The Nation Newspaper

Category: Jobs

  • 1.2 million jobs coming for skilful youths

    With the coming of the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), the Federal Government is set to tackle youth unemployment. Under the scheme, the Ministry of Trade and Investment in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is to open and equip 46 skills centres to tackle unemployment, reports TOBA AGBOOLA.

     

    The National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) is a scheme designed to empower youths with resources to help them set up their businesses upon graduation. Under the initiative, no fewer than 29,875 trainees graduates will graduate yearly. Upon their graduation, they are expected to be employable.

    The Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Prof. Longmas Wapmuk, said the NISDP has taken off in 10 of the 36 states. No fewer than 10,000 youths are being trained in those states, 30,000 others are expected to be trained in diverse economic sectors.

    When the government launched the NISDP last year, it was intended that the scheme would provide over 1.2 million jobs for youths in order to boost the economy.

    The Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Mr Samuel Ortom, who inaugurated the scheme in Apapa, Lagos, described the NISDP, which is to be driven by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), as key to the success of the government’s transformation agenda.

    He said: “As you are aware, capacity building is a critical requirement for economic growth and development.The NISDP, driven by the ITF and SMEDAN, is key to the success of government’s transformation agenda.

    “Under the NISDP, which is being driven by the ITF and SMEDAN, over 1.2 million people, particularly youths, will be trained yearly, with hope of securing jobs thereafter. I, therefore, congratulate the ITF for putting up this magnificent edifice which, I believe, will be a veritable outlet for the much needed skills acquisition services of the ITF”.

    The Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga said the ministry, in collaboration with ITF, has put structures in place to ensure that trainees from the NISDP are empowered to be either gainfully employed, or are able to set up their own businesses.

    He said: “We are already on the path to addressing the problem of skills gap and unemployment through the introduction and implementation of the National Industrial Skills Development Programme. The idea is that we want to turn our quantity advantage as a nation into a productive advantage. And the only way to do it is through skills acquisition and education after which we can provide opportunities for those that have acquired the skills to set up their own businesses or to be gainfully employed.

    “Therefore, the strategy of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, working together with the ITF, is to identify the critical sectors of the economy where we have comparative and competitive advantage. The second thing is to link those sectors or industries that we have identified to innovation, Research and Development. Then, the third thing is to link those sectors to industrial skills development. That is where the NISDP comes in.”

    Wapmuk said the NISDP was primarily designed to empower its trainees with resources to help them set up their businesses upon graduation.

    “This plan envisages that we will have industrial skills training centres in the 36 states of the federation and Abuja. And in each of these centres, we will have provision for training people in 24 trade areas. We have also made provision in this plan for Centres for Advanced Skills Training for Employment (CASTE) and these are bigger centres that have provision for about 45 trade areas which will be located in the six geo-political zones of the country,” he said.

    Wapmuk said the implementation of these initiatives is expected to generate 29,875 readily employable graduates yearly, which will go a long way in reducing unemployment, creating wealth and enhancing national security.

    Wapmuk said: “Our focus is to establish 37 Industrial Skills Training Centres, one in each state and the Federal Capital Territory, with six Centres of Advanced Skills Training for Employment for skills broadening and upgrading in addition to Sector-Specific Skills Training Centres to cater for the skills needed for manufacturing, agric-agro allied, construction and other critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    “In each of the 46 centres, training will be offered in 25 trade areas. Each of the 25 trade areas will enrol 25 trainees in line with international best practice for effective hands-on learning.”

    Wapmuk called for support from the stakeholders, saying ITF cannot do it alone.

    He said six centres of advanced skills training for employment and three specialised centres for culinary skills to develop skilled personnel for the hospitality and tourism sector would be established.

    “We need the support and encouragement of all stakeholders. This desire for partnership to enhance national growth and development led us to commence the Technical Skills Development Programme (TSDP) with NECA and the successes recorded by this scheme and the experiences we gathered through collaborations with local and international human resource development agencies contributed to our initiation and eventual partnership with the ministry for the launch of the NISDP.

    “We will continue to remain focused and work towards contributing our quota to the realisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda,” he said.

    On the modality and cost of establishing each centre, Wapmuk admitted that the skill centers are very costly to establish, because some equipment can cost up to N15 million.

    “We have estimated that the industrial skills centres in the 36 states and Abuja will have provision for 24 trades and will cost about N3.5 billion, while the bigger ones, the advanced skills centres in the six geo-political zones, will cost about N5.5 billion.”

    The cost notwithstanding, Wapmuk said ITF will be able to generate the required money over time to help establish the centres.

     

     

  • 1.2 million jobs coming for skilful youths

    1.2 million jobs coming for skilful youths

    With the coming of the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), the Federal Government is set to tackle youth unemployment. Under the scheme, the Ministry of Trade and Investment in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is to open and equip 46 skills centres to tackle unemployment, reports TOBA AGBOOLA.

