. 30 participants enrolled, 22 completed the programme, and 2 secured employment as a direct result. Delivered in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and College Assistant Co. Project Lead: Onyinye Okoli.

Problem Statement

With over 60,000 young Nigerians graduating annually into a highly competitive labour market, many leave university with strong academic foundations but without the practical skills to compete. Common gaps include limited knowledge of how to write professional CVs, cover letters, personal statements and essays; low confidence and preparedness for interviews; weak professional networks; and little exposure to entrepreneurial thinking.

Target Group

Recent university graduates seeking employment or further education
Early-career professionals strengthening application materials and career clarity

Proposed Solution

FPI 2.0 was delivered over four training weeks, combining a full-day in-person workshop on 11 September 2025 with weekly virtual support sessions on 13, 20, 27 September and 4 October 2025. Participants submitted application documents for review and received personalised feedback from hub members and career mentors alongside peer learning and accountability sessions.

Hub Activities

Week 1 — Physical training

Full-day in-person workshop on CV and cover letter writing
Personal statements and essay writing
Interview techniques
Networking and professional branding

Weeks 2–5 — Virtual support

Weekly check-ins via WhatsApp and Google Meet
Document submission and personalised review by hub members and career mentors
Peer learning and accountability sessions

Monitoring and evaluation

Pre- and post-programme surveys on expectations, job-market readiness, skills acquisition, confidence, and satisfaction

Goals

Short-term Goals

Equip participants to write strong CVs, cover letters, personal statements, and essays
Strengthen interview performance through practical techniques and mock guidance
Provide personalised proofreading and improvement of application documents
Build capacity to create and leverage professional networks

Long-term Goals

Improve participants' chances of securing employment
Increase success rates in scholarships and postgraduate placements
Introduce entrepreneurial mindsets and foundational tools for business or social impact ventures

Key Results / KPIs

30 participants completed the pre-programme survey; 22 completed the post-programme survey
Clear shift from low-to-medium to high job-market preparedness between pre- and post-surveys
Participants produced tangible outputs including improved CVs, cover letters, and professional profiles
2 participants secured employment as a direct result

Impact Outcome

FPI 2.0 empowered participants with the skills, confidence, and support needed to navigate early career transitions. Feedback highlighted the quality and commitment of facilitators, the hands-on nature of the sessions, personalised guidance, and a supportive learning environment. Participants recommended extending the programme duration, adding more hands-on assignments, and including expert-led specialty sessions — lessons that will shape future editions.

Impact Alignment

SDG 4 — Quality EducationSDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth

Global Shapers impact area: Reskill for the Future

Collaborators

Federal Ministry of Youth DevelopmentCollege Assistant Co.