Thursday, 23 July 2015

You are hired.


 
The situation of getting a white collar job in this our country is quit unpredictable, One of the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s economic at the moment is the rising of unemployment. Available reports from a variety of sources and the glaring evidence of joblessness in all the states of the federation indicate that there is no time in Nigeria’s tartan history that unemployment has been as serious as it is now. According to (NBS) National Bureau of Statistics and Federal Ministry of Youth Development, 54% of Nigerian youths are unemployed amounting to 64 million out of 80 million Nigerian youths.
The rate at which people quit their jobs for either further studies or higher position in other places is not in any way commensurate the rate at which people are been hired to fill up the vacuum. Organizations are downsizing and the slots for new employees are very few.  
People are look desperately to change their jobs, and every year our colleges and universities are pumping out graduates to the labour market, the fact still remains that unemployment is on the high side in our country.
Some people do ask if it is possible for them to change their profession or probably enroll for another degree to fit in into the role where vacancies exist, The fact still remain that jobs do exist and only the best guys with “long leg” as someone as put get those jobs.
However the good news is this, regardless of long legs or short legs, YOU can be the chosen candidate if only you are ready and you prepare yourself adequately through your resume (CV) which is your first contact with the prospective employer among other things which include the followings.
1.      With the rise of social media, resumes are no longer a stand-alone document, but rather one form of communication that helps tell your professional story. Nowadays, when employers sees your resume, they Google your name on the internet to see your LinkedIn profile, Facebook page, Instagram posts, and Twitter messages, this gives prospective employers an idea of who you are, what you can accomplish, and what you’re passionate about. It’s critical to establish consistency and integrity across the multiple channels of communications that represent you.
2.      When hiring, employers look for someone who offers the ‘whole package,’ a prospective colleague who has the skills, proficiencies, and experiences to meet the complex challenges they face in a competitive global marketplace. Candidates are been hired because they possess a multiple skills or technical capability, which distinguish their resumes from been overlooked out of so many hundreds of resumes in the mix. – So be multitalented.
3.      It’s more than likely, that you won’t be doing the same job you were hired for a year from now. The pace of change is unprecedented. Your resume should highlight how you’ve grown professionally by taking on more responsibility. In other words, let your resume express your ability to evolve and meet changing needs and demands - Demonstrate your flexibility.
4.      People want to work with colleagues they like and respect, including the ability to successfully work on a team. Use your resume (CV) to highlight projects that demonstrate effective communication with colleagues - Ability to collaborate (Be a Team prayer).
5.      Describe briefly and with precise examples the ways in which you have delivered impact to the organization, your colleagues, or your customer base; the ways in which you tackled difficult challenges, and managed projects. Let your resume (CV) demonstrate that you have taken responsibility for your career and for helping others achieve their potential - Show your impact.
6.      Fresh graduates need to demonstrate the ability to juggle multiple demands and activities: academics, athletics, and community service. Seasoned professionals should describe how they’ve taken advantage of professional development opportunities, such as taking on new roles, embracing new opportunities, and delivering impact to people.
7.      Finally, be bold and be able to prove precisely that you’re the right person/best candidate for the job.
You will soon be hired. Enjoy your day.  


Tuesday, 21 July 2015

THINK DEEPLY AND TAKE ACTION... NEVER BE AT THE MERCY OF THE GIVER.

I got this from one of my friends by name Natenael Matewos, and I will like to share it with you.

A jobless man applied for the position of 'office boy' at Microsoft.
The HR manager interviewed him, then gave him a test: clean the floor. The man passed the test with flying colors. "You are hired," HR manager informed the applicant, "give me your e-mail address,  and I'll send you the application for employment, as well as the date you should report for work.

  The man replied " I don't have a  computer, or an email!" "I'm sorry," said the HR manager. "If you don't have an email, that means you do not exist. And we cannot hire persons who do not exist." The man was very disappointed. He didn't know what to do. He only had $10 with him. Once that is spent, he won't have any   money to buy any food.
He went to the supermarket and bought a crate of tomatoes with  his $10. He went from door to door and sold the tomatoes in less than two hours. He doubled his  money. He repeated the operation three
times, and returned home with $60. He realized that he can survive this way. He started to go  everyday earlier, and return late. He doubled or tripled his money every day. Soon, he bought a cart, then a truck. In a very short time, he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles. Five years later, the man became one of the biggest food  retailers  in the U. S. He started to plan his family's future, and decided to have a life insurance. He called an insurance broker, and chose a protection plan.

  At the end of the conversation, the broker asked him for his email address. The man replied: ' I don't have an  email.' The broker was dumbfounded. "You don't have an email, and yet  have succeeded in building an empire. Can you imagine what  you could have been if you had an email?," he exclaimed.
The man thought for a while, and replied, "an office boy at Microsoft!"

If you just lost your Job or Just failed an Interview or looking for a better job don't worry,  Be Optimistic..... Good days are on  the way and something better is reserved for you. THINK DEEPLY and TAKE THAT BOLDER STEPS.
 
Enjoy your day!

IDRC Research Awards 2016

When it comes to a Grants Award, I think one should be excited about the IDRC Research Awards 2016.  This is a call for application for those who are interested in research. It is also for citizens of developing countries pursuing a master’s or a doctoral degree at a recognized university OR who have completed a master's or doctoral degree at a recognized university. These research awards may be part of an academic requirement.

