Friday, June 3, 2011

Pick Me




I’m on the hunt for a job. My snobbish side keeps peering out and I won’t click on anything that has “administrator” or “clerk” in the title. Quite frankly, I want a job that acknowledges my qualifications and skills, pays accordingly and wait for it… provides spiritual satisfaction. If you had forgotten, this blog is titled Middle Class Concerns.

My alter- ego doesn’t understand why I haven’t been head hunted by magazines, newspapers, international organisations and think tanks with the prospect of being promoted to Director in the next 2 to 3 years.

Those online resume applications are chewing up my soul. They take 30- 40 minutes to fill up and most of my experiences don’t fit into the categories provided. I have to select Political Science even though I studied International Relations. I have to select NGO even though I work for an NPO, which leads to an assortment of unrelated subcategories like “social work” and “welfare”.

Then there’s the experience dilemma. Most positions require a minimum of 3 years relevant experience. I have only been out of university for a year, so when exactly was I supposed to get the experience. Needless to say, one of the reasons I’m applying for the job is to gain necessary experience.

So I’m putting it out to the universe: There are many challenges experienced in several African states such as the development of necessary policy making, leadership and organisational skills.  I would like a permanent job that incorporates research and social development. I am willing and able to relocate anywhere on the African continent, particularly Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana or Nigeria. I speak fluent English, type 43 words per minute and am a published writer on the ISS website, have experience as a rapporteur and conference planner.

My personal goals are to promote African led ideas, diversity, independent thinking and recognition of the youth. I have a great deal to contribute in the area of human development because I am willing, able and eager to learn and there is no better opportunity to be part of the transformation needed. My studies and work experience thus far have equipped me with a broad understanding of Africa’s challenges and have stirred a need to find solutions and be part of a more just society.

So… pick me.

3 comments:

  1. Your ideals are very inspiring Phakamani! I don't know about Africa, but I think all the world needs more people like you, with ideas for political change. The problem is, in this economic climate, any job is hard to come by. After university I spent a year working in a filing room in an office. It was a simple way to earn some money, nothing more. After taking on a lot of voluntary projects in my space hours, I was offered the change to be involved in a research project and write a book. Which I obviously jumped at. The difficulty is that the university sensibility implies that every graduate will get an excellent, executive level job after year three, but in reality we still have to climb the ladder, even though a degree gives us a stable footing on the first rung. I hope your goals are fulfilled in the not too distance future. The trick is to be persistent. -x-

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  2. Thank you for your response.
    I wish there was a 101 course on post university prospects, or lack there of!I guess it is a matter of determination and persistence above and beyond formal qualifications.
    Keep writing!

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  3. The universe will hear you... Of that I'm sure... It heard and saw me when I thought it was deaf, dumb AND blind! You wait and see :-)

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