Ask EDN Question
Hi Eritrean Diaspora Network,
I graduated from college with a bachelor degree in biology/health concentration. I knew the importance of networking, but living in a small town it was hard to find career opportunities that are available in bigger cities. I simply started working at a local hospital. I left that job a few years ago and immediately took some time off from work to visit family in Eritrea. I stayed in Eritrea for over year due to a family emergency. Now, it is 5 years later and I am currently seeking a new direction in my career and life. I have applied to various organizations since returning from my trip to Eritrea. Still, I am having trouble finding any professional jobs offers. I am willing to go to back to school or re-locate, and have pursued certificates related to my field through online/offline educational programs. Based on this background information, what direction or choices should I make to help advance my career in a new direction? I know that I am not too old for internships or new career changes, but would appreciate EDN’s perspective. Thanks for your help EDN with my question!
Ask EDN Response
Dear Future Success Story,
We first want to let you know that you will be successful. Never give up on yourself and know that we are here to help you connect with professionals in your career field. There are many Eritreans in our GroupMe chat group that are from various cities. We use that platform to connect with one another regarding upcoming events and many of our members post jobs. We even have members that will let everyone know if they are looking for a position in a particular field. We highly recommend you consider joining our GroupMe chat forum and that may be a great way to connect with Eritreans in your field and local community. The app is free and we are always available to help!
We shared your question across our social media platforms and we received some great feedback from individuals working in various career fields, and from individuals that have been through what you are experiencing. The top three responses we received are below.
Age ain’t nothing, but a number
You’re correct; you are NOT too old for an internship or considering a new direction in your career. Sometimes circumstances push us in a different direction for a reason. There may be some discomfort in making a career change or interning, as you may have to start at the bottom, but the rewards will outweigh the sacrifice. Some of our readers shared a similar story in which they had to intern for some time, but they gained a wealth of knowledge and a new job! Interning can also be an opportunity to show the employer how dedicated you are.
Refresh your resume
Have a fresh set of eyes review your resume and cover letter. Be sure to capture your audience within the first three or four lines. Also, look into narrative resumes as an alternative to a traditional resume or in addition to a more traditional resume. Here is a link on narrative resumes.
Interviewing skills
Take time out to practice interviewing with someone. It can be a friend or family member, but if you know someone that works in Human Resources (HR), they can help you from a hiring official’s standpoint. We have some HR professionals within the EDN network that are willing to help you via video chat if you are interested.
Your network will build your net-worth
Network and utilize the help a person can offer you with regards to getting a job within their organization (i.e. referrals). Also, connect with others via LinkedIn, in person networking events in your city, etc.
Sharpen those skills
Industries change and evolve with time, some more than others. Ensure your skill sets have evolved with the changes within your industry. This may require gaining certifications or seeking out training opportunities on the job.
Is it time to move on?
Assess if your field is one you still desire being in. Seriously consider changing fields if not, but it may be easier to stick to something closely related to what you currently do. The key is to extract all of your skills, training, and experience and translate that on to your resume. Don’t sell yourself short and seek out the help of a professional resume writer if you need assistance.
Set goals and GO
You are at a crossroads in your career and now is the best time to determine what you want to do, set your goals, and go full steam ahead. They may differ completely from 5 years ago, but that’s okay! Our circumstances will force us to reconsider what works in our lives currently. There is not timeline on that and once you have a plan, you will feel at ease.
Keep your eye on the prize
Don’t feel pressured by outsiders to pursue a particular field, shadow individuals working in your field of interest and make adjustments as you see fit. Ultimately, this is your life and your happiness is important. We spend most of our time at work, so you want to work in a field and environment that is healthy and you feel good about.
We have full faith in you and know that you will flourish in any field you pursue. We are here to help you and look forward to hearing how things go in the near future.
Best of luck to you!
EDN