By Bill Dan Arnold Borodi
School is school, but the real world is a different beast entirely. The shift from the comfortable halls of academia to the unknown realm of the job may be difficult, to say the least. It’s like emerging from a safe cocoon into a big, uncertain ocean.
In school, we learn the theories, concepts, and formulas. We’re taught how to solve problems, write essays, and pass exams. But the workplace is a different kind of school, where the curriculum is constantly changing, and the exams are ongoing.
During a conversation I had with Manzi Daniel an Alumni from the Uganda Christian University School Of Journalism,Media and Communication (UCU SJMC ) , he reflects that he misses the simplicity of campus.
He further added, “like you really get the realisation that it’s time for hustling and even when your parents are still supporting you , that inner voice always tells you to work out something in order to become independent “.Manzi’s statement highlights the striking contrast between the organised environment of school and the harsh reality of the workplace, where independence, self-motivation, and hard work are required for success.
Isn’t the work place the actual school ? This is a very critical question when out here .We are not even informed about the ups and downs that come with the work space while at the “SCHOOL” We unknowingly find ourselves trapped in the harsh reality of a new school .
In response to not being informed about the ups and downs of the workplace through our school curriculum, Mr Geoffrey Ssenoga, a lecturer from the School of Journalism, Media, and Communication UCU and a senior citizen, stated that every journey in life is school and that we must face any process head on and adapt to it, posing important questions such as “Did you expect what you will go through after school or you just found out along the way?”.
Just like Mr Senoga says , in this new school, we must adapt or be swallowed by the waves of competition, innovation, and disruption. We must learn to deal with the treacherous waters of office politics, teamwork, and time management. We must develop new skills, like communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
The workplace is a school of hard knocks, where we learn by doing, failing, and attempting again. It is a school of constant learning, where we must remain curious, humble, and hungry for information and growth.
It is essential to be willing to learn, grow, and evolve. Be willing to take risks, explore, and invent when at the workplace because I strongly believe that is where true learning begins.
