| A Letter From A Frustrated IT Graduate. Posted: 28 Sep 2011 11:32 AM PDT
I graduated from the University of Nairobi in 2007 with a degree in IT. Though its a general IT degree, I have some technical skills as well: while I don’t program (yet), I understand code conceptually and try to learn new languages when I have the time. There are very few types of software I am *not* experienced with. I am also the type of person who likes to spend their free time learning and developing new skills.
I live with my long-term girlfriend, who has permanent work but dislikes her job. She mostly supports us,
since on average, I am only just barely able to cover my share of basic expenses (rent, groceries, transport etc) I’ve been unemployed but dislike it and generally hide the fact as I get subtle comments about it from people I know. I feel like a burden most of the time.
I’ve been sending out a ton of Cv’s/cover letters; literally hundreds, most electronically, but many postal office (doesn’t seem to make a difference). Since I wasn’t getting many responses, I changed strategies to sending out fewer, but taking more time to craft and tailor them to the specific target. When that produced marginal results, I attempted to focus on opportunities through networking.
I’ve gotten a few interviews, but I always get a vibe that there is only a token interest in me and am not being considered seriously. I dress well (I think), and speak articulately (I think), and always feel well-prepared, but never have any way of getting feedback (as an aside, is there a professional/appropriate way to ask an interviewer for feedback after they’ve decided not to hire you?) I can do web development. I still have gaps of knowledge, but I’ve had paying clients who I’ve built websites for. I have an interest in and basic knowledge of design principals, and have doing a lot of reading in this area, especially concerning web design. I’m very good with computers, both with software and hardware. I could probably earn some of those Microsoft certifications with ease if I had the money and thought it would make a difference. I’ve also held ‘odd jobs’ including working for a supermarket as a loader, sales and marketing job with a bank and also as a multi level marketer with Tianshi products. Circumstances have dictated that i don’t be choosy. Finally, I have a killer work-ethic. I happily do the jobs others are unwilling to do, I don’t surf online at work, and I will stay late to get a project done if necessary. I am incredibly focused and don’t get burned out easily. I’m worried that my degree and lack of a steady job is all employers are seeing, if anything. I’m worried that the type of jobs I’ve been taking to make ends meet are pigeonholing me into more mediocre jobs in the future. I’m worried that I need to go back to school, but can’t decide what for. I’m worried that it hurts me to be more a generalist than a specialist. I’m worried that even if I decide what to go to school for, I won’t get in anywhere. I’m worried that I will give up and move somewhere where I am unhappy and unchallenged. I want work that matters and is challenging for me. I want to make around 250K per month within the next 2 years. I want to be able to tell my girlfriend to quit her job and let me support her for a change, while she pursues her passions. I want to get lost in my work and eventually, I want it to matter on some level. I want to try a leadership role in my work. I want to be able to start saving money. I want a career. I want to be able to plan my life with my girlfriend beyond the end date of my latest assignment. - Should I go back to school? Is it worth?
- How can a develop a professional network from scratch?
- What can I do in interviews to stand out?
- How do I know if I do something wrong in an interview?
- And I know it’s a common question, but what *are* employers looking for anyway?
- Am I missing something? Is there some trick or method I’ve neglected?
- How significant is my age (27) in this whole process?
- What are some reliable alternative ways to make money?
- Am I just being impatient and over-thinking this?
- Am I being realistic, or are my expectations too high?
Is anyone out there looking to hire someone like me? Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed | Amazon Plugin | Settlement Statement | WordPress Tutorials 
 |
| Qualified In One Field, Experienced In Another. Advice Needed. Posted: 28 Sep 2011 10:48 AM PDT
Thanks guys for the good job you do of keeping Kenyans informed on things career.
