By: Mariam Kigongo
Africa is a fast growing continent where most businesses and business contacts operate online. The Internet has managed to develop the various industries in Africa through a number of the companies you see today.
For instance, the real estate industry would not be the same if it weren’t for entities such as Lamudi. The number one hotel booking website, Jovago, has had a significant impact on the growth of the tourism and travel industry of Africa.
This article will assess the role the Internet plays in Africa’s development of careers and job opportunities. For developing careers has been in the market since this year across many African countries.
Listening to many job hunting specialties, career counselors, and career coaches, found out all results are the same –to connect with your network of contacts and enlist their help in uncovering job leads.
The most common problem for many job seekers is not so much about understanding the importance, but rather the execution of networking. One should always remember that networking is all about relationship building.
Your network should consist of people you’ve met, either in person, at work or online. Once your network is established, start building it by going out and meeting more people.
How do I add valuable people onto my network?
First, you can ask members of your current network for referrals. This is by either emailing or asking your workmates; friends or family for contact information of others whom they think would be beneficial for you to know. The “friend –of –a-friend” connection is quite strong and usually very successful.
Next, is joining up your activities on social networks, like Twitter and professional networking communities like Facebook and LinkedIn. These will, immediately provide you who attended the education facilities.
These e-connections are not nearly as strong as personal connections, however that should not stop you from trying this technique. You can use your virtual connections to grease the wheels towards face-to-face meetings. Also, remember to develop and keep a professional profile on these sites, which also includes a professional profile picture.
Thirdly, attend workshops, meetings and shows that are posted either online or in news or radio ads; for example, everjobs Uganda recently hosted a CV workshop to improve job seekers CV and interview skills.
The great thing about these workshops is that you will encounter new people to interact and share ideas. These in-depth networking events and “meet-and-greets” allow you to seek out peers, speakers, as well as other experienced members to add to your network.
Fourthly, participate as volunteer or intern in any work organization. By providing your time and efforts to a needy cause is perhaps one of the strongest venues for networking, because you are working side-by-side with people who share your passion for helping others and often overlooked by job-seekers either too busy or too focused on finding industry contacts.
Find an organization that needs your help (and there are so many in Uganda and online at www.everjobs.ug) and start volunteering or even start your internship with everjobs Uganda. I, for one, started off as an intern at everjobs Uganda handling all the customer care services. Time and experience grew me into the current strategic partnership manager, a clear depiction of the fact that hard work pays off. If you are determined to develop your profession AND your professional network…eventually you will.
Lastly, contact your former lecturers, college alumni association, and the career-services office either by emailing them or following them on their social media. One of the strongest ties that help in building new and strong contacts with people affiliated with your college gives you a solid base of shared experiences and strong connection to build upon.
Above all else, remember that networking is a reciprocal relationship. When meeting people for the first time, don’t make it all about you; ask about the other person and what he/she does for a living. You may be seeking help uncovering job leads today, but tomorrow someone in your network may be asking for your assistance as well. Never be afraid to ask people in your network for help; do not ask them to get you a job, but instead ask them for any possible leads, other people they know that you might add to your network, and any advice or other information you seek.
Finally, remember to always be prepared for networking at all times. Carry business cards, have a short elevator speech introduction at the ready, and keep a copy of your resume with you just in case a networking encounter leads to deeper possibilities. Remember, the opportunity to meet someone can happen anywhere and at anytime, and could literally change your life for the better.