Awardees are considered as full-time employees of IDRC. Benefits include Employer contributions to Employment Insurance, Employer Health Tax, Canada Pension Plan, and paid vacation leave. Some travel and research expenses are also supported, up to a maximum of CA$15,000.

As a research award recipient, you will undertake a one-year paid program of research on the topic you submitted to the competition and receive hands-on experience in research management; grant administration; and the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge from an international perspective.
Access the call document and frequently asked questions (FAQs):
All additional questions should be addressed to awards@idrc.ca - www.idrc.ca
Deadline: August 06, 2015

Maximize Your Potiential.

Another great opportunity is here again. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship program for young and mid-career professionals sponsored by the U.S. Department of State to strengthening the young peoples' leadership skills through a mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues of common concern in the U.S. and Fellows’ home countries. As a non-degree program, the fellowship offers valuable opportunities for professional development through selected university courses, attending conferences, networking, and practical work with their American peers.

If you have flows for Nation building, Sustainable development, Democratic Institution building, Education and Public health, I think this fellowship is for you.

The criteria for selection will be  An undergraduate (first university or Bachelor’s) degree, a minimum of five years of full-time, professional experience, demonstrated leadership qualities, a record of public service in the community, English language ability.

To apply and for more information kindly visit here


Thursday, 9 July 2015

IRENA Scholarship to Study in Abu Dhabi 2015-2017

As part of the programme, up to 20 highly-accomplished applicants are annually awarded an IRENA scholarship at the Abu Dhabi based Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MI), with the generous support of the Government of the United Arab Emirates. The IRENA scholarship programme offers various opportunities in addition to the Masdar Institute Scholarship. These include exclusive high-level lectures, aimed at presenting the latest developments in the field of renewable energies. Furthermore, the scholarship programme offers: IRENA sponsored short term assignments to scholars on a case by case basis; opportunities for participation in IRENA events; internships; and most importantly, the opportunity to network.
WORTH
  • A full scholarship for 2 years, which includes tuition, textbooks, housing, medical insurance, laptops and travel expenses with no bonds upon graduation.
  • Cost of living allowance for other expenditures.
ELIGIBILITY
  • Interest in renewable energy technologies and their applications.
  • Interest in International Development Projects in particular specific IRENA projects.
  • Strong motivation and clear approach for development of knowledge, skills.
  • Experiences in a specific focus area and Preference to focus areas which are mutually relevant to IRENA and Masdar
  • Academic accomplishments in terms of prior education, achievements, certifications, GRE and TOEFL scores.
  • Diversity of background is preferred.
  • Relevant work experience to match interests in specific focus areas
DEADLINE: September 17, 2015
To apply and for more information visit here

Wednesday, 8 July 2015

2015/2016 (Fully Funded) Postgraduate Studies At Harvard University USA

The Academy Scholars Program identifies and supports outstanding scholars at the start of their careers whose work combines disciplinary excellence in the social sciences (including history and law) with a command of the language, history, or culture of non-Western countries or regions. Their scholarship may elucidate domestic, comparative, or transnational issues, past or present.
The Academy Scholars are a select community of individuals with resourcefulness, initiative, curiosity, and originality, whose work in non-Western cultures or regions shows promise as a foundation for exceptional careers in major universities or international institutions.
Academy Scholars are appointed for two years by the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies and are provided time, guidance, and access to Harvard University facilities. They receive substantial financial and research assistance to undertake sustained projects of research and/or acquire accessory training in their chosen fields and areas. The Senior Scholars, a distinguished group of senior Harvard University faculty members, act as mentors to the Academy Scholars to help them achieve their intellectual potential.
ELIGIBILITY
  • The competition for these awards is open only to recent PhD (or comparable professional school degree) recipients and doctoral candidates.
  • Those still pursuing a PhD should have completed their routine training and be well along in the writing of their theses before applying to become Academy Scholars; those in possession of a PhD longer than three years are ineligible.
WORTH
  • Postdoctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of $67,000,
  • Predoctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of $31,000.
  • This stipend is supplemented by funding for conference and research travel, research assistants, and health insurance coverage.
  • All nationality, gender, or race
DEADLINE: October 1, 2015
To Apply and for more information, visit here
 
 

Thursday, 4 June 2015

Watchout for 2015 Africa Code Week (ACW)

This is another opportunity for Nigerian youths to upgrade their digital skills with an international initiative that will be organized by German software company. SAP, This program is to impact youth – ages 8 to 24 – from 11 African countries.

The IT Skills Development Programme will take place during the inaugural Africa Code Week (ACW) in October 2015. It will comprise of various software coding workshops in South Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia.
The major aim of the organiser – in partnership with the Cape Town Science Centre and the Galway Education Centre –  is to empower youth with the language of software programming. This will ultimately bridge the digital skills gap on our continent.
According to SAP Africa Chief Executive Officer, Plfungwa Serima, “This will help provide African youth with the critical skill set required in the highly competitive 21st century job market. This exciting effort supplements our Skills for Africa initiative that is promoting both skills development and job creation across the continent.”