In Memory of Tevin Robertson (COLLABORATION)

     When thinking about Jobs and Careers, we tend to focus on academics, however there are many jobs that require more skill to excel at it. Take for example a career as a cricketer, while the academics must be there you must have that skill in order to excel.

     This Blog post was inspired through a collaboration with Nicole St. John whose blog is entitled "Playing with the Stars". We sat and we discussed careers and we decided to write a blog post in memory of Tevin Robertson, a past national cricketer, who passed away earlier this year. (29/3/14).

     Tevin had the skill and would have reached far in the sporting arena. So how do you become a great cricketer? Practice, Practice, Practice, that's that only way. If you are thinking about making it to the national level, you gotta start somewhere.

    After speaking with Anil Lakhan, Level II cricket coach, he told as that every cricketer must start somewhere. Mr. Lakhan said that if you are serious you must first start off in a small village team, then progress into a bigger team, and apply for tryouts for the national team.

     So if you are thinking about taking up sport as a career, prepare for hard work.

Ending this blog off with a quote from a cricketer:

"My job is to perform, enjoy cricket and thank God for whatever he has given me." -Suresh Raina 

The life of a Graphic Designer - Collaborative Blog

Let's venture the world of creativity today. I was looking at some other blogs and found it necessary to collaborate with bporedesigns a Blog all about Graphic Design and published by Amrika Nimchan.

What is graphic design all about? According to Dictionary.com graphic design as “the art or profession of visual communication that combines images, words, and ideas to convey information to an audience.” Ms. Nimchan agreed with the online definition of the term.

So what exactly is a graphic graphic designer? A graphic designer is responsible for arranging and using elements on different types of media (such as a poster, a package or a website). They usually use programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign to get their work done.

So what do you need to join the field and practice the profession? According to Ms. Nimchan all you need is the skill and a degree. Of course if you have the relevant experience in some organizations the degree may not be mandatory.

If you want to learn more on Graphic Design make sure to visit bporedesigns at bporedesigns.blogspot.com.

Ending the blog post off with a quote:

“There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.” - Milton Glaser

Small Business Owner?!

     In this Blog post, we are going to mix it up a bit. At Jobs & Careers T&T we usually speak about jobs involving a person being employed, but...what if you wanted to be your own boss? What are the skills required of you to be great at it? That's what we're going to be talking about.

     So there is a saying that people learn through experiences. That's exactly the approach we are taking in explaining to you the steps in starting a small business and being your own boss. So keeping it real and local, I spoke to the owner of a really great clothing store at Lall's Shopping Plaza in Debe and she was more than happy to assist.

     According to the owner of WoW Factor Clothing, starting a business is a lot of hard work and very risky depending on the type of business you are looking to venture into. In starting a small business you need to identify your interests, and identify a way in which you and your products can stand out and be different to others. Secondly you need to have the appropriate funds to properly start the entire business and expect a loss for at least a good few months.

    Once you identify your product and you know that you have the finances, you are set. This is the easy part. You really need to have an ideal place for your store. According to the owner of WoW Factor, her clothing stands out in its current location, making her store catchy and trendy. You need to do that. Locate the suitable place for your product.

     And of course your business needs a name. Select one that is unique and suitable. Now every business place in T&T must be registered. Here's how its done.

Business Name Registration

To register a business name your first step is to fill out an Application for Name Approval/Name Reservation Form and submit it to the address of the Companies Registry. The fee for this process is TT$25.00.

The Business Name Act prohibits the registration of identical names, so you can't register a business name that another company is already using. You can search the business names public record at the Companies Registry. This will tell you if someone is already using the name you have selected and where the business is located. There are several different search options you may wish to pursue. Each name search costs TT$20.00

So if you are really serious about starting a business consider the few simple guidelines on top, ask questions and be sure. 

