Welcome to Landmark University's Career Portal

Pathways in this career cluster include:

• Accounting
• Financial Planning 
• Business/Corporate finance
• General Banking (Corporate and Commercial)
• Investment Banking
• Wealth management
• Insurance services

The highest paying jobs in a finance career cluster are in investment banking, corporate banking, asset management, financial advisory and brokerage, and private equity.

1. • Analysis & Problem-Solving. 
     Companies in a highly competitive industry such as the extractive industry need workers who can break a problem into smaller ones. In addition, they need workers who can examine and evaluate information to conclude and provide logical solutions. These skills give the company a competitive edge.  
   • Continual Learning & Adaptation.
     Rapid innovation and change in technology require that workers learn new skills and adjust approaches, even workflow. Demonstrating that you can go with the flow while maintaining a positive attitude. 
   • Teamwork.
     Team players, people who connect, and make positive contributions to the group, are useful in technical and intensive work associated with the extractive industry. In addition, developing teamwork skills helps work with other workers and regulators.
   • Initiative & Enterprise
     Employees who can recognize opportunities to solve organizational problems and take the initiative will boost the innovative capacity of any team and set the pace for continual learning. 
   •  

You do not need a degree in insurance or finance to work in the industry. However, a first or second degree in the field can provide a competitive advantage for specialisation, especially in the technical areas of the industry. These degrees include Insurance studies, Actuarial science, Accounting and Insurance, Finance and Insurance, Risk Management, Financial and Insurance Mathematics, and Financial Engineering.

Industry bodies and National Chartered Insurance Institutes offer several certificate programmes and diplomas in insurance. In addition, numerous training also exists for specialised fields such as brokerage, underwriting and risk modelling.

The banking is open to graduates with financial and non-financial degrees. In addition to roles in finance, banks employ graduates with the aptitude and soft skills for jobs in Customer Support, Information Technology, Business Development, Marketing and Human Resources. Banking-related degrees include Banking and Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, and Agricultural Economics.

Professional qualifications relevant to the industry; are provided by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria(CIBN), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). 

Professional certifications relevant to the industry include Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC), Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA), 

An MBA programme with a finance specialisation is valuable in the industry.

The top banks run annual graduate recruitment programmes promoted on their social media pages. The application process can take various forms, taking an online quiz or a shortlist of candidates to write aptitude tests through which they select for interviews. Additionally, some banks require selected candidates to meet some targets in fundraising as an entry task to join the bank.

An internship also helps you get a foot in the door. Banks also offer internship opportunities to students, providing an opportunity for early experience in the industry. In addition, it can help build relationships within the bank to take temporary jobs before joining full-time. Recruitment companies that work as staffing agencies for banks provide contract opportunities to work with banks.

Starting your career or having a consulting experience in Big 4 or Big 8 firms such as PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, and EY also provide a springboard to a career in the banking industry. Banks typically hire staff from these organisations into middle and senior roles. Investment banks usually require graduates with prior experience in the financial sector. 

International
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Association of International Accountants (AIA), Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Institute of Management Accountants, International Federation of Francophone Accountants (FIDEF), The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), International Association of Investment Bankers Since (IAIB)

Nigeria 
Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Financial & Investments Analysts Nigeria (CIFIAN), Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN)

International
Tidjane Thiam, Janet Yellen, Okonjo Iweala, Warren Buffet, J.P Morgan, James Dimon, Josef Ackermann,

Nigeria Career Champions
Okonjo Iweala, Taiwo Oyedele, Herber Wigwe, Akintola Williams, Jim Ovia

International 
World Bank, International Monetary Fund, International Finance Corporation, African Development Bank, 

Nigeria 
Central Bank of Nigeria, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Nigeria EXIM Bank,  Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Development Bank of Nigeria, Debt Management Office, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Asset Management Company of Nigeria, 

Global Leading Employers, and Companies, Startups
Barclays, Bank of America, Societe Generale, Goldman Sachs, Standard Chartered Bank, Access Bank PLC, Standard Bank Group, J.P Morgan, Ecobank, Morgan Stanley, Zenith Bank, Allianz, The World Bank, Capital One, Wells Fargo, Guaranty Trust Bank, Absa, DeVere Group, First National Bank, American Express, RBC, BNP Paribas, PNC Financial Services Group, BNY Mellon, Chase, NatWest Group, Merrill Lynch,  IFC, SEI Investments, 

Nigeria’s Leading Employers, and Companies, Startups
Bank of Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Access Bank PLC, Ecobank, Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa, The World Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank,, First Bank, Union Bank, Polaris

• Fintechs as Challengers
  Startups leveraging data and technology are bringing innovations to markets at an unprecedented rate for traditional financial service providers and regulators to deal with. However, several incumbent financial institutions respond by rolling out fintech offerings to their customer base. Some of these are exclusively from them, while others partner with Fintechs.

  Evolving Customer Expectations 
  Customers now expect personalised and instant access to a menu of financial services. They also expect services to be accessible across multiple digital channels and their requests promptly attended to.

  Fraud and Cybercrime
  The financial sector is exposed to several threats from within and outside the financial system. The complexity of fraud and money laundering operations continues to evolve, putting the deposit of customers, operations and reputation of financial firms at risk.

  Underserved Customers
  Agency and digital banking services have helped close the financial inclusion gap in several developing countries. However, most of the population is still underserved due to the lack of robust financial services to cater for their needs. Access to credit at an affordable rate remains a challenge for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses.

  Exposure to Global Risk 
  The connectedness of the global financial system has made economic systems vulnerable to shocks that may come from anywhere in the world. For example, default on loans in the US may lead to a domino effect on financial markets in Europe and catalyse to become a global financial crisis.

  Tougher Regulatory Environment
  The financial sector is highly regulated. In both good and bad times of the economy, the financial sector is a target of increasing legislation and policies and has to adhere to the government’s strict compliance measures. The globalisation of finance also implies that many of them are exposed to the regulatory environment in international markets.

  Legacy Systems
  Financial institutions with a long history of operation are significant players in any nation’s financial service industry. But unfortunately, a majority of them are challenged with legacy systems of existing software, processes, and business infrastructure, which can be challenging to integrate, change or adapt to new technologies.

  The volatility of the World Economy
  From the devastating effect of COVID-19, mounting rate of inflation, fluctuation in the value of currencies and the foreign reserves of Nations, to wars among nations, the financial sector’s stability is threatened by uncertain times.

• • Digitigitisation is on the high in the following areas of finance:

    • AI for interfacing with customers, delivering advisory services, and making product recommendations in banking.
    • The emergence of blockchain technologies for trust management and digital currencies in business finance. 
    • Data-driven decisions such as calculation of premiums based on predictive analytics in insurance.
    • Robotic Process Automation and advanced AI technologies for automating manual accounting processes.
    • Algorithmic stock trading – quants in investment banking.
    • Loan prediction and credit scoring based on historical financial records, behavioural analysis, and big data in banking.
    • Automation of accounting workflows to reduce the burden of manual data entry.

Books

• How Finance Works: The HBR Guide to Thinking Smart about the Numbers
• Narrative and Numbers: The Value of Stories in Business
• Managerial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision Making
• Cost Accounting: A Managerial Emphasis
• How to Read a Financial Report: wringing vital signs out of the numbers

Podcasts

• The Abacus Show
• ACCA Podcasts
• From CPA to CFO
• Cashflow Diary
• The Economist Podcast

Publications/Blogs

• CFO Magazine
• Strategic Finance
• Global Banking & Finance
• Financial Planning Magazine
• Accounting Today

Movies

• Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
• The Accountant (2016)
• The Insider (1999)
• In Debt We Trust: America Before the Bubble Bursts (2006) 

Events

• World Economic Forum
• Africa Finance Summit
• Africa Fintech Foundry/Summit
• African Insurance Organization Conference and General Assembly

The top career pathways include:

• IT Support and Services 
• Networking and Telecommunications
• Cloud Computing and Infrastructure 
• Software and Web Development 
• Database and Data Science
• Information systems
• Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

The highest paying jobs across industries are Big data engineer, DevOps Engineer, Information systems security manager, Mobile applications developer, Applications Architect, Data Architect, database manager, data security analyst, data scientist, network/cloud architect, senior web developer, site reality engineer, systems engineer, and software engineer.