     

    The National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) is a scheme designed to empower youths with resources to help them set up their businesses upon graduation. Under the initiative, no fewer than 29,875 trainees graduates will graduate yearly. Upon their graduation, they are expected to be employable.

    The Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Prof. Longmas Wapmuk, said the NISDP has taken off in 10 of the 36 states. No fewer than 10,000 youths are being trained in those states, 30,000 others are expected to be trained in diverse economic sectors.

    When the government launched the NISDP last year, it was intended that the scheme would provide over 1.2 million jobs for youths in order to boost the economy.

    The Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Mr Samuel Ortom, who inaugurated the scheme in Apapa, Lagos, described the NISDP, which is to be driven by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), as key to the success of the government’s transformation agenda.

    He said: “As you are aware, capacity building is a critical requirement for economic growth and development.The NISDP, driven by the ITF and SMEDAN, is key to the success of government’s transformation agenda.

    “Under the NISDP, which is being driven by the ITF and SMEDAN, over 1.2 million people, particularly youths, will be trained yearly, with hope of securing jobs thereafter. I, therefore, congratulate the ITF for putting up this magnificent edifice which, I believe, will be a veritable outlet for the much needed skills acquisition services of the ITF”.

    The Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga said the ministry, in collaboration with ITF, has put structures in place to ensure that trainees from the NISDP are empowered to be either gainfully employed, or are able to set up their own businesses.

    He said: “We are already on the path to addressing the problem of skills gap and unemployment through the introduction and implementation of the National Industrial Skills Development Programme. The idea is that we want to turn our quantity advantage as a nation into a productive advantage. And the only way to do it is through skills acquisition and education after which we can provide opportunities for those that have acquired the skills to set up their own businesses or to be gainfully employed.

    “Therefore, the strategy of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, working together with the ITF, is to identify the critical sectors of the economy where we have comparative and competitive advantage. The second thing is to link those sectors or industries that we have identified to innovation, Research and Development. Then, the third thing is to link those sectors to industrial skills development. That is where the NISDP comes in.”

    Wapmuk said the NISDP was primarily designed to empower its trainees with resources to help them set up their businesses upon graduation.

    “This plan envisages that we will have industrial skills training centres in the 36 states of the federation and Abuja. And in each of these centres, we will have provision for training people in 24 trade areas. We have also made provision in this plan for Centres for Advanced Skills Training for Employment (CASTE) and these are bigger centres that have provision for about 45 trade areas which will be located in the six geo-political zones of the country,” he said.

    Wapmuk said the implementation of these initiatives is expected to generate 29,875 readily employable graduates yearly, which will go a long way in reducing unemployment, creating wealth and enhancing national security.

    Wapmuk said: “Our focus is to establish 37 Industrial Skills Training Centres, one in each state and the Federal Capital Territory, with six Centres of Advanced Skills Training for Employment for skills broadening and upgrading in addition to Sector-Specific Skills Training Centres to cater for the skills needed for manufacturing, agric-agro allied, construction and other critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    “In each of the 46 centres, training will be offered in 25 trade areas. Each of the 25 trade areas will enrol 25 trainees in line with international best practice for effective hands-on learning.”

    Wapmuk called for support from the stakeholders, saying ITF cannot do it alone.

    He said six centres of advanced skills training for employment and three specialised centres for culinary skills to develop skilled personnel for the hospitality and tourism sector would be established.

    “We need the support and encouragement of all stakeholders. This desire for partnership to enhance national growth and development led us to commence the Technical Skills Development Programme (TSDP) with NECA and the successes recorded by this scheme and the experiences we gathered through collaborations with local and international human resource development agencies contributed to our initiation and eventual partnership with the ministry for the launch of the NISDP.

    “We will continue to remain focused and work towards contributing our quota to the realisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda,” he said.

    On the modality and cost of establishing each centre, Wapmuk admitted that the skill centers are very costly to establish, because some equipment can cost up to N15 million.

    “We have estimated that the industrial skills centres in the 36 states and Abuja will have provision for 24 trades and will cost about N3.5 billion, while the bigger ones, the advanced skills centres in the six geo-political zones, will cost about N5.5 billion.”

    The cost notwithstanding, Wapmuk said ITF will be able to generate the required money over time to help establish the centres.

     

  • Politics in the work-place: Are you an owl or a fox?

    To be effective and to survive, managers require leadership competencies which include envisioning, mental energy and stamina, a sense of purpose, ability to continue learning, ability to handle organisational politics, understanding and managing teams, facilitative in approach, being intuitive, change management, communication, stress management, balancing ambition and integrity, etc.

    Countless hours of training, books upon books, academic and non-academic papers and vital units of business education curriculum have been devoted to one of the above competencies/skills or the other.