For more information on starting a small business and all the forms visit the TTConnect website at http://www.ttconnect.gov.tt/gortt/portal/ttconnect/CitizenDetail/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/gortt/wcm/connect/GorTT%20Web%20Content/ttconnect/citizen/role/abusinessperson/startingabusiness/registering+a+business

Ending the Blog post off with a quote: 

"Behind every small business, there's a story worth knowing. All the corner shops in our towns and cities, the restaurants, cleaners, gyms, hair salons, hardware stores - these didn't come out of nowhere." - Paul Ryan

Collaboration: Workplace dramas

     Workplace dramas! It doesn't matter where you work, or what you do, I'm sure there is workplace drama around you. It's quite common and I believe it's because everyone has such big personalities, likes and dislikes which may account for some of the drama. But today we are focusing on something a big different.

     I've decided to collaborate with a fellow Blogger, whose Blog is entitled "The Coming Out Stories" and what I'm going to focus on in this Blog is "Are you victimized, unaccepted or forced to muzzle yourself in the workplace being a member of the LGBT community?"

     Speaking to one of my friends who happens to be an LGBT member, he gave me a summary of what he has to deal with. He workings for an organization that educate people of all spheres of financial options. He told me that depending on where he is going he may be required to "tone down his flare" as it is required since he represents the organization. This can be seen as being forced to muzzle yourself.

    What are your thoughts? While you think about that check out this blog entitled "The Coming Out Stories" this gave me the inspiration to do this blog post. My friend was also featured on that blog so make sure and check it out :http://wavelfraser6.wordpress.com/

Ending this blog post with a quote:

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.” - George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

Police Officer: Thinking about joining the force?

    They are very common, wear a uniform and drive vans with flashing blue lights, yes that's right, I'm referring to police officers. As of recently in Trinidad and Tobago, police officers can be seen all over the country.

     It's a very difficult job. Being an officer means you will be on call and have odd working hours. But if it's an area you are definitely passionately about, my advice is for your to continue reading this post, then apply!

     So one must enter the force as a trainee. A person seeking to be a trainee shall complete an application form and submit it to the Police Officer in charge of the Police Station nearest to which the applicant resides. And of course, similar to that of a fire-fighter there are restrictions and provisions that should be met.

The applicant must:

i. be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago;

ii. be required to pass a medical examination conducted by a Government Medical Officer nominated for the purpose;

iii. be required to undergo a polygraph test, psychological test and be tested for dangerous drugs at the cost of the Service;

iv. be of good character as evidenced by a police certificate of character;

v. be not less than eighteen years and not more than thirty-five years of age on the 1st January of the year in which the appointment is made;

vi. in the case of a male, be of good physique and at least one hundred and sixty-seven centimetres in height; or

vii. a female, be of good physique and at least one hundred and fifty centimetres in height;

viii. possess passes in five subjects in the CXC Examinations, including English Language, at General Proficiency at Grade I, II, or III or at Basic Proficiency at Grade I in all five subjects, or five G.C.E. 0’ Level passes, including English, at Grade A, B or C in all five subjects, or produce proof of having reached an equivalent or higher standard of education;

ix. possess a Trinidad and Tobago driver’s permit with a class 3 endorsement to drive light motor vehicles;

x. be required to pass a physical examination and an agility test; and

xi. be required to pass a written examination.

     According to a senior members of the Southern CID, during the training process the trainee will receive a stipend of $4000.00 - $4500.00 and upon entering the force should receive $8000.00 - $9000.00. So please if you are interested in this field, consider the requirements above and join the force! 

And as usual, ending this Blog post with a quote:

"Law enforcement officers are never 'off duty.' They are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any time and place that the peace is threatened. They need all the help that they can get." - Barbara Boxer

I wanna be a firefighter!

     Hey kid, what do you wanna be when you grow up? Ask any kid this question and you'll definitely get the response being 'a fireman' along with the ever so popular, police man, doctor and lawyer. But today we are going to be focusing on being a fireman!

    Yes it's a dangerous job but imagine being a superhero? Saving lives and solving problems it's all in a days work of a fireman. In Trinidad and Tobago it's fairly easy to get into the field.