• A career in information technology will benefit from the following industry skills:

  • Communication: IT is a field of communication, which is why it is referred to as ICT in several climes – most especially in the developing world. IT professionals provide solutions or support others who are not usually as technology inclined as they are. Therefore, being able to communicate provides an advantage for a successful career in the field.
  • Analysis & Problem-Solving: Information technology’s universal appeal is the ability to solve problems in other fields through algorithms that automate expert skills. However, this requires the ability to translate real-world use-cases to codes through a thorough analysis of the requirements collected. It can be quite a daunting challenge, which many times requires problem-solving skills to resolve.
  • Initiative & Enterprise: A career in information technology provides a lot of entrepreneurial entry due to the low entry barrier, especially in software and digital services. Initiative & Enterprise skills give the ability to spot opportunities and find a path towards turning them into a sustainable business. It has made IT professionals one of the most represented groups in the list of the world’s wealthiest people.
  • Continual Learning & Adaptation: IT is a dynamic field. Technologies that seem hot today can be out of fashion in less than half of a decade. IT professionals need to continually learn to stay up-to-date on being proficient in the latest tools of their professional trade. Some of these are available as certifications from leading technology providers or as software updates that now incorporate machine learning which professionals need to adapt.
  • Creativity & Critical Thinking: IT platforms provide a canvas to solve problems. However, your level of creativity and ability to think critically can help you create solutions that stand out in the marketplace amidst a pool of global competition. In a field where critical thinking is required to meet its high demand for logic, a burst of creativity can make all the difference. However, rarely does one go without the other in solving problems.
  • Digital Proficiency: This is native to the field of information technology itself. Key competencies are Coding, Data and Design. Even though IT professionals may not be experts at any of these competencies, they must have a fundamental grasp. The day to day work of IT professionals revolves around them. Networking professionals may sometimes need to write a script in software-defined networking. Cybersecurity specialists may need to analyse data to detect threats. An enterprise information systems analyst may need to come up with diagrams to aid planning software integrations. 

The top career pathways include:

• IT Support and Services 
• Networking and Telecommunications
• Cloud Computing and Infrastructure 
• Software and Web Development 
• Database and Data Science
• Information systems
• Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

The highest paying jobs across industries are Big data engineer, DevOps Engineer, Information systems security manager, Mobile applications developer, Applications Architect, Data Architect, database manager, data security analyst, data scientist, network/cloud architect, senior web developer, site reality engineer, systems engineer, and software engineer.

The jobs with the lowest entry barriers are those in customer service. However, graduates from all professions are eligible for management and marketing positions.

Several network companies in this sector do not recruit for technical roles as most of their specialised services are outsourced for management to partners. However, those companies do such technical roles recruitment.  

There are internship opportunities with big telecom companies. However, internships for engineering students do not always provide the necessary skill required. However, suppose you’re looking for technical jobs or internships. In that case, you should look into network equipment and companies that provide telecom network support.

In this field, graduate recruiting opportunities are accessible and are advertised via traditional or social media. Staying in touch with these outlets will help you stay informed about job openings in this field.

Aptitude tests are conducted before the main interview in this industry because many people apply for positions. The aptitude test narrows down the candidates who best fit the available roles before moving to the interview stage.

Telcos are big organisations, but they rely heavily on SMEs as partners to distribute their products. Telcos in Africa outsource their technical services to management partners and rely on other small businesses as their technology partners.

You would typically work in teams that range from research and development, technical installation, sales and marketing to technical support, and possibly design and user experience specialists.

With several telecom companies operating as multinationals, frequent travel is required for some roles. 

It is a highly competitive and fast-moving industry that regularly changes product offerings and customer feedback, which is never late to follow.

Big companies that focus on networks, devices, etc., pay higher salaries than the industry average. These companies also provide benefits like insurance, work leave, teamwork, exposure to new technologies, career growth, etc.

It is a highly competitive industry. Staff are very mobile in the industry, i.e. they move from one company to another. Also, most technical roles are outside the office, i.e. they work outside the typical office space as they often work on-site. Customer Service, sales & marketing, management, Data Analyst roles, etc., work in the office and some work from home.

The typical work hours for a telecommunications administrator are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, in an office setting. However, longer or different hours may, at times, be necessary.

International
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), IEEE Computer Society organisations, Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), Network Professional Association, and The Association for Women in Computing (AWC) 

Nigeria
Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN), The Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON)

• Global Career Champions
  Satya Nadella, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Sergey Brin, Mark Zukerberg, Sundar Pichai, Larry Page, Michael Dell, Larry Elisson, Marc Benioff.

  Nigeria Career Champions
  Omobola Johson, Mitchell Elegbe, Austin Okere, Juliet Ehimuan, Leonard Stanley Ekeh, Isa Ali Pantami.

   

International 
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 

Nigeria
Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC)

International 
Google, Microsoft, IBM, Accenture, Oracle, Intel, Workday, Tech Mahindra, Robert Bosch, Apple, Bolt, Amazon, Meta, HCL Technologies, SalesForce, Uber, Bloomberg L.P, SAP, MeltWater, LionBridge, HubSpot, Twitter, Ingram Micro, Dell Technologies, Apple, Infosys, Fiserve, ServiceNow, ADP, Adobe, VMWare, Intuit, SS&C Technologies, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Palto Alto Networks, Paychex, Amdocs, Autodesk, Citrix, Akamai Technologies, Twilo, Palantir, ASML, Qualcom, Boradcom, Tencent, Alibaba, Samsung, Nvidia, Texas Instruments, Meiutan, AMD, Analog Devices, Atlassian, Palo Alto Networls. Dassault Systemes, Candence, NXP, Roper Technologies, TE Connectivity, Arista Networks, Electronic Arts, Veeva Systems, Ericsson, SMI, DXC, NTT, NEC Corp, Fujitsu, Infosys, Tata Consulting Services, HP Enterprise, Capegemini, Cognizant

Nigeria
Softcom, Sidmach Technologies, Zinox, Vatebra Limited, Quanteq Technology Services Ltd, Chams, BlueChip Technologies Ltd, Infrafocus, Datapro, Cedarview Communications, IHS Nigeria Ltd, Webb Fontainne, VAB Alliance, Truthware, Terragon Group, Tech Hive Advisory, SureBids, Parkway Projects,  Centric Gateway, Cedarview Communications, Suburban, Main Data, Main One, Whoghohost, Cyberspace, Cyberpay, Cybercloud, Connected Analytics, Rack Centre, Appzone, Seamfix, INT Towers, INITS, Afmobi, Avrya Systems Ltd, Appruve Technology, Comviva, CWG, CBC, CELD, Dragnet, Dataguard, EBS, Galaxy Backbone, Huawei Technologies, Gigasec, Infobib, Inlaks, Interswitch, Mainline Digitech, Nokia Siements, Netzplan Resources.

• Shortage of Talent: the rapid growth in digital technologies across industries has led to a rise in the demand for jobs in the development and management of IT systems. Innovators are creating programmes outside formal education to accelerate the transition into tech careers by closing the knowledge gap and collapsing other barriers to entry.

  Skill Gaps: the rate of change within the information technology industry and its impact on other sectors make continual learning adaption through re-skilling and upskilling crucial for tech and other workers. Platforms to assess staff skill gaps and provide targeted training modules are becoming increasingly available.

  Retention of Talent: the challenges posed by the shortage of talents and skill gaps have made the competition for talent intense and challenging for employers to keep staff. Remote work has allowed employers to widen their talent pool and hire remote staff at salaries at competitive rates in their countries, though comparatively less in the technology hotbeds.

  Fake Content: this extends from fake news to deep-fake content generated by machine learning technologies fuelled by virality in an age of social media to threaten harmonious living in communities and the democracies of Nations. Companies have responded with content filtering algorithms and personnel and empowered users to report such content.

