In-School Productivity Campaign | Planning for your future starts now

The beginning of May usually marks a critical juncture, especially for senior students, signalling the onset of external examinations. However, amid the anticipation and high adrenaline rush which produce either jitters or boosted confidence, there is a competing priority of hunting and applying for summer internships or summer jobs.

Some students, under various programmes, would have developed a plan of action for handling these competing priorities. Others either have just began or are awaiting the end of the exam period before they begin. However, with the increased demand by employers for entry-level job candidates to have some form of prior work experience, it behoves all students to ensure that they have an active plan in place to acquire this experience.

Students are being encouraged to seek opportunities early and to accept those being presented to them through institutions such as the HEART Trust/NTA.

Speaking at a recent community empowerment session at the Grace Apostolic Church in Mandeville, senior communication specialist at the Jamaica Productivity Centre, Sashelle Gooden, implored parents and schoolchildren to utilise their resources more efficiently and creatively in order to remain competitive in the job market.

TAKE INITIATIVE

"For those of you in school, make certain that you take the initiative to volunteer or find internship opportunities that will give you the work experience that you need. You will not only be able to earn money, but you will also be expanding your knowledge and professional skills and network," she said.

"And adults, the competition in the job market is increasing, so take the opportunities to upgrade your knowledge and skills so that your productivity can continue to make invaluable contribution to the economy," added Gooden.

According to head of section and acting programme coordinator of the Black River Support to Technical Vocational Education Training Project (STVET) Institute, Sharee Charlton, when students get work experience, it exposes them to the realities of the working world, where they will be able to learn professional skills on the job. "Explore all avenues, as it exposes you to your career path early enough so that you can make a decision if this is really the type of career that you want to enter," she said.

"It allows you to understand the nature of the real work environment, develop good work ethics and build a rÈsumÈ for future use," Charlton added.

While it seems that there is a long time between high school and the official world of work, it is a good time to ensure that you are well equipped to compete for jobs in the market, as it is becoming more evident that employers are looking for well-rounded individuals, not just the brightest ones. Utilise the time wisely.

- Sandrea Dennis Plummer is communication specialist at the Jamaica Productivity Centre.