    However, little has been written about organisational politics, either because many find the subject distasteful or perhaps because it is deemed to be worthy of study. Neither is it found in the syllabus of any management programme of MBA course that I have come across. What a waste! It is possible that more people’s careers flounder on the rocks of organisational politics than for many other reasons. Yet it is an area of great interest to practising managers. An exceedingly high proportion of the extra-curricular questions (i.e. those asked in the bar at the end of the day) in most out-of-site training programmes centre on this thorny area.

    Whether we want to admit it or not, the stark reality is that there is heavy, sometimes dangerous politicks, is going on in our establishments and corporations. While it may not be surprising to find it in government institutions and corporations, the academia is not left out. Even the so-called blue chip companies are not left out, including the local subsidiaries of trans-national corporations. In our environment, the basis of the politicking is a little more complex and the instrument of practice can be scary. Organisation politics here is complicated by unbridled nepotism, ethnicity and corruption. It is not unusual for promotions, appointments and postings to be done on one or more of the above considerations rather than merit and competence. And the instrument ranges from the absurd to the macabre-juju, assault, arson and, even, assassination!

     

    So, how can politics be defined and, more importantly, how can it be survived?

    If company politics can be described as ‘the way we do things around here’, then surely it can also be described as ‘the way that we do things to people around here’. It is sad truism that whatever people gather to tackle a task, there will be tension, rivalries, jealousies, hidden agendas and plain old-fashion mischief. Not only do people want to achieve the task their own way, they also want the way that the task is approached to reflect glory in certain specific directions and to help the careers of specific individuals or groups. It may not be pleasant, but, whether your place of work is a merchant bank or a monastery, it is unavoidable. Indeed, there is evidence to show that the more senior and better educated the participants, the more prevalent and unpleasant will be the politics. At Marks & Spencer’s Head Office in London in the 70s, a number of highly qualified, talented individuals played fast and furious political games. The reasons? The awesome organisation in its retail stores did not extend to Head Office, where many senior professionals were somewhat under-employed. As the saying goes, ‘the devil makes work for idle hands’, and the spare hours were filled with all sorts of intrigue.

    The concept of political animals is a popular one, and the University of Birmingham has conducted intriguing studies on the nature of these beasts in organisations. Researchers identified two axes behaviour:

     

    • That of being ‘well-read’ in what was going on politically within the organisation: having an interest in the different factions’ power camps and power plays. The degree to which one was well-read could be high or low

    • That of having an interest in self and the promotion of one’s own aims versus that of having a prime interest in the fortunes and welfare of the organisation.

    With these axes in mind, it then became possible to identify four discrete orientations and to label each with the name of the animal most representative.

     

    Orientation 1: Here the individual was politically well-read and had a high interest in the fortunes of the organisation rather than self. This individual they labelled the Wise Owl. Owls are both liked and respected; furthermore, they are seldom hunted and usually survive. There is one downside, however: they do not often get to the head of the forest.

     

    Orientation 2: In this box the individual was well-read and took an active interest in the politics; moreover, the individual promoted him- or herself actively within the organisation. Here we have the Crafty Fox. The fox is not always popular, for it hunts and it can create mayhem, but usually it is a survivor. Occasionally, it oversteps the mark and is hunted down, but even fox hunt in the area of southern England where I live are anything to go by, I’m glad to say!)

     

    Orientation 3: In the first of the lower boxes is found the person who is politically ill-read, but who on the other hand has a high degree of self-interest.

    The researchers contemptuously label this individual as the Donkey – both stubborn and stupid. The donkey is used as a beast of burden, resents it and is seldom thanked. It never reached the top.

     

    Orientation 4: The final box contains those who are badly read politically, who have no interest in improving their knowledge or skills and yet who continually put the organisation before self, Loyalty, blind loyalty, is the name of the game, and these people are labelled Sheep, unquestioning naive. It is often happens that the sheep end up in the slaughterhouse.

     

    So, where is the best position to be politically? Having put this question to a wide variety of executives from different countries and cultures, the answer is invariably ‘just to the right of the Fox/Owl divide (i.e. a combination of both, but being slightly more of a Fox). In other words, they were saying that you have to know the political forces at work and have to keep up to date with the trends and development here. In addition, you have to know how to play the game in order to appreciate the games was not worth the sacrifice or one’s own personal integrity and self-respect. So, to survive, the effective leader must be ‘aware’ and must learn to apply this awareness in ethical ways that reinforce the leader’s credibility rather than detract from it. All the essential skills of questioning, listening and above all intuition must be used to the full. Having the antennae out of all times is not being manipulative and does not sacrifice integrity. It is simply being smart.

    Acknowledgement: we have relied heavily on John Maurik, Management Consultant and author, Discovering The Leader in You (McGraw-Hill, 1994) and The Portable Leader (McGraw-Hill, 1997).