  Widening Technology Gap: there is a big divide between infrastructure investments and human capital between developed and developing countries. Only a few nations take the lead as producers, while others play catchup as consumers of technology. These have led some governments to respond with protectionist policies in managing their IT infrastructure and storage of data.

  Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: the high rate of dependence of every facet of our society on information technology has made IT infrastructure critical. Downtimes lead to loss of business and can be costly to human lives. Therefore, backup and protection of IT infrastructure have become a priority for the government of many nations.

  Rise in Cybercrime: data, IT infrastructure and users are increasingly vulnerable to bad actors who use technological and social engineering tools to gain authorised access to data for malicious purposes. These have led to the rise of the cybersecurity industry, which offers proactive and responsive solutions to cyber threats and attacks.

  Uncertainty on the Impact of AI: artificial intelligence’s potential to replicate human-like intelligence in several activities can be disruptive to billions of jobs. In a bid for efficiency and cost savings, private-sector employers are increasingly investing in such IT systems to be competitive. Upskilling employers for new jobs created by information technology can mitigate these threats. 

  Ethical Concerns: artificial intelligence empowers machines to make decisions on the Warfield. This will also apply increasingly to our everyday lives with driverless car insight. Another critical area is gene sequencing. The ethical implications of empowering artificial intelligence to make these decisions and determining what decisions they will make at crucial moments are rekindling the debate about right and wrong.

  Governments and Regulations: technology companies have come under the radar of several governments for their business practices. Governments are increasingly using the data from IT companies to create surveillance systems and cracking down on citizens based on their access to data.

Books

• The Innovators by Walter Isaacson
• Business at the Speed of Thought by Bill Gate
• Information Technology Essentials Eric Fric
• The Soul of a New Machine by Tacy Kidder

Podcasts

• Technovation
• This Week in Enterprise Tech
• Supporting IT Support
• a16z

Publications/Blogs

• CIO
• WIRED
• Techcrunch
• Techpoint
• Disrupt Africa
• TechCentral
• My BroadBand

Movies

• The Social Network
• Minority Report
• Her
• The Internship
• 2001; A Space Odyssey

Events

• Informa AfricaCom and other Regional/National Com events
• IoT Forum Africa
• Digital Payments and e-Commerce Africa Summit and Expo (Pay Africa Expo and Summit)
• African Drone Forum
• Consumer Electronics Show

Production:
Manufacturing and production are synonymous for a lot of people. Production involves creating and assembling goods. A career in production is suitable for innovative people who like to bring designs to life. Examples of roles in this pathway include CNC Machinists, Welders, Automotive industry workers, Production Supervisors, Metalworkers, Certified Production Technicians and Precision Machinists.

Manufacturing Production Process Development:
This pathway includes the design sector of the industry, a necessary component in producing manufacturing goods. Professionals in this pathway design the goods and develop and program the production processes. Additionally, they interview their target customers. They also evaluate the current market for a product and gather feedback from consumers. Careers within manufacturing production process development include Industrial Designers, Industrial Engineers, Engineering Technicians, Research Analysts, Manufacturing production supervisors etc.

Logistics and Inventory Control:
Logistics involves the planning and moving of materials to and from manufacturing sites. Like logistics, inventory control involves organising the transportation, receipt, and delivery of materials and products, from acquisition to distribution. 

Careers in this pathway include: Shipping and Receiving Specialists (and Supervisors), Inventory Control Specialists, Industrial Traffic Managers, Inventory Managers, Supply Chain Specialists/ Analyst, and Logistician.

Quality Assurance:
Quality assurance professionals are critical in the industrial & manufacturing industry. They help ensure that the production and output of goods meet high-quality standards and specifications. These professionals may test manufactured goods/machines to ensure they work and are correctly assembled. In addition, they may also write the rules for quality for a company or product. Customer satisfaction is their priority. Examples of careers in this manufacturing career path are Quality Controller, Quality Supervisor, Receiving Inspector, Manufacturing Quality Inspector, Supplier Quality Assurance Supervisor, Quality Auditor, and Quality Customer Service Representative.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Assurance:
This career pathway involves ensuring workers’ and products’ safety. These professionals conduct safety and health inspections within the workplace and ascertain it is safe for employees. In addition, they teach employees safe working practices, train them on equipment and emergency procedures, and implement incident and hazard investigations as needed. Furthermore, some professionals will confirm that consumers can use goods safely. Roles in this pathway include Health and Regulatory Inspectors, Industrial Safety and Health Technicians, Environmental Engineers, Health and Safety Engineers, and Safety Supervisors.

Maintenance, Installation, and Repair:
Manufacturing processes involve high-tech tools, machines, software programs, and equipment. As a result, skilled professionals must ensure these various technologies operate smoothly. They install and onboard machinery. Additionally, they regularly test machines, evaluate the performance of tools, and upgrade software programs. Furthermore, they troubleshoot any problems and recommend new tools and technology. Their work is vital for employees’ safety and production quality. Career pathways in this cluster include System Setup Specialists, Manufacturing Repair Technicians/Manufacturing Test Engineer, Computer Maintenance Technicians, Maintenance Supervisors, Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Millwrights.

The Highest Paying Jobs in the industry include:
Manufacturing Manager/Industrial Production Manager, Operation Manager, CNC Manufacturing Engineer, Information Technology Manager, Human Resources Manager , Mechatronics Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Test Engineer, Plant Engineering Manager

1. • Analysis & Problem-Solving
     Employers love problem solvers, and hence, your need to be able to proffer solutions to challenges as they arise in the workplace. Therefore, you must be able to spot, analyse and give answers to problems. 

   • Creativity & Critical Thinking
     Working in this industry requires you to be able to think creatively and critically. While it is true that workers follow orders from their superiors in this industry, creative solutions and ideas are also appreciated as it gives a new way to do things. Employers value workers who can analyse situations at work, see problems or errors, and then propose solutions to them. You must think critically to spot things that aren’t working or when something that used to work no longer work. You must be able to profer solutions to them or liaise with your team to solve such problems.

   • Continual Learning & Adaptation
     Workers in this industry must keep up with skills as the business evolves and more industrial and manufacturing organisations embrace automation. Continuous learning can help you stay relevant in the field; some individuals in this area are losing their jobs worldwide due to industrialisation and a lack of skills to fulfil demand. Learning and adapting to changing trends, technology, and other factors can help you stay relevant in this field.

   • Teamwork
     How well do you collaborate with others? In this industry, your ability to connect and collaborate with people is also highly valued, as several operations require collaboration with other team members. To enhance project productivity and success, you must be able to collaborate with other industry professionals.

   • Planning & Organisation
     There is always a variety of activities going on at work, most of which have various priorities. Identifying project priorities in the short and long term and building a feasible plan to complete the tasks entrusted to you is key to success in the job. To achieve a goal or aim, workers in this industry must be able to manage time, tools, and resources successfully.

   • Digital Skills 
     Having digital skills will give you an edge in this industry. The industry is evolving with the adoption of technologies. Therefore, the automation of several processes, such as automation and data analysis, is relevant. Furthermore, learning and gaining digital skills like Inventory Management System software, Data Analytics, Digital marketing, etc., would help this industry depending on your career cluster. 

A majority of frontline careers in Industrial & manufacturing don’t need a university education. The most common degrees for hands-on workers involved in the day-to-day affairs of Industrial/manufacturing companies are secondary, technical and polytechnic education. It is an industry where experience is highly valued. Careers in production are varied, and entry-level positions require different educational degrees. Industrial production employees create and maintain efficient operations or ensure safe working conditions that meet strict regulations. 

For graduate careers in the industry, relevant degrees include Industrial engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering and other technical degrees.

Some postgraduate programs include MSc Advanced Process Engineering, MSc Production Engineering and Operations Management, MSc Industrial Control Engineering, MSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, MSc Mechatronics, MSc Product Design, Engineering & Manufacturing, MSc Process Systems Engineering, MSc Chemical Process Engineering, MSc Industrial Engineering, MSc Process Safety, MPhil Industrial Systems, MSc Manufacturing and Management, MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and MSc Operations Management.

