Maxi Okwu? Maxi Okwu is a lawyer and politician. Fortunately he had a father that understood the value of education and provided him the necessary support needed to excel in life hence he is benefiting it today. As if that is not enough, Okwu is the leader of the Citizens Popular Party (CPP), the party’s presidential flag bearer in 2007.

In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Rising On The Job, he speaks out the bountiful years of experience since a lawyer and politician, things an employee needs to practice if he must rise on the job. Excerpt:

Maxi Okwu

When asked of his background, he is not hidden about it when he said, well I cannot hide the fact that I had a privileged childhood. My late father Senator (Chief) B.C. Okwu was one of the pioneers and nationalists.

He was a legislator in the Eastern Region of Nigeria from 1954 about the time I was born. He later served as a Minister in the government of Easter Region, under the Premiership of Zik and later M.I. Okpara till the great dispersal in 1966.

He was a Senator representing then Anambra Central nearly half of present Enugu state on the platform of the NPP from 79-83.

I went to the best schools then and had expatriate children as classmates in colonial Enugu.

I went to CIC Enugu, UNN Enugu Campus, Law School Lagos and finally London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London.

On how an employee can build a successful career that can enhance his rising on the job, he, it is all about dedication and commitment. It is important that you keep an eye on the ball, that is your work schedule always. Your ability to study more in order to improve on the job that would empress the employer to consider your promotions having seen that you are working towards company’s objectives.

Okwu said if an employee must earn his promotion, receiving benefits, such a person must be dedicated to duty. Ability to think on the job and initiative. I would also look out for honesty.

Some employees with their certificates are not knowledgeable on the job even after several years of being on the job, what is your take on this?

It would appear to me that the said employee would not make much progress in the current competitive business climate. If such a person can meet up with his staff wages then he must have some illegitimate sideline.

On his position on the issue of an employee who has skill but less qualified and qualified one without skill, the renowned lawyer and seasonal politician said, it all depends on the particular industry.

Education has a way of opening the mind and making someone more efficient. In very technical areas practice they say makes perfect and there is no substitute for practical experience. The theory must be perfected through experience on the job. I give the edge on managerial skills to the one who has better education.

However, he advised employees that an average employer is comfortable with competence and or capacity. Potential to satisfy the job description.

On his advice for our unemployeable graduates and generally before one succeeds in life what is the easiest way, Okwu asserted that there is no honest short cut to success.

A quick rise to the top through fraud or illegitimate enterprise is not however recommended. These days jobs are getting more scarce and the fresh graduate has to become more self reliant in terms of job opportunities.