If you’re a prospective corps member, you need to know that getting a good Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) is one of the most important parts of your NYSC year. This is because your PPA will determine the kind of experience you have during your service year. It will determine whether it will be enjoyable or useless.

So, this means you’ll have to be intentional about getting a good PPA during NYSC. In this post, we’ll explain how you can get a good PPA  and the steps you can take before and after camp to get posted to a place you’ll enjoy working.

First, let’s check out what PPA is all about.

What is a PPA in NYSC?

Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) refers to an organization or office where you will be posted to work after leaving the NYSC orientation camp. Every corps member must have a PPA because that’s where they will spend most of their service year.

NYSC will give you a posting letter in camp that shows where your PPA is. So when you get there, you’ll have to report to your new boss or supervisor, submit your letter, and start work. In fact, your PPA is where you’ll learn new things and even meet people who can help your professional career.

Qualities of a Good PPA

A good PPA is a place that;

• Treats corps members with respect and doesn’t overwork them.
• Gives comfortable working conditions such as a safe environment, available materials, and sometimes accommodation
• Offers a small allowance or extra pay in addition to the federal NYSC allowance
• Helps you gain experience in your field or a skill that can help you after NYSC
• Has people who are friendly and willing to teach

How to Get A Good PPA 

Follow the tips below to get a good PPA after camp orientation

1. Prepare Before You Go to Camp

Many corps members wait until after the orientation camp before thinking about their PPA and that’s a big mistake. The truth is that getting a good PPA starts before you even enter the NYSC camp.

To prepare for camp, you need to update your CV. Make sure it shows your skills, education, and any small experience you have. This makes you look more professional if you get a chance to meet an employer at camp.

2. Research Your State of Deployment 

The second thing you need to do is to research your state of deployment before camp. You can do this by reading about the state where you’ll serve. Find out about good schools, offices, or organizations that accept corps members.

You could also talk to people who you need in the state. Tell them that you’re coming for NYSC. These people may know a good PPA or help you connect with someone. You see, being prepared gives you confidence and helps you move fast when opportunities come.

3. Make a Good Impression in Camp

Your behavior in camp can affect where you’ll be posted. Sometimes, NYSC officials visit the camp to observe corps members before choosing who to post to their organizations. That means the way you behave matters a lot.

To make a good impression in camp, always be punctual for parades and lectures. Then, show good character and discipline by avoiding fights or bad behavior. You could also be respectful to camp officials and your fellow corps members. On the other hand, if you meet an employer, speak confidently to him. You never know who is watching you. A camp officer may recommend you for a good posting because of your attitude.

4. Network and Make Friends in Camp

Camp is not just for training and marching. It is also a place to build connections with other people. You must have just read or heard about many corps members who have gotten good PPAs because they met the right people in camp.

To network smartly with people, talk to people in your platoon. You might meet someone who has useful connections. Also, be friendly and be respectful. You could also collect phone numbers of people and chat with them.

In the Nigeria we live in, good relationships can lead to good opportunities. Sometimes, a fellow corps member can help you find a PPA you’ll love.

5. Visit the NYSC Secretariat After the Camp

After the camp posting, some corps members are not satisfied with their PPA. Maybe it’s too far, too stressful, or not related to what they studied. If you find yourself in that situation, don’t panic.

The NYSC Secretariat in your state is there to help. You can visit the secretariat to ask for reposting. If your PPA rejects you or is not suitable, you can apply for a new one. Also,  the NYSC secretariat can take official complaints, especially if your PPA treats you unfairly. However, remember to always be polite when talking to NYSC staff. This is because they are more likely to help you if you speak respectfully and explain your situation clearly.

6. Build a Good Reputation at Your PPA

Once you have been accepted by your PPA, your next job is to prove yourself. Your behavior and performance can determine how you’ll be treated during the rest of your service year.

To build your reputation, be punctual and do your work well. Yes, even if the task is small, do it properly. Also, dress neatly and decently at all times. Finally, avoid gossip and laziness in your job. When your PPA sees that you are responsible and hardworking, they may decide to keep you longer or recommend you for job opportunities after service.

Mistakes Corps Members Make That Stop Them From Getting Good PPA 

Here are some of those mistakes and what you should do instead:

1. Being Proud or Rude

Some corps members act too big when they get to camp or their PPA. They talk to people without respect or behave as if they know everything. This kind of attitude can make people avoid you or refuse to help you.

Always remember that humility can take you far. Greet people politely and talk gently. You don’t lose anything by being humble, but you can lose good opportunities if you are rude.

2. Rejecting Every Offer

Some corps members want to work only in big companies or popular schools. When they are posted to small places, they reject it and start complaining. But little do they know that sometimes, that small PPA can lead to big opportunities.

For example, someone posted to a small school can later become close to the school owner or get a teaching job after NYSC. You never know where your blessings will come from. So don’t rush to reject your posting. Try it first and it might surprise you in a good way.

3. Ignoring People Who Can Help

During NYSC, you will meet many people. Some of them can help you get a better posting or even give you advice that will change your experience.

So, always be polite when talking to people. Don’t think you can do everything alone. Sometimes, just one good connection can help you get a better PPA or a future job.

4. Not Checking Your Posting Letter Properly

Your posting letter is very important. It shows where you’ve been posted and has your name, registration number, and other details. Some corps members make the mistake of not reading it carefully.

If there’s a mistake like your name is wrong, or you were posted to the wrong place,  it can cause problems later. So, always check your posting letter properly before leaving camp. Make sure all your details are correct. If you notice any problem, report it to the right NYSC official immediately.

5. Skipping Camp Activities

Some people think that some camp activities are useless, so they don’t attend them. But that’s a big mistake. You might not know it, but sometimes employers can come to camp to look for serious and active corps members to employ.

If you skip those activities, you can miss a good opportunity. So, try to join everything you can join in camp. You might meet someone who can help you get a good PPA or even teach you something useful.

Conclusion

From experience, it has been noted that getting a good PPA during NYSC is not all about luck. It’s about planning and making smart decisions. If you prepare early, behave well in camp, and make the most of every opportunity, you’ll most likely get a PPA that helps you grow, learn, and succeed. So, make it an aim to participate in NYSC programs when you get to the NYSC camp. As a result, it can make you stand out when looking for jobs later. 

No doubt, this post has been informative right? Kindly don’t forget to leave a short comment about the tips that have been posted on how to get a good PPA. You could also share with others.