Here are some certifications courses you can take:

Certified Manufacturing Engineering Certification, Certified Production Technician, Certified Automation Professional, Quality Engineer Certification, American Society for Quality Certification, Project Management Professional, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Business analyst certifications, Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)

You may have heard that industry & manufacturing jobs entail producing boxes/products/pieces of equipment, packing & transporting industrial products, and sweating while operating heavy machinery and equipment. However, that is not entirely accurate; you can take various career paths in this industry, so research what the job entails before applying for jobs or graduate programs. Then, if the position aligns with your career plan, apply. 

Some production jobs in this industry do not require a degree. In contrast, other management, administration, or specialised production roles might require a formal degree.

Companies in this industry send out job vacancies on their official website. In addition, to recruitment agencies, it will be of help to check such channels to get updates about available jobs. Also, recruitment is done based on referrals, so connecting with people in the industry would help secure a job. 

Interviews are done for potential employees in this industry, especially for specialised roles and jobs that require a degree. For example, for some workers in the production units, all that is needed might be a written application and being physically fit. Then, they are hired, but for some roles, technical, administration, Marketing, etc., interviews are conducted for applicants to select the best hand for the job.

Industrials and manufacturing companies are usually the largest or one of the largest employers. Though many industrial & manufacturing processes have become automated, there are still a lot of activities done and operations coordinated by humans that make work in the industry highly demanding. This makes the industry require a sizeable number of workers compared to other industries. 

Workers earn salaries based on their education and location, but work experience is crucial for technical roles and a key consideration for compensation. 

In most manufacturing setups, most production workers work on contract and may receive hourly, daily or weekly wages. Experienced technicians usually manage the machines, while workers may work on sorting and product labelling tasks. Most of these jobs are repetitive, require following instructions strictly and may require spending most of the time on one’s feet while being safety-conscious. In addition, workers work based on shifts, and some might need to work at night to keep up with production.

Administrative and management staff work in offices that are often outside their manufacturing and industrial operations. Also, you can pursue several career paths in this industry, contrary to the belief that jobs in this industry are mainly fabrication and production work. There are other career paths in administration, finance, human resource, marketing, etc., that career seeker can pursue in this industry.

Employers in this industry provide health insurance cover for their staff. In addition, working in this industry opens you to learn about new technological tools and how to use them. As technology advances and new tools are being introduced in the workspace, companies often hire instructors to train their staff on using new technological tools. Again, this helps build your skillsets.

Another peck of working in this industry is working with a team; this allows you to interact and rubs minds with others while working towards productivity. Again, this allows for human interaction, making work more fun and productive.

Another perk of working in this industry is working with a team; this allows you to interact and rubs minds with others while working towards productivity. Again, this allows for human interaction, making work more fun and productive.

International
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
IEEE Electronics Packaging Society
Robotics and Automation Society (RAS)
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE)
Manufacturing Council (USA)

Nigeria
Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, NECA (Nigerian Employers Consultative Association), SMEDAN (Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria), NASSI (National Association of Small Scale Industrialists), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

• James Dyson
  

  Nigeria
  Innocent Chukwuma , Kofo Akinkugbe, Ibukun Awosika, Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu, Theophilus Danjuma

   

International 

• UNIDO | United Nations Industrial Development Organization

Nigeria
Federal Institute Of Industrial Research Oshodi, Project Development Institute (PRODA), Raw Materials Research and Development Council, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Standard Association Of Nigeria (SON), Institute for Industrial Technology, National Automotive Council, National Centre for Agriculture Mechanization, National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency.

International
Apple, Toyota Group, Samsung Electronics, Nestle, Nissan, Intel, Lenovo, IBM, Unilever, PepsiCo, Hoffmann-La Roche, Procter & Gamble, Hengli Group, General Motors, BMW, Cardinal Health, Nissan, Hitachi, Bosch, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Volkswagen Group, Honda, BASF, Sinochem, ChemChina, General Electric, Sinopharm, Hoffmann-La Roche, Enel, China Baowu Steel Group, Airbus, Ford, Foxconn. Johnson & Johnson, Daimler, Hon Hai Precision, Daimler, Hon Hai Precision Industry, Honey Well, Union Pacific, Dow Chemical, Tesla, SAIC, Mitsubishi, BMW, Huawei, LG, HP, Coca-cola, Nike, L’Oréal, Imperial Brands, PLC, Danone, Tyson Foods, Nike Inc, Kraft Heinz, Altria Group, Adidas AG, British American Tobacco PLC, Whirlpool Corp, General Mills, Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA, Pernod Ricard, Johnson & Johnson, Heineken Holding NV, 3M Co, Nestlé SA.

Startups
Edita Food Industries, Dolidol, KS Africa, JET Motor Company, Si-Ware Companies, Reibus International, Atonarp, Seeq, Triax Technologies, Inc., Uptake Technologies, Dodla Dairy, Relativity Space, Blue Origin, SiFive, Lightyear.

Nigeria
Dangote Group, BUA Group, Lafarge Cement, Tacna Services, Nexans Nigeria, Innoson Motors, Techo-Quip Nigeria Ltd, Starron Nigeria Ltd, S. Adiss Agricultural Engineering Limited, Nigeria Machine Tools, Eldorado Nigeria Limited, Bafrad Nigeria Enterprises Limited, Microscale Embedded Ltd, Skipper ETS Electric Limited, Diamond Power Control Inc, Cutler-Hammer Nigeria Limited, Fuseline Nigeria Limited, Nobel Carpets, Mouka Foam, Vita Foam, Nigerite, Xpression (Solpia) Nig Ltd, Daily Needs Industries, Sunflag, Tranos, Padson Industries, Lubcon, Teju Industries, Vono, Aristocrat industries, Berger Paints, IPWA, Covenant Ground Group, Covenant Ground Group, Desopas Engineering Limited, Emel, Enpee Group, Feratto Industries, Zarem, African Textiles, Chellco, Bata, APIN Footwear, Iddo Plastics, Pitason, Yikodeen, Alooms, Cresten.

Many companies in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods industry manufacture their products. These include Unilever Nigeria Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Breweries Plc, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria, DUFIL Prima Foods Limited, United Africa Company of Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria Plc, British American Tobacco, Chi Limited, Beloxxi group, Vital Products, Sona Agro Allied Foods Limited, Dansa Foods Limited, Yale Foods Ltd, La Casera Company Plc, OK Foods Limited, Friesland Campina Wamco Nigeria Plc, NIJI GroupZubee International Company Limited, DuFil Prima Foods Plc, Be Global Food FZE (BGF), Conserveria Africana Limited, Nutri C, Apples and Pears Limited.

• • Automation
    The automation of the industrial goods industry has aided in increasing efficiency, preserving production stability, and enhancing workplace safety, among other things. Still, it has also resulted in many industrial employees’ employment loss. As more businesses automate parts of their operations, most industrial workers are concerned about job loss due to technological improvements. Moreover, some employees believe that technology will never be able to replace the human mind.
  • Healthcare Cost for Workers
    Another problem the industry faces is keeping up with changing and rising healthcare costs. As healthcare costs rise, industrial businesses find it increasingly difficult to manage their budgets. For example, in the United States, manufacturers pay for their employees’ healthcare. However, it is no longer practicable as expenses increase, and there are no viable alternatives.
  • Inventory Management
    Although automated technologies have made inventory management much more accessible, it remains one of the most demanding tasks in the industrial industry. Despite this, many manufacturers, particularly small ones, manage their supply by hand. Inventory management is a time-consuming task. However, that can be aided by software. Manual stock checks are inefficient and prone to errors, leading to inaccuracies, shortages, overstocking, and unidentified damages.
  • Shortages of skilled workers
    It is a significant issue for many businesses, but manufacturing is particularly impacted. As the baby boomer population approaches retirement, skilled professionals in numerous industrial goods and manufacturing companies are in great demand. While some mechanised activities and machine sensors have become more ubiquitous, millennials with technical skills and knowledge still need to replace the retiring workforce.
  • High Exchange Rate
    The sudden rise in the exchange rate has damaged the industrial & manufacturing sectors. The prices of goods or raw materials have tripled or quadrupled. As a result, manufacturers are forced to reduce their product sizes or increase their prices. It has strained the consumers and the manufacturers.
  • Infrastructural Challenges
    The Manufacturing industry in Nigeria has many infrastructural challenges. A crucial issue that hinders manufacturers in Nigeria is the inability to access an uninterrupted power supply. There has been a massive decline in electricity supply across the country that has further affected the industrial and manufacturing companies in the nation. In addition, alternative power sources like Diesel generators can exorbitantly increase the cost of production. Other infrastructural challenges include bad roads and poor storage facilities.
  • Inconsistent Government PoliciesChanging government policies has challenged Nigeria’s manufacturing industry and inexistent industrial segment. Poor access to foreign exchange to import goods, lax enforcement of protectionist policies and bottlenecks in the importation of machinery have made the business environment challenging for local manufacturers and industrialists are no longer competitive with importers of the same goods.