My name is Lydia, age 27, and I require advice from you and the readers. I am a graduate of Communications and my dream when I pursued that line of studies was to work in a media house, which I had a passion for then. However two years down the line, I had not got a job in the media and so I took a job in a bank as a
salesperson with a net pay of 20k and prospects for career growth. Now I have been offered a job by a media house as a correspondent with retainer of 10k and pay as per the number of articles that get published in month. I am a dilemma and I don't know what to do. I am unsure of the career growth in it. I also fear that I might "lose four chasing eight". Please advise me urgently because time is running short for me to make my decision. I will be grateful for your advice. Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed | Amazon Plugin | Settlement Statement | WordPress Tutorials 
 |
| I.T Manager Job In A Kenyan Law Firm. Posted: 28 Sep 2011 10:40 AM PDT IKM is a leading Law Firm in Kenya and a member of DLA pipergroup an alliance of independent legal practice.We are currently seeking an experienced IT Managerto manager our IT department. Directs the overall information systems function of the organization, including systems and programming procedures, security and disaster recover, databases, and computer equipment operations.? Coordinates the integration of office operations and all information systems.? Evaluates studies of the economics of possible
alternative methods of processing.? Presents to management recommendations related to purchasing and installing hardware, software and telecommunication equipment.? Assigns, coordinates, and reviews work of programming or network/?server support personnel.? Ensure all areas of the project are supported with proper computer systems in accordance with the customer’s direction.?
Provide technical support for all systems
Perform system administration and maintenance tasks including: Data protection/?backup and disaster recovery at sites, management of software maintenance/?updates (Windows, Office, etc.?), management of virus protection and end point protection, general network and user administration tasks
Oversee financial aspects of the IT department including budgets, expense management, etc.?
Creating and updating detailed documentation on all systems.?
Managing all IT-related projects, including renovation, construction, etc.?
Handle other system administration tasks and/?or special projects as directed by the program manager.? 5+? years experience systems support.?
Experience supporting Microsoft Server technologies and related hardware.? Windows Server 2003/?2008 certification is a plus.? Furthermore, a strong understanding of Group Policies and multi site Active Directory design and implementation is highly desired.?
Knowledge of all Windows platforms and general office automation and productivity software
MS SQL and Pastel experience a plus.?
Experience with Linux, VMwareVSphere Essentialsand Netapp Storage an added plus.
Experience in implementing Share Point or Document Management an added plus
Must be highly capable of working with end-users.?
Outstanding ability to interact and communicate with all levels of end users
Outstanding ability to organize and prioritize technical services requests
Outstanding ability to diagnose technical problems and quickly find solutions with very little direction/? interaction.?
Outstanding ability to quickly learn new technologies.?
Flexibility and agility is essential to this position.? If you meet the above requirements, please send an application letter and detailed curriculum vitae with 3 referees to jobs@ikm.co.ke with "IT Manager" as the subject heading, so as to reach us on or before October 4th, 2011. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed | Amazon Plugin | Settlement Statement | WordPress Tutorials 
 |
| Attain Enterprises Solutions Jobs Kenya Posted: 28 Sep 2011 07:32 AM PDT Attain Enterprises Solutions Ltd. is a growing software development company seeking to recruit the following:
Department: Development
Reporting to: Chief Technical Officer
To provide both technical and functional knowledge of the Microsoft Dynamics application as well as knowledge of development technologies and environments.
Description The Development Consultant is responsible for the design and development of modifications to the standard Microsoft Dynamics application.
* Soft Skills
* Clear communicator (written and verbal)
* Creative solving of technical problems
* Ability to focus on deadlines and deliverables
* The ideal candidate should have a BSc degree in computer Science or related discipline, at least three years experience in development role of Microsoft Dynamics Navision Business process understanding
* Web Services and Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server
* Microsoft .NET technology, Microsoft Visual Studio development system, and Microsoft Dynamics specific development environments
* Solid understanding of Microsoft technology stack
* Integration of Microsoft Dynamics to other applications
* Understands and follows development best practices and ensures that modification are documented
* Ability to work both independently and with a team
* Interpret written business requirements and technical specification documents.
* Perform coding to written technical specifications.
* Investigate, analyse and document reported defects.
* Perform maintenance programming and correction of identified defects.
* Create, document, and implement unit test plans, scripts, and test harnesses.
* Create and maintain technical documentation using defined technical documentation templates.
* Performs related duties as assigned
Department: Marketing and Business Development
Reports to: Account Manager
You will be expected to apply strategic thinking, business writing, problem-solving abilities and strong attention to detail to assist the Account Manager in delivering the promised customer service experience and ultimately achieving business outcomes.