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Making a success of job interview

    Making a success of job interview

    The interview is one of the most important elements in the job search process. When an employer invites you to an interview, he/she is indicating an interest in bringing you on board. The interview gives both of you the opportunity to exchange enough information to determine if you are a good “fit” for each other. Think of an interview as a highly focused professional conversation. You should use the limited amount of time you have to learn about an employer’s needs and discuss the ways you can meet these needs. In many cases, you will interview at least twice before being hired for a position. Once in a brief screening interview and at least once again in a more serious meeting when you may also speak with many of your potential coworkers.

    The job interview is a strategic conversation with a purpose. Your goal is to show the employer that you have the skills, background, and ability to do the job and that you can successfully fit into the organisation and its culture. The interview is also your opportunity to gather information about the job, the organisation, and future career opportunities to figure out if the position and work environment are right for you.

    Most employers do not hire people based on merit alone. Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills count heavily in the selection process.

    After your cover letter and résumé, the interview is your best opportunity to wow the employer – regardless of your background and experience. To do this, use every possible strategy to develop effective interviewing skills. The best way is to prepare a selective presentation of your background, thoughtful answers to potential interview questions, well-researched questions about the organisation, and an effective strategy to market yourself. Also consider your career goals and what the available job offers so that you can discuss both of these topics with employers. Interviewing is a skill that improves and becomes easier with practice. Check with your school career center or your local Employment Service office to see if it offers workshops and individual videotaped mock interviews for practice.

     

    Research

    It is to your advantage to carefully research the job and the organisation. There are many ways to do this. You can request printed materials from the employer, such as annual reports and job descriptions. This is an entirely appropriate request, so don’t hesitate to make it. Use your library and career center resources. Ask colleagues, friends, and faculty about the organisation, and about any contacts at the organisation they might have. Look at the organisation’s home page. Knowing about the job will help you prepare a list of your qualifications so that you can show, point by point, why you are the best candidate.

     

    Practice, practice, practice

    Prepare a succinct, clear answer to each of the questions in the interview questions section. Practice answering questions with a friend, or in front of a mirror. Ask your friend to give you constructive criticism on your speaking style, mannerisms, and poise. As you practice, avoid colloquialisms, such as “like” and “you know.” Make sure you don’t script all your answers – you’ll sound as though you’re reading cue cards! It’s important to prepare yourself for talking with complete strangers.

     

    Logistics of the

    interview

    The more you know, the more focused your answers will be. Find out when the interview is scheduled, what to expect during it, and how long you will be there. Also find out if you will be talking to just one person, or to several.

     

    Be prompt, professional

    Always arrive early. If you don’t know where the organisation is located, call for exact directions in advance. Leave some extra time for any traffic, parking, or unpredictable events. If you are running late, call right away and let someone know. The best time to arrive is about five-10 minutes early. Give yourself the time to read your résumé one more time, to catch your breath, and to be ready for the interview. Once you’re at the office, treat everyone you encounter with respect. Be pleasant to everyone as soon as you walk in the door.

     

    Dress for success

    Wear a professional business suit. This point cannot be emphasised enough. First impressions are extremely important in the interview process. Women should avoid wearing too much jewelry or make up. Men should avoid flashy suits or wearing too much cologne. It is also important that you feel comfortable. While a suit is the standard interview attire in a business environment, if you think it is an informal environment, call before and ask. Regardless, you can never be overdressed if you are wearing a tailored suit.

     

    Be organised

    Carry a portfolio notepad or at least a manila file folder labelled with the employer’s name. Bring extra résumés and have the names, addresses and phone numbers of references, in case the employer asks. Also, bring a list of questions for the employer. You may refer to your list of questions to be sure you’ve gathered the information you need to make a decision. Do not be preoccupied with taking notes during the interview.

     

     

     

    Know yourself

    You will make the interview process easier for the employer if you volunteer relevant information about yourself. Think about how you want to present your strengths, experiences, education, work style, skills, and goals. Be prepared to supplement all your answers with examples that support the statements you make. It is also a good idea to review your résumé with a critical eye and identify areas that an employer might see as limitations or want further information. Think about how you can answer difficult questions accurately and positively, while keeping each answer brief.

     

    Be honest

    An interview gives the employer a chance to get to know you. While you do want to market yourself to the employer, answer each question with an honest response.

     

    Be positive

    Never say anything negative about past experiences, employers, or courses and professors. Always think of something positive about an experience and talk about that. You should also be enthusiastic. If you are genuinely interested in the job, let the interviewer know that.

     

  • DHL Nigeria appoints new officers

    DHL Nigeria appoints new officers

    DHL Nigeria Limited has appointed Stephen Inegbedion as the new Country Operations Manager for Nigeria.

    Inegbedion, a Systems Analyst, according to a statement, joined DHL International Nigeria Limited over 17 years ago.

    He started his career in DHL as Fleet/Data Executive. He became Operations Analyst and later combined the two roles as Fleet and Operations Analyst Executive. In 2004, he was appointed Operations Performance Manager – Nigeria and until recently the Ground Operations Manager LOS & Western Nigeria.