• • Challenges in the industry include a lack of skilled employers, high exchange rates, infrastructure challenges, poor distribution, 

    Here are innovation opportunities in the industrial and Manufacturing industry which include:

    Artificial Intelligence
    Factories are integrating AI across their production systems and processes. Advanced AI allows for predictive maintenance, cognitive computing, swarm intelligence, context-aware computing, smart machines, hardware accelerators, and generative design. 

    Human Augmentation 
    The physical and cognitive augmentation of humans is a significant industry innovation. Technologies like wearables and exoskeletons are augmenting human limitations. Furthermore, industrial mobile devices, natural and intuitive UI, and portable machine control screens enhance the ease of using such technology. 

    Extended Reality (XR)
    The industry already uses XR technologies like mixed reality (MR), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) in the research and development (R&D) to full-scale production and post-production processes. It is changing the way industrial manufacturing systems function. The nature of human-machine interaction is aligning more toward machine-enabled workers.

    Internet of Everything
    The machine-machine, human-machine, and human-human real-time connectedness together comprise the internet of everything in manufacturing. It includes IIoT, internet of skills, internet of services, internet of systems, and shop floor IoT. The internet of everything combines real-time data, machine intelligence, and human skills, resulting in faster, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing processes.

    Edge, Fog & Cloud Computing
    The immense amount of data generated by the industrial internet of things (IIoT) is propelling the adoption of edge, fog, and cloud computing capabilities in the industrial manufacturing Industry. As a result, custom hardware and software solutions like connected clouds, distributed clouds, distributed compute and storage, hybrid computing, low code development platforms, microservices, mobile computing, and multi-access edge computing are shaping this industry.

    Advanced Robotics
    Advancements in robotics make the Industrial and Manufacturing industry processes faster, more efficient, and safer. The most prominent robotic technologies impacting manufacturing include autonomous robots, collaborative robots (cobots), autonomous mobile robots, humanoid, mobile robots, cloud robotics, APIs, pick and place robots, and robot swarms. Robots offer higher precision and agility while improving the capability of rapidly developing customisable robots. Robots also free up time for the human workforce to focus on other non-repetitive or high-value tasks.

Books

• All About Pull Production by Christoph Roser, John Shook
• Managing Supply Chain Risk and Disruptions (Post COVID-19) by Aravind Raj Sakthivel, Jayakrishna Kandasamy, J. Paulo Davim
• Industrial Engineering by Mario Fernández
• Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management 
• Input-Output Models for Sustainable Industrial Systems by Raymond R. Tan, Kathleen B. Aviso, Michael Angelo B. Promentilla, Krista Danielle S. Yu
• Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices by Ramesh Gulati
• Lessons from the Titans by Scott Davies
• Toyota Kata by Mike Rother

Podcasts

• Making Chips
• The Sound of Automation
• In Machine We Trust
• Manufacturing Happy Hour
• Augmented
• The Manufacturing Executives
• Solution Podcast
• The Future is connected

Events

• AfricaBuild
• Complast South Africa
• Manufacturing Association of Nigeria Event
• EMWA – EQUIPMENT & MANUFACTURING WEST AFRICA
• Digital Africa Conference
• Lagos International Trade Fair
• Ceramica West Africa
• Nigeria Build Expo
• Mega Clima Nigeria 2022
• Agra Innovate West Africa
• Propak West Africa

Movies/Documentary

• Master Hands
• America Factory
• Manufacturing Dissect
• The Promise Land
• Detropia
• Heavy Rescue: 401

Guides/Publications

• The Manufacturer
• Industry Week
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Trade magazine
• Venture Beat

Management and Financial Consulting firms, which form the largest block of the industry, typically recruit undergraduates  students as interns; and graduates as Analysts or Associates depending on the organisational structure of the firm. Strategy and Management consulting firms may have preference for graduates with an MBA, studying or committed to having an MBA degree.

There are opportunities to progress to assistantship, associate, senior and full roles as Associates/Analyst, Consultant, Manager, Director, Partner to Principal Partners. A firm; is typically led by a Managing Partner who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO); a rarely used title in the Consulting industry.

Other consulting firms such as Information Technology, Human Resources and niche firms can recruit or promote Graduates into specialist positions such as system implementation consulting, compensation and benefit consulting, or environmental consulting. Openings for consulting roles are more available and regular for graduates. Support positions also exist in areas such as information technology, human resources, and marketing.  

The highest paid jobs in the consulting industry are in Strategy and Management Consulting by International consulting firms with offices across the global major business hubs. However, an MBA may be a requirement for getting into some of these firms. The highest-paid consultants are typically in Strategy, Corporate Finance Advisory, Customer and Growth, Trusts and Pensions, Operational Transaction Services, and Investment & Divestiture Advisory Services.

1. The consulting industry is very keen on soft skills. It is why it is discipline-agnostic—as long as candidates are well-rounded in these skills. These skills for succeeding in the industry include:

   • Communication & Persuasion: consultants must communicate their position, proposals, findings, and recommendations to clients, both in writing and in-person presentations. Consulting also involves working with people from other disciplines, sometimes with a team from the client, and writing reports which have to be lucid and clear. Consultants must convince their clients with data and facts to follow a recommended course of action amidst conflicting ones.

      

   • Analysis & Problem-Solving: consultants need to understand the true nature of a problem, break it down, come up with the right questions, and find well-reasoned answers to them. Case studies and formal examinations test the ability of candidates to demonstrate these skills when needed. Clients expect consultants to utilise their fresh perspectives and knowledge of best practices to solve their problems, unlock value, and create opportunities—be innovative. Consultants are to put into use critical thinking and creative skills in solving problems.

      

   • Numeracy & Financial Literacy: Financial consulting, the largest graduate employer among top consulting firms, requires graduates comfortable with numbers. Their areas of practice which include tax, audit and transaction assurance, are number-heavy. An oversight or human error can be very costly— therefore, requiring high numerical skills and comprehension of financial comprehension by consultants.

      

   • Continual Learning & Adaptation: Consultants work with clients across different industries—both in the private and public sectors. They also work with other professionals from diverse disciplines. Yet, the deadlines can be tight, and the working environment pressure-filled. As consultants move from client to client, the work culture and environment differ. Hence consultants must quickly understand the needs and business environments of each client while also being flexible. Another huge area of change is the regulatory environment.

      

   • Professionalism & Industry Awareness: consultants have to display a high level of professionalism in their conduct. Most of the big businesses they work with have conservative work environments, and consultants must maintain a similar level of formality. Consultants have access to client information which must be kept confidential. A consultant must also have a high level of industry awareness by being up to date on key developments across the business environment. This awareness helps to provide informed opinions to clients and thought leadership in the industry.

   
   Other industry skills expected from consultants include self-awareness & self-management, planning & organisation, and teamwork. Working with data, communication, and collaboration with digital tools are essential areas of digital proficiency expected from consultants.

The consulting industry is open to graduates from all disciplines with solid analytical and communication skills while providing opportunities to learn on the job and continual education to attain professional qualifications. However, a degree in business, finance or STEM may be an advantage. A second class upper grade for the first degree is the minimum entry requirement for most consulting firms. 