* The ideal candidate should have a BSc. degree in computer Science or related discipline
* Additional certifications in Marketing is an added advantage
* Experience in proposal and report writing
* Have knowledge in software development life cycle and its documentation
* Experience with dealing with customers
* Quick understanding of new technologies and implement them in Account management
* Active team player and should communicate well to the entire team by interacting enthusiastically and motivated manner.
* Ability to work with minimal supervision and quick thinker
* At least 1 year experience in a similar position
* Presales activities: preparation of proposals, carrying out product presentations, organization of meetings, carrying our email campaigns and newsletters and participating in discussions to close a deal.
* Preparing relevant reports and project management documentation on time, as well as attend project progress meetings.
* Client support: Assistance may be required from time to time in relation to requests made by the client through calls or emails
* Schedule meetings with Account Manager and client to carry out satisfaction surverys.
* Managing project implementation timetable while consulting with Account manager.
* Assist in other administrative activities in the company.
* Management of sales/renewal contract processes.
* Expand sales in existing accounts by introducing additional solutions and services to existing clients.
* Monitoring competitive products and companies.
* Recommending new solutions and services by evaluating current solutions and identifying needs to be met.
* This is a three months internship programme with no remuneration
* Should be a student pursuing degree in marketing
* Additional qualifications in IT is an added advantage
* Doing extensive research on the products and give daily updates on new and upcoming solutions
* Know about product management by helping to compile and prioritize features
* Study the demographic details of the target consumers and help in forming strategies to attract them Interns need to compile a list of a target market and prepare a marketing strategy for the target market
* Help with public relations, customer follow-up and other events
* Prepare weekly reports and give the latest status of their work
* Should be highly motivated and energetic
* They must have good communication and interpersonal skills
* Negotiation skills and tact also help in this field
Applications should be sent to jobs@attain-es.com or P.O. Box 18286-00100 Nairobi
Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed | Amazon Plugin | Settlement Statement | WordPress Tutorials 
 |
| Executive Assistant Vacancy Kenya Posted: 28 Sep 2011 07:29 AM PDT
We are a company that believes that building Global African Brands is a primary means of changing the economics and image of the African continent – thereby giving her people the recognition and confidence to stand face to face, toe to toe with the rest of the world and say – I AM AN AFRICAN!
Purpose to provide an efficient and responsive administrative, organizational, and logistical service to the Chief Executive Officer, helping him to manage and prioritize his time.
Main Responsibilities / Key Duties
* Internal and external meetings coordination
* Coordinate CEO/Director diary calls and office logistics
* Coordinate CEO/Director meetings & and when requested attend
* Business Development Support
* Research
* Presentations preparation
* Assist in managing selected Projects Primarily, the post-holder will fulfill a specific job but be expected to develop a good understanding of the roles within the private office of and around the CEO. The post-holder may be asked to act as the Personal Assistant to a Director(s) as required, and/or to assist with administration and agenda management. When the CEO is absent, the post-holder will be expected to use any downtime to explore and implement improvements to the way the CEO's office is managed.
Interested candidates should send their cvs to mojorecruiter@gmail.com
All applicants are required to indicate the position they are applying for in the subject line of the email. Applications shall be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.
Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed | Amazon Plugin | Settlement Statement | WordPress Tutorials 
 |
| Territory Sales Jobs Kenya Posted: 28 Sep 2011 07:27 AM PDT An F.M.C.G manufacturing company with presence in the East Africa region is looking to hire Territory Sales In charge for Central Kenya Region including Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Nanyuki, Karatina and the surrounding areas. Reporting to the Sales Manager, their main responsibility will be to increase sales volume and maximize market share.
* Delivery of set volumes and revenue targets for the specified territory.
* Preparation of weekly, monthly and annual territory demand forecasts and sales plan.
* Providing management with regular market intelligence on volume and value share, competitor activities and overall demand patterns in the designated territory.
* Recommending the appointment of distributors and/or engagement of any other direct customers from the region.
* Analysing sales trends and variance's and advising the management on appropriate strategies and actions to enable the company meet its objectives.
* Establishing and ensuring maintenance of good corporate relations with stakeholders in the region.