    Inegbedion is an experienced express logistics manager whose training and development cut across DHL’s vast global network.

    The company also appointed Mrs Olayemi Olusona as the Head, Customer Service.

    Mrs Olayemi was the Customer Enquiry Manager and was responsible for the management of daily operations of the Contact Centre, ensuring adherence to processes, systems and schedules, to drive Service excellence, quality, productivity and maximise revenue generating opportunities.

    She Joined DHL Express Customer Service in 2004 and has held various positions in the CS Department. She has good experience and knowledge of the various processes in the department.

    In her position she has a responsibility to design, develop and execute Customer Service initiatives and strategies that will ensure Service Excellence and best – in – class service is delivered to DHL Customers.

    Mrs Olayemi holds a BSc (Ed) in Economics and an MBA in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University in Oyo State.

     

     

     

     

  • Vocational trade as safety net

    Vocational trade as safety net

    With the army of unemployed rising, the government is constrained to provide employment to ensure a stable polity. But since the government alone cannot solve this problem, management experts believe that there is a way out in self-employment. The vocational field, they say, can provide millions of jobs, if the unemployed are ready to try it. AKINOLA AJIBADE reports.

     

    How can the unemployment challenge be best tackled? Many have proffered various ways of addressing the problem, but one appears to stand out because of its practicability – self-employment. But how do those interested in self-employment get the start-up capital? The proponents of self-employment believe that the capital hurdle can be claimed with ease. They submit that opportunities abound in vocational fields, such as tailoring, barbing, hairdressing, carpentry, catering, crafts making.

    In developed countries, such as Germany and China, emphasis is placed on vocational jobs. The sector has created jobs for millions and also contributed to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Nigeria toed that path by establishing the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Through NDE, the government has been empowered Nigerians to be job creatprs.

    NDE Director-General Mr Abubakar Muhammed said vocational job is the way to go in Nigeria, considering the high rate of unemployment.

    He said millions of Nigerians have acquired skills to create job since the scheme started decades ago, urging the unemployed to also tap into the scheme. The informal sector would record growth when the country creates enough jobs. He said the entrepreneurs would increase productivity, and boost the country’s GDP.

    To some experts, since white collar jobs are hard to come by, the unemployed should embrace self-employment.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Okibx Nigeria Limited, Dr Okey Ibekwe, said there is no limit to the number of jobs people can create in the country. Okibx is a consulting firm which specialise in manpower development and jobs creation.

    He said there are ideas that can be developed to reduce unemployment. Citing Germany, United States and China, among others, Ibekwe said vocational jobs have helped in developing those countries. He said economy gets better when people are more productive, advising people to create jobs through vocational means. He said certain processes must be followed when creating vocational jobs, noting that they are sequential in nature.

    Ibekwe said: “People must discover their potential, have self-confidence, list their proposed occupations, choose the ones with high commercial values, get the required skills, and start working.”

    He said academic qualification is immaterial when its comes to vocational jobs, stressing that what is needed is the ability to do the jobs well.

    The human development expert said millions of such jobs can be created in Nigeria, once people are committed.

    According to him, the tendency to earn a living through vocational jobs is high if people can do the right thing.

    “Findings have shown that the work rate of people that provide vocational services is high now. People are improving on their vocational skills, packaging themselves well, and getting good results. In Nigeria, many people are making more money from such jobs. People should try and acquire skills in area in which they are proficient if they want to survive. It is high time the unemployment faced the reality since white-collar jobs are not forthcoming. Though the beginning will be rough, the ability to succeed is needed,” he added.

    Also, the Managing Director, First Publishers Limited, Dr Dan Obidiegwu, said people should create jobs for themselves in Nigeria. Obidiegwu said unemployed can provide vocational services, irrespective of their backgrounds. He said cases abound where graduates veered into areas, such as furniture making, craft making, tailoring among others, to earn a living. He said this helps in providing value-added services, advising graduates to create jobs.

    He said: “Nigeria’s economic potential are huge. Being one of the biggest markets in the continent, people stand a better chance of creating vocational jobs.There are many organisations looking for people who can provide one form of vocational services or the other. This means that there is a huge market for anybody who is not lazy, committed and enterprising.”

    Obidiegwu, the former managing director, Longman Nigeria Plc, said companies do employ people that have vocational backgrounds to survive. He said the services of carpenters, tailors, and welders are required in foam making industries.

    “Job opportunities exist for people who have vocational experience. First, they are recruited by companies. Secondly, they can work on their own. There are cases whereby they do two or more jobs together. Globally, semi-skilled workers are needed to grow the economy. This makes their services important to individuals and organisations,” he said.

    He advised people against waiting for paid jobs, stressing that they need to conceive ideas and implement them to survive.

    A former member of staff of Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN), Mr Akinwunmi Dickson, said graduates should stop relying on their academic qualifications.

    He said when graduates learn a trade, they can set up their own business and make money.