The entry requirement for the top strategy and management consulting firms in the world is higher—with some requiring applicants with MBAs from one of the top business schools. For exceptional candidates with just a first degree, some of these firms sponsor obtaining an MBA degree as a perk for successful candidates.

Though not always mandatory and differing across firms, financial, information technology, and human resource consultants may consider certifications in their field. See finance, information technology, and human resources career clusters for more information on these certifications.

Top consulting firms conduct annual graduate recruitment programmes. It may be once or multiple times a year for financial and technology consulting firms like PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, E&Y, BDO, Grant Thorton, Mazars, RSM, and Accenture. Graduate recruitment is relatively less frequent in strategy and management consulting firms that are targeted more at MBAs. It makes having an MBA an advantage for candidates targeting these consulting firms.

These recruitment processes usually involve; calls for applications from graduates with at least a second class upper degree and still under a specified age. It is recommended you follow consulting firms you are eyeing on Linkedin and Twitter for updates on openings. Most applications to top consulting firms are online with options to upload CVs, cover/motivation letters, and degree certificates. Due to the high number of applications received from eligible candidates, ensure that you fill all fields in the online application and do not assume that your CV will be checked—for answers.  

While most selection processes start with an aptitude test at designated centres or on campus, some consulting firms have introduced online personality assessments before aptitude tests. Successful candidates proceed to written tests to evaluate their communication skills. Candidates who pass these tests go through multiple rounds of the interview, case interviews in the case of strategy and management consulting firms. 

GMAT and case interview resources are recommended—for preparation. Commercial awareness, which can be helpful in interviews and at work, can also be developed by reading business publications and staying up to date with business developments. As the interview process progresses, the higher the ranking of staff conducting the interview. The final interview phase is when you meet one or more Partners of the firm. Interning at a consulting firm can help build relationships and understand the internal working environment of consulting firms.

With the fierce competition for a place in top consulting firms, you can take advantage of the lower barriers to entry of lesser-known consulting firms. You can be proactive to seek an internship and graduate position there outside a formal recruitment window. You can also reach out to your network (family, senior friends, and alumni) who have contacts in medium and large consulting firms for internship and graduate opportunities.

Succeeding as a freelance consultant requires having a network of industry players, confidence, and understanding of the business world—from substantial work experience. Resources such as books and publications on succeeding as a consultant covering topics, such as preparing proposals and presentations, pricing, and managing client relationships, can help start your consulting practice. Thought leadership through blog posts, editorial contributions to industry publications and speaking engagements at industry events also provide visibility to prospective clients for consulting services.

Consulting is one of the best industries to start a career as a graduate. It provides opportunities for self-development— working with the best minds across disciplines and industries; and mobility across sectors and geographies for experience and exposure. Though it is known for its long hours, entry salaries in reputable consulting farms are higher than the average graduate salary in most countries. Strategy and management consulting firms are consistently on the list of highest payers.

Consultants typically move from client to client, providing opportunities to apply their analytical and cross-functional skills providing solutions to clients from different industries. These moves result in sumptuous lunches, business-class flights, and stay in classy hotels that many envy consultants working with top firms. Pension schemes, health insurance, and leave—are also provided.

However, the availability of these perks and benefits is not always the case for consultants working with smaller firms that serve SMEs. Nevertheless—a consulting career, irrespective of the company size—keeps consultants on their toes. They need to continually learn to stay relevant and provide numerous opportunities to build professional capacity. It also provides a good foundation for transitioning to a middle or C-level executive position in other industries. And also working as an entrepreneur leveraging the skills and network built.

In addition, the top global strategy and management consulting firms operate a human resource management model similar to the Cravath system. The system focuses on hiring the best talents—that are either promoted or counselled out—if they do not meet performance targets. The environment is very competitive and demands being able to work under pressure.

Global Bodies
Chartered Institute of Management Consultants, The Institute of Consulting (IC), Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), Project Management Institute (PMI), Institute Of Management Consultants Nigeria (IMCN), Institute of Financial Consultants®

Nigeria
Institute Of Management Consultants Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management

Global

• Najwa El Iraki 
• Julien Tyack
• Nomfanelo Magwentshu
• Meryem Lakhssassi

Nigeria
Acha Leke, Taiwo Oyedele, Foluso Phillips 

International and National Agencies
The consulting industry in most countries does not have state agencies that oversee, regulate or support firms. However, many of them work with agencies in sectors where their operations are active and are subject to regulation. Financial consulting firms providing audit and tax services to financial institutions have to follow the regulatory framework established by the apex (or central) bank in the markets they operate. This is applicable to many other highly regulated industries.

Nigeria

Regulated by government organisations in their industries of operation.

The consulting industry consists of global firms which have international offices across the global major business cities. Prominent among these are management consulting firms. The top global financial consulting companies— such as the Big 4 to Big 16 include an international network of independently operating firm partnerships that share the same brands and adhere to shared values. However, local partners in these countries manage country operations. 

Only a handful of consulting firms with mid to large size operations command a bulk of revenue in the industry from servicing large enterprises and public institutions. Numerous local consulting firms operate as sole proprietorships or two to three-people partnerships that serve small to medium-sized businesses.

Global Employers
McKinsey, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Mazars, BDO, Grant Thornton, Nexia, RSM, Baker Tilly, Kearney, Bain & Co., BCG, Dalberg, Emerton, Marsh & McLennan, Oliver Wyman, L.E.K. Consulting, Booz Allen, Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consulting Service, DXC, HP Enterprise, SAP Consulting, and IBM Global Services, Roland Berger, Mercer, PKF international Alexander Forbes, Kearney, Deloitte, Emerton, Africon GmBH, Gardiner & Theobald, Hitachi Consulting, IDEO, JMAN Consulting, LeighFisher, Tata Consulting Services, Wipro, Fujitsu Business Consulting Services, NCC Group, BMC Consulting Services, Altran Consulting, Alchemmy, Actica, Africon

Nigeria
PwC Nigeria, KPMG Nigeria, Deloitte Nigeria, Ernst and Young Nigeria, Mazars, BDO, PKF International, McKinsey and BCG. Indigenous firms include Andersen Tax Nigeria, SIAO Partners, Phillips Consulting, H.Pierson, Ciuci Consulting, Workforce Group, Resource Intermediaries Ltd, Ashford & McGuire, Human Capital Partners, Veraki Business Solutions, Meritex Consulting, McTimothy Associates, Novatia Consulting, Matog Consulting, Mac-Tay, Qeeva Advisory, BAO Tax Consultants, BusinessOnStop, Fosad Consulting, PG Consulting Ltd, Sigma Consulting Group, Romis Consulting, Platinum Stream Consulting

• • Political instability and uncertainty in the regulatory environment: Political instability limits the industry growth in some African regions. It leads to uncertainty in the business and regulatory environment—and an inability to get paid.

  • Nature of markets. Another limiting factor to the growth of the consulting industry in Africa is the nature of markets—which provides a competitive advantage to enterprises backed by governments and those with highly networked founders. It makes the product, operational, and strategy superiority less relevant. Mid to long term planning can also be challenging in markets with high government interference.

  • Technological Disruption: Firms are increasingly looking at technology-enabled models for innovation such as artificial intelligence, expert/talent networks, and crowdsourcing for ideas they would have traditionally hired consultants to deliver.

  • Competitive landscape: As clients have higher expectations for quality and speed of service under tighter deadlines, emphasise results over activities, new and nimble entrants with experience working with big firms offer stiff competition to traditional consulting firms.

  • Data management practices: The risk of data mismanagement in the workplace has increased— so is the need for better practices in managing client data as third-party service providers with access to a lot of data.

  • The volatility of reputation. Consulting is a trusted business; to clients, regulators, and the public. Damage to a firm’s reputation makes it difficult to regain the confidence of clients in its market and can negatively impact the reputation of firms in the same network in other markets.

• • The consulting industry has been a driver of digitisation in the industry. The industry is, however, ripe for digital disruption. Leading consulting firms are spearheading this change. However, the conservatism of the clients can limit them. 