* Documenting, reporting and discussing execution of plans, sales and margin analysis and overall productivity with the Sales Manager.
The successful candidate will need to;
* Be 30 to 35 years of age
* Hold a university degree preferably in sales and/ or Marketing and/ or a Higher National Diploma from a reputable, recognised institution
* Have 3+ years' proven relevant hands on experience (F.M.C.G) in Central Kenya with demonstrated knowledge of the key players/ opportunities in the region.
* Be highly numerate, computer literate, have excellent communication and reporting skills
* Possess a clean driver's license.
* Be able to offer leadership to a dedicated team.
* Immediate availability/availability at short notice Candidates who have attended relevant on the job training/seminars will have an added advantage. Remuneration- Negotiable based on qualifications and experience Only candidates who meet ALL the above requirements need apply by applying online on jobonoffer777@gmail.com not later than Thursday 6th October 2011.
Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed | Amazon Plugin | Settlement Statement | WordPress Tutorials 
 |
| Regional Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Adviser Posted: 28 Sep 2011 06:42 AM PDT Organisation:?
Save the Children UK Country:?
Kenya Closing date:?
07 Oct 2011 Introduction Save the Children is the world's independent children's charity. We're outraged that millions of children are still denied proper healthcare, food, education and protection. We're working flat out to get every child their rights and we're determined to make further, faster changes. It is our intention to focus increased effort on making positive and lasting change for children across the region and we are therefore looking for a Regional Monitoring and Evaluation ( M & E), Accountability and Learning Adviser. He / She will also lead in accountability and learning in the programmes across the East African Region. Role Purpose
The M & E, Accountability & Learning Adviser will provide support to Save the Children country programmes across the East Africa Region and the focus of this job in the first instance will be strengthen and support monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning across our emergency response programmes in East Africa, whilst also adding capacity to our monitoring and evaluation, accountability and learning in our longer-term development work. The M & E, Accountability and Learning Adviser will provide advise and participate where asked in assessments, set up quality, accountability and M&E systems, help programmes increase quality of evidence, promote data-driven decision making, as well as wider participation of children and other groups of beneficiaries in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programmes and projects. The post-holder will also be involved in building national staff and partners' capacity for better M&E and accountability to beneficiaries, as well as contribute to the agency-wide learning. To apply, please visit http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/jobs.htm Continue reading here:
Regional Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Adviser 
 |
| Project Monitoring Assistant Posted: 28 Sep 2011 06:40 AM PDT Organisation:?
Food and Agriculture Organization Country:?
Kenya Closing date:?
04 Oct 2011 POSITION TITLE: Project Monitoring Assistant
GRADE LEVEL: G 4
DUTY STATION: Nairobi with possible travel to Somalia
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Somalia Country Office (FAO-Somalia)
DURATION: 3 months
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES KENYA AND SOMALI NATIONALITIES
ANTICIPATED START DATE: October 2011 Under the overall supervision of the Emergency and Programming Coordinator, and the direct supervision of the Monitoring Coordinator, contributes to efforts that monitor projects outcomes against work plan and targets, including of the Service Providers for the Emergency Response to Somalia and the overall FAO Somalia Programmes. The incumbent performs the following duties: •Assist in collecting reports and updating the activity sheets of each component of the FAO emergency response programme from the technical units and the Service Providers;
•Assist in compiling and analyzing the daily and weekly reports of each components of the emergency response programme;
•Assist in preparing consolidated reports for project management in accordance with approved report formats;
•Assist in Reviewing monitoring reports to assess interim impact and causes of potential bottlenecks in implementation, and report major findings;
•Assist in reviewing the Letters of Agreement (LoAs) proposals prior to the clearance of the Quality Assurance Officer/Team;
•Assist in controlling the instalment requests of the Service Providers against LoAs: adequacy and quality of supportive documents, reports and financial statements;
•Assist in preparation of payment request to Finance Unit for processing instalments of Service Providers fees, as well as the closure of the LoAs;
•Assist in the updating and maintenance of the LoAs tracker, including the filing of the LoAs , interim and finals reports received from the Service Providers;
•Assist in compiling weekly market prices information
•Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Requirements: Education:
Diploma level education, or compensated by additional years of experience or by specialized training in Development studies, Social Sciences, Agricultural Economics or Statistics, or other related field. Experience:
At least two years of experience in Project M&E, monitoring methods, data processing and analysis, and knowledge of statistical database. Languages:
Working knowledge (level C) of English, and working knowledge of the Somali language. IT Skills:
Ability to effectively use standard MS Office software, especially experience with MS Access and database . Competencies:
Systematic and efficient approach to work assignments, good judgment and analytical ability. Ability to manipulate large data sets, and Excellent attention to details. Good contextual knowledge of local issues in Somalia, community priorities and social and cultural constraints and realities. TO APPLY:
Send your application to:
Candidates are requested to submit a covering letter quoting the Position Title and Vacancy Announcement No. FAO/032/2011 along with their current/detailed Curriculum Vitae and FAO Personal History (PH) form (available at http://www.fao.org/VA/adm11e.dot – see following page for guidelines on how to fill it out). E-mail is the preferred means of receipt and the application should be sent to HR-Somalia@fao.org. The subject line of the e-mail message should read CONFIDENTIAL – FAO/032/2011. If making a hard copy submission, the envelope should be clearly marked CONFIDENTIAL – FAO/032/2011 and sent to the following address:
FAO-Somalia
UN-Somalia Ngecha Road Complex
Corner Lower Kabete Road/Ngecha Road
P.O. Box 30470-00100
Nairobi, Kenya. Applications may also be faxed, again clearly indicating CONFIDENTIAL – FAO/032/2011 in the subject line, to +254-20-4000333.
Applications must be received by the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
Only short listed candidates meeting all essential qualifications will be contacted. See the article here:
Project Monitoring Assistant 
 |
| Audit Secretary Kenya Job Posted: 28 Sep 2011 06:23 AM PDT
Location: Nairobi
Our client, a leading financial services firm specializing in audit, tax, Business Process Outsourcing and Financial Consultancy wishes to recruit an Audit Secretary. The successful candidate will be charged with general administration of the audit department.
* Typing, editing and printing of documents including final accounts.
* Ensuring all photocopying, binding and distribution of documents to clients
* Following up for returns of signed accounts from the clients
* Preparing bank requests, sending and following up from clients
* Preparing and sending of all year-end letters and any other documents
* Requesting for audit records from the clients
* Coordinating of dropping/picking of audit staff from client premises
* Taking departmental minutes in meeting
* Maintaining all departmental training materials and other necessary documents
* Carrying out any other duty as may be assigned by the management.
* Bachelor of Commerce (Finance option)
* 2-3 years experience in Auditing
* CPA will be an added advantage.
* Good presentation skills
* Excellent presentation and communication skills
To apply, send your CV only to recruit@flexi-personnel.com before Friday 7th Sep 2011. Clearly indicate the position applied for and your minimum salary expectation on the subject line. Only serious candidates who meet above profile need apply.
Powered By WizardRSS.com | Full Text RSS Feed | Amazon Plugin | Settlement Statement | WordPress Tutorials 
 |
| Regional Programme Manager Posted: 28 Sep 2011 06:23 AM PDT Organisation:?
Save the Children UK Country:?
Kenya Closing date:?
05 Oct 2011 Introduction Save the Children is the world's independent children's charity. We're outraged that millions of children are still denied proper healthcare, food, education and protection. We're working flat out to get every child their rights and we're determined to make further, faster changes. It is our intention to focus increased effort on making positive and lasting change for children across the region and we are therefore looking for a Regional Programme Manager Role Purpose The Regional Programme Manager's role is to build the capacity of country management teams to make best use of Save the Children programming approaches in order to achieve their strategic objectives for vulnerable children, and to contribute to achieving our wider regional and global programming objectives. The Regional Programme Manager is a core member of the regional management team for East and Southern Africa We therefore, seek outstanding individuals with the drive and commitment to transform our programme management systems Additional Information Please be aware that applications may be viewed and applicants contacted prior to the close date. We work with children, communities and governments all over the world and we believe in the right person for the job regardless of where you come from and how you identify yourself. We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse. To apply, please visit http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/jobs View post:
Regional Programme Manager 
 |
No comments:
Post a Comment