The 21st Century Job Hunter

One of the most frequently heard phrases today is “the new work order” or “new world order”.  But what does this really mean for the student in the throes of decision making about a career choice, or the person about to enter the working world?  Let’s find out. 
Simply put the new world order, as regards careers, speaks to a world where there are no boundaries and the playing field is level.  This means that to survive, today’s job hunter anywhere on the planet must be equipped, on all levels, to work in a global marketplace.

In real terms, this means that the conscious student has to be internationally, not just locally focused and, even more importantly, informed, aware of and able to meet all the requirements needed to be able to compete successfully in this arena. 
Today’s worker/job hunter must be flexible, multi-skilled, competent, technologically equipped, adaptable, fluent in at least two languages, computer literate, hold globally recognized certification/qualifications and be a team player.

It is crucial to recognise the absolute importance of the Information Technology [IT] industry in the new world order.  Every aspect of our lives today, and therefore every career, is already dependent on this industry and this dependence will increase in the foreseeable future.   That simply means that whatever your career choice, IT knowledge is indispensable.  In fact, even though in the Caribbean we are still focused on the traditional, degreed, tertiary level education, this is a perspective we need to radically change if we want to succeed and survive in this 21st century reality. 

The facts are that tertiary level university degrees are extremely expensive, particularly if obtained overseas, leaving many students and their families struggling for years afterwards to recover from the burden.  And while we do not deny the importance of this type of education, from a 3rd world perspective, with IT and Hospitality being THE fastest growing industries in the world, perhaps we need to look more closely and realistically at the options our students and young people make after completing their secondary education.

From a financial perspective, initial qualification after leaving school in the IT sector is a smart move on all fronts.  The outlay is relatively inexpensive and provides the best return/value for money as well as the greatest portability - [i.e. it provides one with the opportunity to work anywhere in the world especially if one takes advantage of the courses and certification offered by internationally recognized companies such as Microsoft.]   Moreover, it gives one the flexibility and entrée to any further/other career choice one may decide upon, and will definitely complement whatever choices you make - whether it is to pursue a university degree, an associate degree or other form of certification.  So in essence look for formal training that gives you portability and therefore access to employment anywhere in the world or by any employer in the world.

While formal educational preparation and certification is crucial and mandatory, today’s worker/job hunter must also be well prepared on other fronts.  Focus, professionalism, a good work attitude/ethic, determination, and commitment are just as and in some cases even more important than just having the required educational certification however excellent it may be.  Why?  Because in today’s marketplace the focused, well-prepared, worker who approaches all aspects of his job with professionalism is what employers are looking for.  This worker is prepared to put his work first and does not allow any personal considerations to interfere or blur his/her focus.  Going the extra mile for the organization is par for the course; and giving freely of whatever is needed-such as time, expertise etc is a given.  The underlying strategy here is to determine how you, the worker, can add value to the organization that employs you, and be wiling to contribute in whatever way needed to assist the growth and well being of the organization.

It therefore goes without saying that the attitude or mind set of the 21st worker is of vital importance to his/her success.  Of all the criteria needed by the job hunter, this is THE most valuable and important to the potential employer.  This is because the attitude of the worker determines his perception of his/her role in the business or organization, and only those with a positive, enthusiastic, willing, attitude who are open and receptive to contributing and being a part of the team will find themselves  accessing the job opportunities and success they seek.

Being aware of the criteria needed for success is all well and good, but nothing can be achieved without proper planning and strategizing.  The reality is that one has to package and market oneself, use one’s network, and constantly check one’s attitude, while keeping abreast of changes and advances in one’s chosen field and always seeking opportunities to expand and add to the skills already acquired.  This is not just because one wants a job.  It is an investment in your life and career. 

Map out your strategy for the next four, five or maybe even 10 years and then start investing your time, energy and talent in yourself to create who and what you want to be.  Be sure that the career you choose is one that you love and enjoy.  Then your work becomes love and not labour. 
In order to advance and learn, offer to work in the area of your choice for free if there are no vacancies – by the way this the best marketing strategy - and keep this mindset of offering free services for your clients, organisation throughout your life.  It is one form of investment that yields immeasurable, handsome and often unexpected returns.

In researching this article we consulted several sources but are especially grateful to Mr Michael Julien, Chief of Party in USAID’s New Economy Project, for his assistance and input.  Mr Julien’s experience and expertise, both internationally and in the local market, was quite invaluable.