    The following are crucial areas in consulting that digitisation is expected to impact:

    • Data Collection and Processing: beyond the use of surveys for understanding client needs, the adoption of digital tools in the work environment for automating business processes has also provided funnels for real-time data collection—both structured and unstructured. This data can now be processed to understand client operations and machine learning algorithms for analysing data pools for insights.

       

    • Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: data analytics and business intelligence offer— decision-makers—real-time insight into many areas like operations, sales, and supply chain activities across activities. This information is accessible from a central dashboard. It is also beneficial for consulting firms with mid to long-term engagement with clients to access the data to provide informed recommendations.

       

    • Robotic Process Automation: financial consulting breeds many routine tasks such as analysing invoices and payrolls, which can become monotonous, time-consuming, and prone to human error. With robotic process automation, software bots can apply artificial intelligence to perform these tasks faster, more efficiently, and less prone to error. The robotic-process automation industry is experiencing rapid growth from increasing adoption by the financial services industry.

       

• Digital Delivery of Advisory Services: to serve small and medium-sized businesses and social organisations, some consulting firms have developed chatbots that can interact with clients to know their needs and take inputs. An example is the TaxTim chatbot by PwC—which provides an online step-by-step process for clients to get their taxes in order, quickly and efficiently.

Books

• The McKinsey Way by Ethan Rastel
• Case Interview Secrets by Victor Chen
• The Lords of Strategy by Walter Kiechel
• Competitive Strategy by Michael E. Porter
• Business Consulting by Fiona Czerniaeska & Gilbert Toppin
• How To Get Into The Top Consulting Firms by Tim Darling
• The Consulting Bible by Alan Weiss

Publications

• Publications of Consulting Firms: McKinsey Quarterly, BCG Perspectives, Strategy+, THINK: ACT, and Oliver Wyman Insights.
• Harvard Business Review
• Consultancy.org
• The Economist
• Bloomberg
• strategy+business

Podcasts

• Economist; The Intelligence
• Everything Business Consulting
• The Art of Consulting
• Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting
• Podcasts of Consulting Firms; Deloitte, PwC, McKinsey

Movies and TV Series

• Up in the Air (movie)
• Margin Call (movie)
• Mad Men (series)
• Suits (series)
• House of Lies (series)

Events

You can look out for summits, forums, and conferences organised by consulting firms such as Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and Ernst & Young.

Fashion & Jewelry Designer, Textile designer, Fashion writer/illustrator, Pattern cutter/grader, Stylist, Personal stylist/personal shopper, Fashion buyer, Fashion merchandiser, Visual merchandiser, Fashion writer, Graphic designer, Fashion photographer/filmmaker, Fashion blogger/vlogger, Model, Marketing or Communications Manager, Wardrobe assistant, Costume designer, Makeup artist/hairstylist, Studio manager , Retail manager, Copywriter, Social media assistant, Event manager, Teacher/lecturer, Further research, Engraver, Polisher, Bench jeweller, Metalworker, Jewellery consultant, Event & Wedding Planner, Event Space or Venue Managers, Catering Services Manager

Highest Paying Jobs
The highest paying jobs in the industry are: Fashion or Jewelry Store manager, eCommerce Manager, Product Manager, Fashion Designer / Stylist and Event Planner.

1. • Creativity & Critical Thinking 
     In every part of the industry, creativity and an eye for what is visually appealing are essential; being creative is not only for designers but for everyone in the sector. Your originality and sense of style can influence written materials and promotional commercials. It’s also necessary to think critically to solve difficulties, produce the best materials, and decide on a marketing strategy to generate more sales.

     Teamwork & Networking
     One of the essential fashion abilities you’ll need is working well with others. You’ll be part of a large team (design, production, marketing, etc.) that collaborates closely on significant projects and meetings. You’ll need to work with them to identify problems and develop solutions rather than pointing fingers and blaming team members. To obtain first dibs on new products, you’ll also need to network with manufacturers and fashion icons and celebrities to promote your brand.

     Initiative & Enterprise
     The ability to find new opportunities and ideas and put them into practice. Having initiative and an enterprising ability is a much-needed skill to improve how businesses operate. Employers need to have someone to adapt to new work situations by seeing ways to make valuable changes. It also involves having the self-motivation to develop your design ideas or proposals and organising events.

     Communication & Persuasion
     Fashion is constantly communicating – it listens to culture and dictates it, and the same with events. You must be able to share your creative ideas, concept or proposals, both with team players and your customers. The success rate of products depends on marketing. Marketers (Digital or Traditional Marketers) must communicate the product’s value excellently to their customers and persuade them to buy from their brand, among several options. 

     Industry Awareness, Continual Learning & Adaptation
     Being aware of trends in the industry involves spotting new designs, fabrics being used, understanding the changing customer needs, new technologies being adopted in the industry, etc. One must continuously learn and adapt to keep up with all these trends. Learning new skills in design & marketing and integrating new technology software would help keep up with the digitisation in the industry.

     Digital Skills 
     Having digital skills is an advantage in this industry as several fashion, events and lifestyle companies are going online. In addition, developing technical skills like graphic design using digital tools, content creation/Writing for communication and social media engagement. And also, data analysis for understanding sales reports and markets will be an added advantage.

A degree in fashion is one of the best routes to secure a good position within the industry. 

While you can work in this industry without a degree in fashion design, having such degrees can be relevant and give you an edge. But beyond a formal degree in fashion, working in this industry requires you to have a deep interest & passion and also be ready to develop creative skills. 

Learning in this industry can be formal or informal. There are registered fashion schools with structured curriculum and instructors that teaches fashion and award certificate to their student. Also, several people have been trained informally through apprenticeship, and they get a certificate for training.

Attending a school of fashion can help you launch your dream career. Attending a fashion school will open your eyes to some basics of fashion designing, how to brand your products, and how to best market your products.

Some famous fashion school in the country and diaspora is Fashion Institute of Technology (US), School of Arts, Design and Architecture (Finland), Parsons: Fashion, Art and Design School (US), Paris College of Art (Paris), Fashion & Art Academy House of Henri, Legsapparel Fashion School Port Harcourt, Zaris Fashion and Style Academy, Mickeyoma Design Fashion Academy, etc.

Bachelor degrees include: 

Bachelor of Design – Product Design + Fashion Design, Bachelor in Textile, Design, Bachelor in Design, Fashion and Visual Arts, BA (Hons) Fashion, BA in Jewelry Design, BA Honours Fashion Design, Bachelor of Arts in Fashion.

Other Degree/Certification include:

Diploma in Fashion Design, Fashion buying and merchandising, fashion styling, fashion photography, Jewellery design, fashion journalism, and fashion management.

The fashion industry is highly competitive. Incredible creatives and bold strategists work together to keep up with rapidly changing trends and a demanding audience with multiple choices.

Volunteer, don’t wait for a “Job”
Volunteer to put your designs to work for individuals who can give you visibility even if the earnings are insignificant. Manage events when the opportunity arises. Volunteering will help you put your creativity to use while gaining experience.

Fashion internship
Nothing would beat real-world experience, even if you studied something fashion-related. However, you have to be okay with starting at the bottom. A fashion internship will round off your theoretical knowledge and develop your skills. An internship often serves as an extended job interview and could land you a permanent position. It doesn’t have to be a big company, event tailoring shops and fashion houses could be a good starting point.

Keep up with fashion trends
Stay abreast with ha in the fashion industry by following or subscribing to a few big shots or media houses on Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube and keeping track of innovation and trends from the hot topics.

Leverage Social media 
Knowing how to harness diverse opportunities on the social platform will help. Follow your favourite brands and designers to keep up with their products and learn from their innovative ways of doing things. Share your work on social media sites to build your brand image and opportunities, and engage with fellow enthusiasts in the industry.

Build your portfolio of work 
It can be a notebook, a personal website or even a Behance page; your social media can also be your gallery of work. Having your portfolio is essential as it shows your consistency in creating good products or planning beautiful events. In addition, it will help you reach out to new prospects as it will help them navigate your designs or the events you’ve planned efficiently.

