In today’s tumultuous job market, the weight of my CV tucked securely in my pocket is not just a compilation of my qualifications; it’s a tangible realization of my hopes, dreams, and the challenges that young job seekers like me face. Surprisingly, the average young person juggles over 100 job applications before finally securing that elusive first job. Yes, you read that right—100!
Once upon a time, I aspired to be a lawyer, but destiny had different plans, and I found myself immersed in the realm of development communication. My passion lay in serving my community, educating them, entertaining them, and making them aware that information is not a luxury but a necessity. Knowledge is the key that unlocks solutions, whether they are as simple as tying shoelaces or as complex as navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
During those pandemic days, a simple act of wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and practicing hand hygiene became a lifeline for humanity. Just the knowledge of these actions saved countless lives. It was in that pivotal moment that I realized the incredible power of communication, and my journey to become a journalist was set in motion.
As I neared the end of my university days, I eagerly anticipated the transition into the “real world,” complete with adulting responsibilities. Little did I know that securing an internship would be a Herculean task, and I often attributed my struggles to being in a foreign land. But I persevered, graduated with first-class honors, returned to my homeland, South Sudan, and then reality hit me hard. I embarked on the “tarmacking” journey; a term used to describe the relentless pursuit of employment.
To my dismay, the initial months were marked by rejection emails, each one echoing the same refrain: “Lack of experience.” It was a harsh reality that many young graduates face—the Catch-22 of needing experience to get a job but not being able to gain experience without a job.
Competition in the job market was fierce, particularly for entry-level positions. Unrealistic expectations of landing a dream job clashed with the harsh reality of the job search process. The self-doubt crept in, as it often does for young job seekers grappling with insecurities about their skills and experiences. It became a barrier to putting ourselves out there and applying for jobs that seemed beyond our reach.
I wasn’t alone in this struggle. Many of my friends, armed with master’s degrees and even PhDs, found themselves in the same boat. Their CVs were impressive, laden with qualifications, but their pockets remained surprisingly light. I vividly remember a friend, a biotechnologist and IT whiz, donning a suit and tie every day as he traversed Juba, South Sudan, delivering resumes to numerous dead-end doors. And then there was a lady friend, who held a six-year bachelor’s degree in architecture, but she too struggled to find meaningful work and resorted to smaller masonry contracts to maintain her sanity.
Amidst the shadows of depression and relentless setbacks, I began to chart my own path. I meticulously tailored my resume and cover letter for each job application, accentuating the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. My determination led me to practice my interview skills, sometimes enlisting the help of friends or family, or even conducting mock interviews in front of a mirror. Every effort was made to make a positive first impression, with the little resources I had invested in second-hand professional attire.
Yet, the most significant revelation was the power of authenticity and positivity. I learned that employers seek individuals they can envision working alongside. So, I embraced my true self, allowing my personality to shine through during interviews.
In the end, the job search process remained a challenging journey, but it was also a life changing learning experience. Rejection after rejection did not deter my spirit. I learned that perseverance, self-improvement, and staying true to oneself were the keys to unlocking opportunities in this competitive job market.
To all young job seekers out there, remember this: Your path may be strewn with obstacles, but with determination and an unwavering belief in yourself, you will find the job that’s right for you. The odyssey may be difficulty, but it will also be worth every step.