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

Public Relations in the real world!

     So we learnt about Journalism in my last Blog post, and I'm hoping that I encouraged a few people to enter the profession. But in this Blog post I'll be covering the amazing field of Public Relations.


    What is Public Relations? Public Relations (PR) is universally defined as a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. Let me just break that down a bit. The job of a Public Relations Officer (PRO) is to maintain the image of a company/ person by communicating regularly with the company's/ person's publics (essentially those who are affected by the company/ person).


    If you are outgoing and a great public speaker this is definitely a career you would want to get into. It's a pretty exciting field to jump into. Your role would be that of an adviser, so if you are into that sought of thing, I would definitely recommend this field.

    Some of the academic qualifications you may be required to have in order to practice/ enter into this field would be, a diploma in public relations, and 5 CXC subjects. The basic salary can vary anywhere between the figures of $4500.00 - $7000.00 and it's all depending on who/ what you would be representing and the different industries.

    Here are some general duties a PRO may be required to do in T&T:

• planning, developing and implementing PR strategies;
• liaising with colleagues and key spokespeople;
• liaising with and answering enquiries from media, individuals and other organisations, often via telephone and email;
• devising and coordinating photo opportunities;
• organising events including press conferences, exhibitions, open days and press tours;
• fostering community relations through events such as open days and through involvement in community initiatives;
• managing the PR aspect of a potential crisis situation.

Ending this Blog with a quote:

"The history of PR is… a history of a battle for what is reality and how people will see and understand reality." - Stuart Ewen

A Peak into Journalism!

     Hello everyone! How are my job seekers today? So I know you guys have been eagerly waiting a new blog post from me...so wait no further. I've decided to bring this blog home. Who am I? and What's my profession? For those who don't know me, I'm Nicholas Ramcharan and I work as a Journalist/ News Reporter for a radio station based in San Fernando, Trinidad.

     And yes you've guessed it, I'm going to focus on Journalism for this blog. (the title didn't give it away or anything...) So what really is Journalism? In a nutshell Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is also the product of these activities.

     To me Journalism and Broadcast News is one of the best fields ever! If you love the rush of getting the story first, if you really love current affairs and love to write and investigate, I think you may fall in love with this field. I'm a bit young in the game, I stated the profession at the age of 18 and I've been doing it for two years so far.

     In Trinidad & Tobago you must have the ability to write, you MUST have that skill, if you want to go into broadcast news you must be able write and read for broadcast. So basically all you need is the skill and an Associates Degree in Journalism and Public Relations to join the field. That's the basic requirements. If you are currently studying Journalism and you have the skill you'll also be accepted into the field.

     The job of a News Reporter is a very high pressured one. You don't know when the next big story is going to break. You usually don't have a fixed working time. You are ALWAYS on duty. You may need to know some history and must be able to communicate. But put all that aside it's a great field...(maybe a biased statement)

    A topic in T&T that usually turn away potential journalists is the saying that "Journalism doesn't pay" which is somewhat true. You may earn a basic salary of $3500.00 - $5000.00 when starting the field, however this will increase with time. Most of the people in T&T who are journalists do it because of the passion for news and reporting. It's all about the love for the field.

Here are some official duties a Journalist may have:

• Interviewing people in a wide range of circumstances
• Writing copy for publication on a tight deadline
• Building contacts and sources for use in future stories
• Fact-checking the information given to you by a source

If you have any more questions on  Journalism and News Reporting please feel free to comment and message me, I'll be more than happy to assist.

Ending the blog with a quote on Journalism: 

"I am grateful to journalism for waking me up to the realities of the world." - Eduardo Galeano

Office Administration Solved!

     It's finally here! After some folks indicated their interest in wanting to learn about Office Administration, and what local employers are expecting with regards to that field, I've decided to focus on the area for this blog.

    So...what do office administrators do? Office administrators undertake a range of functions to make sure the administration activities within an organisation run smoothly. They are essentially seen as the 'eyes and ears of a company'. With their unique overview of the company, administrative staff are regularly tasked with making business critical decisions.

    In an attempt to localize the area and get a local perspective of the field, I spoke to Mrs. Dianne Phillips, the Human Resource manager at WACK 90.1FM (a local radio station in South Trinidad). Mrs. Phillips went on to list some of the responsibilities she expect from her office administration team. 

Duties:

administer salaries and work out leave entitlements 

be involved in staff training and development, the preparation of job descriptions, staff assessments and promotions

maintain management information systems (manual or computerized)

review and answer correspondence

provide secretarial or executive services for committees.

sort and distribute incoming mail to areas and staff within the organisation and dispatch outgoing mail

answer telephone enquiries from customers, attend to visitors and assist other staff in the organisation with their enquiries

operate a range of office machines such as photocopiers, computers and faxes

write business letters, reports or office memoranda using word processing programmes

undertake other duties such as banking, credit control or payroll functions.

    If you are serious about a career in office administration, there are certain qualities one should possess, and these qualities are what administrative staff are valued for, this according to Mrs. Phillips.

Qualities:

• Organized approach
• Communication skills
• Personable phone manner
• Initiative
• PC literacy
• Honesty and discretion
• Time management
• Team ethic
• Ability to cope with pressure
• Professionalism

So that's just a peak into what local employers may expect from you if you would like to have a career in office administration. Of course with different employers and organizations the duties may differ but this is just a little introduction into what they maybe looking for. 

Albert Einstein "The only source of knowledge is experience." 

The Beginning: Job Seeking Made Easy!

    Lets face it, choosing the right career path in Trinidad and Tobago may be a difficult task, and what makes it even more tedious is the lack of resources, when it comes to local job requirements and specifications.

     Sure, there are lots of websites that easily provide information on different career paths and jobs, but can it really help you (being a Trinbagonian)? OR can the information being provided relate specifically to the wider local market?

    Well, sit back and breathe a sigh of relief as the mission I am on, is to provide the local market, with the relevant information on jobs/ careers as it relates directly to us in T&T. Also learn about what  the average local employer wants and needs to see in you!

    You may question, How do I intend to pull this off? The answer is simple. I'm tasked with building relationships and creating networks with HR managers, CEO's and managerial staff, as well as employment agencies. My network is already very vast, and it's time to share with everyone information on career paths through this blog.
   
     So whether you are a job seeker or a person in need of some guidance, I think you've stumbled upon the right blog!

     I am encouraging my readers to ask questions and give feedback as it is the only way we can mutually grow and expand our knowledge.

     So I'm officially concluding this introductory blog with a quick quote from Orison Swett Mar;

"Your outlook upon life, your estimate of yourself, your estimate of your value are largely colored by your environment. Your whole career will be modified, shaped, molded by your surroundings, by the character of the people with whom you come in contact every day..."