Be open to opportunities
You may start marketing and end up in design. You may begin working with a lifestyle magazine and become a dress designer. The possibilities for growth in the industry are vast. You should be open to new opportunities.

Working in the industry requires you to be social; this will help you keep informed of trends and network with other fashion enthusiasts. Working in this industry also requires you to be passionate.

While most roles are in marketing, with a few designers working in the backend, the lowest entry is sales. However, being open to opportunities is needed as roles in other segments might be available.

The events industry can be very intense. It requires a lot of planning and visitation of vendors and venues and coming up with creative ideas to beat competitors. 

Large corporations often train their workers to keep up with trends and be more productive. Event companies also train their staff on work ethics.

International
Cosmetic Executive Women
Fashion Group International
Council of Fashion Designers of America 
Association of Textiles 
Apparel and Materials Professionals 
American Apparel and Footwear Association 
International Textile and Apparel Association
World Fashion Organization (WFO)

Nigeria
National Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria: FADAN
Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association
Nigerian Textile Garment and Tailoring Employers Association
Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN

International
Soares Anthony, Mai Atafo, Coco Chanel

Nigeria
Tara Durotoye, Adenike Ogunlesi, Deola, Sagoe, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe.

Cosmetic Executive Women 
Fashion Group International
Council of Fashion Designers of America 
Association of Textiles 
Apparel and Materials Professionals 
American Apparel and Footwear Association 
International Textile and Apparel Association
World Fashion Organization (WFO)

Nigeria
National Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria: FADAN
Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association
Nigerian Textile Garment and Tailoring Employers Association
Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN)

Brands should not be confused with companies. Companies typically own brands, and a single company can have multiple brands. A company with one or more brands can also bear the name of its flagship brand. 

Global
Chanel, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior SE, Alexander Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, H&M, Burberry Group plc, Prada S.p.A, Nike, Hermès International Société, Ralph Lauren Corp, Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, Kering SA, Armani, Urban Outfitters, Donna Karan, Levi Strauss & Co., L’Orea, Under Armour, Inc., Quiksilver Inc., Brunello Cucinelli, Coach, Inc., Lululemon Athletica Inc.

The International fashion market is led by Inditex, LVMH, H&M, Nike, VF Corporation, Richemont, Adidas, Fast Retailing, Abercrombie & Fitch, Prada, Gap, Dior, Urban Outfitters, and Burberry.

Events companies include Bassett Events, Inc., MKG, Colin Cowie, David Tutera, A Perfect Event, Rafanelli Events, Oren Co, Wonderland, Eventive, Royal DSM, Dreamsmith Events, Meat & Potato, Liquid media live events, Rockitfish Ltd, Firebird Events Ltd, Alpha Events.

Nigeria
Andrea Iyamah, Atafo Official, Deola Sagoe, Emmy Kasbit, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Maki Oh, Lisa Folawiyo, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Kenneth Ize, KAI collective, Orange Culture, Style Temple, Tiffany Amber, Studio Imo, Ray Darten, Ade Bakare, Jewel by Lisa, Virgos Lounge, Obsidian, Frank Oshodi, Duro Olowu, Clan, Davida, House of Farrah, Yomi Casual, House of Dorcas, Zizi Cardow, Style Goes To Church (SGTC), Elora Collection, Lisa Folawiyo, Denim Unusual, Anya Wu, Tsemaye Binitie, Emmy Collins, Kiki Kamanu, Buki Akib, Zavandi Jewelry, Zikel Cosmetics, Tara Home of Fashion.

Events companies include Balmora, Zaphhaire events, 2706 Events, Trendy Beevents, Alveena Events, Elizabeth R Event, The Wedding Guru, Magna Events Ball Events, 3003 Events, Eventful, Haven of Imagination, Corban Events Planners, Just Weddings Events, Sellyrite Events Planners, Wow Connect Event.

Startups
OgaVenue, Intelistyle, Holition, Snap Tech, Pocket High Street, Genostyle, Smartzer, Same But Different (Thursday finest), Thread, Hurr Collective, The Fabricant, LoveCrafts, Wardrobe Of Tomorrow, Reflaunt, Lyst, Depop, Tix Africa.

Ticketing companies also play in this industry.

The events industry startups include Eat In My Seat, Catchbox, Sponseasy, 99CentEventStreaming, EventKloud, Crowd Mics, Snapcastr, Jamplify, Stormz, Run the World, Airmeet, Planit, Lush Plans, Afritickets, RentYourHall.

• Fintechs as Challengers
  Startups leveraging data and technology are bringing innovations to markets at an unprecedented rate for traditional financial service providers and regulators to deal with. However, several incumbent financial institutions respond by rolling out fintech offerings to their customer base. Some of these are exclusively from them, while others partner with Fintechs.

  Evolving Customer Expectations 
  Customers now expect personalised and instant access to a menu of financial services. They also expect services to be accessible across multiple digital channels and their requests promptly attended to.

  Fraud and Cybercrime
  The financial sector is exposed to several threats from within and outside the financial system. The complexity of fraud and money laundering operations continues to evolve, putting the deposit of customers, operations and reputation of financial firms at risk.

  Underserved Customers
  Agency and digital banking services have helped close the financial inclusion gap in several developing countries. However, most of the population is still underserved due to the lack of robust financial services to cater for their needs. Access to credit at an affordable rate remains a challenge for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses.

  Exposure to Global Risk 
  The connectedness of the global financial system has made economic systems vulnerable to shocks that may come from anywhere in the world. For example, default on loans in the US may lead to a domino effect on financial markets in Europe and catalyse to become a global financial crisis.

  Tougher Regulatory Environment
  The financial sector is highly regulated. In both good and bad times of the economy, the financial sector is a target of increasing legislation and policies and has to adhere to the government’s strict compliance measures. The globalisation of finance also implies that many of them are exposed to the regulatory environment in international markets.

  Legacy Systems
  Financial institutions with a long history of operation are significant players in any nation’s financial service industry. But unfortunately, a majority of them are challenged with legacy systems of existing software, processes, and business infrastructure, which can be challenging to integrate, change or adapt to new technologies.

  The volatility of the World Economy
  From the devastating effect of COVID-19, mounting rate of inflation, fluctuation in the value of currencies and the foreign reserves of Nations, to wars among nations, the financial sector’s stability is threatened by uncertain times.

• • Digitigitisation is on the high in the following areas of finance:

    • AI for interfacing with customers, delivering advisory services, and making product recommendations in banking.
    • The emergence of blockchain technologies for trust management and digital currencies in business finance. 
    • Data-driven decisions such as calculation of premiums based on predictive analytics in insurance.
    • Robotic Process Automation and advanced AI technologies for automating manual accounting processes.
    • Algorithmic stock trading – quants in investment banking.
    • Loan prediction and credit scoring based on historical financial records, behavioural analysis, and big data in banking.
    • Automation of accounting workflows to reduce the burden of manual data entry.

Publication
Vogue
GQ
Women’s Wear Daily 
Business of Fashion
Allure
Elle
Cosmopolitan
Ovation Magazine
InStyle
VanityFair
Esquire
City People
Fast Fashion Magazine

Events
Paris Fashion Week 
Milan Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week
London Fashion Week 
Arab Fashion Week
Accra/Cape Town/Lagos/Rwanda Fashion Week
Morocco Beauty Expo
Cosmetics and Hair Exhibition Nigeria

Podcasts
Style and Trends. Bande à Par
Working in Fashion 
Industry Insights. The Business of Fashion Podcast
Sustainability Matters. The Wardrobe Crisis
Brand Chatter. Chanel Connects
Event Manager
Event Tech

Books
The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior
Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon by Megan Hess
Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by Dana Thomas
D.V. by Diana Vreeland
Worn in New York: 68 Sartorial Memoirs of the City by Emily Spivack

Movies
Devil Wears Prada 2006
Coco Before Chanel 2009
House of Gucci 2021
The First Monday in May
Phantom Thread 2017
Phone Swap 2012
Meet Joe Black
Crazy Rich Asians
The Wedding Planner