    “In advertising, workers with vocational backgrounds do get jobs to do. Though their jobs are seasonal, they are well paid. This is in addition, to other jobs they are doing. They are better for it.”

    He said many have abandoned their professions for vocational jobs, because of certain values in them.

     

  • Effective pep-ups for job search

    Effective pep-ups for job search

    Go out and do a Google search on how to conduct job searches, and you’ll come up with literally a billion different articles and pieces of advice… with a lot of the ideas out there contradicting each other. One person says, “Do it this way,” and then the next person has a different take on what you need to do.

    Whatever, you improve your job search, motivation and energy doing all or some or any of the following:

    Be nice to everyone

    “Nice guys finish last” doesn’t jive with me in job search situations. If you are kind, thoughtful, caring, and supportive – people remember that as your personal brand. We are, in essence, more motivated to do things to help others who treated us well, while we are less inclined to even give people (who burned us previously) the time of day.

    Have a polished, accomplishments-driven resume

    If you cannot own your accomplishments and demonstrate value to a prospective employer, how on earth do you expect to convince them to hire you? Drawing up a resume to get you “any job” is not smart.

    Don’t hide behind your computer …

    Between a consultant and a client:

    “ I have emailed my resume to no less than 76 different job openings, but hadn’t heard anything back.

    “How many did you contact personally or network with?”

    “Zero.”

    Unfortunately, hitting “send” 64 times isn’t going to do it, especially in this job market where everyone else is out there pulling strings, making contacts, and cultivating powerful referral networks. An excellent resume is important, yes, but if you don’t have anyone interested in receiving it, you obviously are missing the critical component of a job search.

    Never, give up hope

    Believe in yourself. Remember, you are driving this bus … and while the job search can be incredibly defeating when you get rejection after rejection, but once you give up hope in yourself, all is lost. Sure, you have have the occasional pity party, but then you need to grit your teeth and get back on that horse again. Keeping the job search in action is the only way you’ll have a chance of snaring something.

    Manage your personal brand

    Think about this quote (author unknown):

    • Watch your thoughts; they become your words.

    • Watch your words, they become your actions.

    • Watch your actions; they become your habits.

    • Watch your habits, they become your character.

    Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

    Keep the faith; never give up, and remember your biggest recipe for job search success boils down to having a focused job search, polished resume, and networking, networking, and networking. And having patience.

    Get out daily

    Visit your local library, and yes, the local unemployment office. Being unemployed doesn’t mean you need to be in seclusion, facing the uphill battle all on your own.

    Don’t overlook transition assistant programs for those who’ve left the military, the resources provided from local employment centers, and the benefits that result from just talking with people.

    Here’s another “insider tip” that few use: Visit your Chambers of Commerce. You’d be amazed how wonderful the people are who man these offices… and wow, what a terrific resource they can be. These people are so helpful, and I guarantee you won’t leave your Chamber’s office unsatisfied.

    For example, they can provide details on upcoming business networking events (great for meeting professionals in your area), provide you with a membership directory (packed full of local companies, addresses, and sometimes, contact names), and on occasion can provide job leads.

    Grab a drink and curl up with a good book

    Never overlook the calming effect of just sitting still and taking time for yourself. If you feel guilty stepping away from your job search, opt for a self-help book to brush up your time management skills, or whatever skill you wish to improve upon, or go with something like the following:

    • What Colour is Your Parachute written by Richard Nelson Bolles (Great read!)

    • Who Moved My Cheese written by Spencer Johnson (Funny stuff!)· JobsearchGuru’s JOB HUNTING MANUAL- Just published for purposeful job hunters in Nigeria.

    You may be jobless, but you are never, never useless or worthless. And don’t you forget it.

  • IFC names VP for Latin America, Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa

    IFC names VP for Latin America, Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa

    The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has appointed Jean Philippe Prosper as Vice President of sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. He will be based in Johannesburg after a short transition.

    Prosper, according to a statement, will oversee IFC’s Investment and Advisory Services operations in 79 countries, where IFC has a combined investment portfolio of $17 billion and Advisory Services programmes worth $286 million across the two regions.

    Prosper said: “Our activities in Latin America and the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa are critical to IFC’s global business and we will build on our success in these regions to have a more significant impact on poverty elimination through private sector development.

    “Our focus in Latin America and the Caribbean is to promote inclusive economic growth, regional integration, innovation to improve competitiveness and climate change mitigation.

    He added: “This region accounts for the largest share of IFC global commitments – 24 per cent in fiscal year 2012, with $5 billion in financing for 134 new private sector projects. Through its Advisory Services IFC executed 79 projects worth $82 million at the end of the last fiscal year. IFC carries out its business in LAC from 16 offices.

    “In Africa IFC is a major regional investor. We will further grow our Investment and Advisory Services, especially in fragile and conflict affected states and through regional and national projects that have potential to positively transform development in Africa.” According to the statement, during IFC’s 2012 fiscal year, its investments grew 44 per cent to $4 billion and saw major inroads in its priority sectors of infrastructure and agribusiness.