What are the requirements you may ask?

• Need to be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.
• At least 18 years of age at the time of screening, but no older than 35 years of age.
• Possess a minimum of three Ordinary (O) Level subjects including English and any other two subjects (CXC General Proficiency grade 1, 2 or 3; CXC Basic Proficiency grade 1; or GCE grade A, B or C).
• Are at least 166.25 centimetres tall if male or 160 cm if female.

     Its pretty easy to qualify to be a firefighter but the process is a bit long and tedious. The recruitment process begins with the Fire Service publishing media advertisements for selection sessions. Session dates, times and locations will be included in the advertisements. 

     You must attend a selection session if you are interested in joining the Fire Service. and you will be required to bring the original and one copy of each of the following to the session:

• Birth Certificate with supporting affidavit, if necessary.
• Proof of identification in the form of a valid Trinidad and Tobago Passport, Driver's Permit or National ID card.
• Police Certificate of Character issued not more than three months before the selection session. More information about the Police Certificate of Character can be found by following the link at the end of this section.
• Proof of educational qualifications in the form of examination certificates.

     If you are successful at the screening, you will be required to write an entrance examination set by the Fire Service Examination Board. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will then be required to take an aptitude test. 

     

     If you pass that test, you will then be required to undergo a medical examination. If your medical fitness certificate indicates that you are physically fit, you will then be interviewed by a Fire Service selection committee.

     If you pass the final interview, you will become a Trainee and be required to undergo a course of training at the Fire Service School.

     So as mentioned before, it is a great field to get into, it's easy to qualify but the process is tedious and like every career you must be passionate about it! 

Ending this blog post off with a quote:

"Firefighters go where they're needed, sometimes ignoring the dangers even when no one is inside a burning building to be saved." - Bill Dedman

Librarian?!?

     Contrary to popular belief, not all librarians are old, wear spectacles and read all day. Librarians are very diverse and are given little credit for the amount they do. In Trinidad and Tobago the field of Library studies is expanding, as more and more people are becoming interested in becoming a librarian or having a job in a library setting.

    So you may ask...What do librarians actually do? I start by saying "no they do not pack shelves and read all day". Librarians organize, promote and disseminate a wide range of resources to meet the diverse needs of the many people who may require information. They support independent learning and encourage reader development. This can be seen in any library throughout the country. Challenge your self to enter a public library and speak to a librarian, you'll see for yourself.

    Public librarians can also be seen running events in the library for the local community and work with local schools and colleges. This is seen around public holidays.

    Yes yes I know you all are intrigued by all this information on librarians, so here's the easiest way to join the field. If you are within the ages of 18-25 you can enter through the government's On the Job program (OJT) and you are paid a stipend based on your level of education.

     So this could be a way into the field and then you can pursue a degree in Library studies to become more advanced. According to Erica Beache, a fellow blogger and librarian working in Trinidad, "Promotional opportunities are grim without a degree in Library and Information Science or a Masters degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) so if you are serious about this field, get your stuff together. 

    Here are some basic duties of a librarian: 

• keeping up to date with newly released publications in order to select library resources;
• managing budgets;
• organising resources in an accessible way;
• stock maintenance, including the weeding out of old resources;
• anticipating community needs and trends to ensure library services are used as much as possible;
• promoting the use of the library through displays, talks and community events, which may involve work in the library or going out into the community;
• providing reader, advisory and information services to the public and local businesses;
• organising library provision for specific community groups, such as minority ethnic groups, schools, youth organisations, adult learners and pre-school groups;
• developing the use of ICT to improve service delivery;
• dealing with enquiries and assisting library users in accessing ICT and other resources;
• undertaking reader development activities, which may or may not be directed at specific groups;
• providing services to socially excluded groups;
• working with other agencies and bodies, such as museums and educational services, to develop services and initiatives in the community.

Ending this blog with a quote: 

“Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one.” - Neil Gaiman