    Nearly all of IFC’s 123 Advisory Services programmes worth $204 million in Sub-Saharan Africa the statement explained, were carried out in the region’s poorest countries and more than a quarter of it in fragile and conflict-affected states. IFC executes its business in Sub-Saharan Africa from 21 offices.

    Until his appointment, Prosper was IFC’s Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. From July 2008 to August last year, he was the Director for Eastern and Southern Africa and a co-director of the Africa department. During his tenure with the Africa department, IFC’s investment grew from $140 million in fiscal year 2003 to $4 billion in fiscal year 2012.

    Prosper has been recognised for his leadership skills at IFC. He re-ceived the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award in 2010 and the Good Manager Award in 2011, two of the most prestigious awards of the World Bank Group.

    Before joining IFC, Prosper was the Regional Co-ordinator for Mexico, the Andean Countries, Central America, and Panama for the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) of the Inter-American Development Bank.

    Between 1986 and 1990, he worked at SOFIHDES, a private development finance company in Haiti, where he became Managing Director. During this period, Prosper was also a professor of mathematics, statistics, and managerial and corporate finance at the State University of Haiti. In the early 1980’s, he worked as Advisor to the Minister of Haiti on Financial, Economic, and Industrial Affairs.

    Prosper holds a degree in Mathematics and Civil Engineering and an MBA. A Haitian national, he is fluent in Creole, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish and has a working knowledge of Kiswahili.

     

  • ICT still holds the ace

    ICT still holds the ace

    For a worker to be promoted, he needs certain skills to excel. What are these skills? A Information Communication Technology (ICC) security expert, Tim Akano, proffers tips on such skills, which can bring a pay rise or a new job. LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

     

    When the issue of unemployment crop up, what readily comes to mind is the large pool of graduates that are unemployable because they lack the requisite skills to guarantee performance. This trend is reversible with the window of opportunities opened by the liberalisation of the telecoms sector.

    One area of the telecoms sector, which promises to be the cash-cow for the economy is the software development sub-sector. Banks, telecoms, manufacturing organisations in search of competitive edge, are looking for information communication technology (ICT) practitioners that can develop and customise software that will differentiate them in the market.

    ICT graduates that are good in Android, Java, Oracle, Microsoft will not remain in the employment market in 2013. They will also be the first to be promoted in their workplace. Those with sound skills in software maintenance will also continue to be sought after.

    Another area of growth opportunity is in mobile applications (apps) development. According to reports, over 60 per cent of the world’s seven billion population is embracing mobility. In the ‘80s, Microsoft Window Apps held the ace. But today, the game has changed with the evolution of Mobile Apps. Android, CX code, iOS will steal the show in that order.

    Website (Web) development is another area which the unemployed could tap into. Everyone, every business, every church, every government wants to be online. This is why skills in web development will continue to grow. JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), HyperText Markup Language (HTMLS), electronic or e-Commerce and AJAX programming, are interrelated web development techniques used on the client-side to create asynchronous web. These are growth-drivers in the telecoms sector.

    IT security holds enormous opportunities for people seeking stable employment. Even while the global economic recession held sway, the only ICT practitioners whose income grew in disproportionate degree to others, were the IT-security practitioners.

    Thus, EC-Council skills in Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA), Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) and the new skills on Secured Computer User Certification (SCUC) will remain the industry standard for a long time to come.

    Because we are living in a networked society, in the year, more things that have power will be networked. The need for Network Engineers- most especially – wireless network engineers will grow. Skills, such as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), Data Base management will sell like hot cake. Nobody has this in Africa or Asia as at last month. The first set of individuals to acquire this will make a kill. Other CCIE professionals in areas such as security, voice will continue to experience exponential growth.

    Service management is another growing area of job opportunities.  For smooth running and seamless integration of ICT process and effective cost management, skills in Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Projects in Controlled Environments 2 (PRINCE2), Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT), ISO20K, and ISO27K Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) will rule in the year.

    Since organisations and governments have no choice but to embrace virtualisation if they desire to bring down their operating expenditure (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX), professional competence acquired in this area will sell like no other. Described as ‘’transcendent of optimisation,’’ virtualisation is the ‘master key’ to future growth and competitive edge in business. The reigning king in this space is Visual Media Works (VMW). Skills in VMW will sell like hot potatoes this year and years to come.

    Another growing are is database area of job creation. This is an era of information, therefore, data is gold, it is blood, it is oxygen and indeed it is life! Now that data is growing exponentially, there is data overload. Therefore, skills in Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) will be in hot demand in the years to come.

    Acquisition of business skills will also make a job seekers relevant In the ICT age. Skills in EC-Council Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Business Intelligence Professionals (BIP), Certified Business Professionals (CBP) will get plenty of space in the labour market.

    Last, but not the least is finishing. Recent survey has shown that those ICT professionals that combine Finishing skills in speaking, composure, manners and others, stand 300 per cent more chance in getting the job than those who only have pure ICT skills. Therefore, with your ICT skills, it is advised you go professional to crown it ‘’Finishing Skills.’’

     

  • Exploring social media’s job potential

    Exploring social media’s job potential

    The social media is a potpourri of sorts. You find the sublime and the ridiculous there. But, beyond that, it is an avenue for job creation, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE

     

    People use the social media for various reasons. Some to search for friends; some for shopping; some for dating and others just for the fun of it. When we talk of social media, we are talking about Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Nairaland,Hi5, Whassup, Badoo, T2 Go, YouTube, Blogs, Skype, Skills Page, among others.

    While some applicants post their resume on the social media in anticipation of getting a job, others use them for job creation. People conceive and showcase job ideas on their laptop, I-PAD, Wireless Application (WAP) enabled phones, among other mobile devices.

    Though many have yet to explore the job potential on the social media, it remains veritable sources of creating jobs.

    Findings show that people in developed economies, such as the United States (US) and Europe use social media to create jobs. In such climes, they leverage on the media to create ideas and earn a living. Nigeria has joined the growing list of countries that have realised the importance of using the social media for job creation.

    Experts said with the gradual reduction in paid jobs, people have no choice than to conceive, create and implement job ideas to survive. Companies, they said, are cutting down their workforce in line with economic reality, stressing that the unemployed must tap into the opportunities around them to achieve their aspirations.

    Chairman, Publicity and Events Committee, Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Mr Jide Awe, said the social media tools can be used to create millions of jobs and reduce the pressure on the labour market.

    Awe said once people understand the rudiments of using social media tools, creating jobs would be less of a task. He said millions have used social media to create and execute job ideas in developed countries, adding that the development has helped in reducing the unemployment rate.

    He said Nigerians can do the same thing by providing jobs for themselves through the use of the social media.

    Awe said an unemployed does not need to open an office or employ people, before they create jobs through the social media. He said what job seekers need to do is to get laptop(s) or any other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) device and get connected to the internet.

    He said the process of creating jobs through the social media are many, adding that it requires painstaking, understanding of ICT devices, good and marketable job ideas, among others.

    He said: “Unlike the traditional mode of creating jobs that requires getting an office space and employing people, social media is not. Once you are connected to the internet, you create and offer your services through any of the social media.

    For instance, you can render e-learning services, once you are well grounded in academics. You teach people across the world through the media, and get paid. Once your services are acceptable, you will get a large audience to attend to. This translates to a lot of money. When many people can offer a product or different lines of products on the social media, each would get its own patrons.

    “There are so many job’ ideas. There are ideas in the areas of agriculture, education, financial services among other sectors of the economy. People can go on the social media to create job ideas in these areas, get audience and paid.”

    According to him, people can leverage on community-based projects to create jobs for themselves. One of them is group networking through, which people in different locations would discuss business issues, irrespective of the geographical barriers. He said people get paid for providing the services.

    Also, the Managing Director, New Horizon Computer Learning Centre, Mr. Tim Akano said people must be versatile before they can create jobs through social media networks.

    He said people must know the workings of the internet before they can create job ideas on any social network.

    Akano said technology has brought in different innovations, adding that people can create ideas once they know how to use ICT devices well. He said new social media networks are springing up because people keep on conducting research globally. He said the social media are originally developed for fun among internet users, adding that people are creating different ideas through them to achieve their goals.

    He said interactive media could be used for many things, depending on what people are looking for.

    He said: “As unemployment is increasing and governments are incapable of tackling it, it behoves on people to think, and create ideas to survive. I think the social media are channels of executing job ideas.

    “Ideas are relative, depending on the goals which the unemployed have set for themselves. There are more than one million ideas in the world. The most important thing is for job’ seekers to think of ideas that can sell well. The world is a global village. Millions of people can connect to one or two social media networks at a time. Once the patronage on social media increases, people that create ideas are bound to get good response and profits.

    He said there is no limit to the number of jobs that can be created through the social media, advising unemployed to be creative and enterprising.

    Akano said there are job ideas in the academics, marketing, among others.

    Similarly, a communication expert, Mr Yinka Adeniran, said researchers and people with proven communication skills can create part-time jobs through the social media. Adeniran said one can get people that want to conduct research on some issues through the social media. He said that there are thousands of people looking for researchers through the social media.

    He said: “If you are a communication specialist, you would get jobs to do via social media. I could remember that I made over $2000 in 2011. Some companies saw my resumes on one of the social media networks. They got in touch with me through the same process. Thereafter, they asked me to write detailed articles on operations and performance of MTN Nigeria, among other companies in the country. For each article, I was paid at least $300. People must read wide, and get acquainted with socio-economic and political developments globally. Once people know the depth of works, you get jobs. He advised the unemployed to think of what they can do for themselves if they want to grow.”