Let NOTHING steal your confidence

Looking for a job? Just been laid off? Without self belief we are defeated even before we start. Do you believe in yourself or are you just going through the motions because it is “expected”? A major barrier we address during Jidaw’s career seminars is the lack of self belief. 

During the job search process – cover letters, interviews, etc – what message do you send out - a message of confidence or panic? 

Nothing sells better than confidence and enthusiasm. You achieve more when you do things out of passion and interest than you do it as a duty. Sure you may be a newcomer. Or the competition looks tough. It certainly isn’t always easy to recover after losing a job. The issue is that attitude is what we use to overcome our challenges and fortify our strengths. Stop running scared. Don’t let your lack of experience or the present uncertainty weigh you down.

 Unfortunately, rather than believe in ourselves, we look for quick fixes and magic cures from the "guarantee-masters" - those who want to exploit our hunger. Jidaw encourages you to stay positive with who you are and what you have. Enthusiasm sells. We all love encouragement but you will make more impact when you stop expecting others to be passionate for you. Nobody should have to challenge you or look up on you before you move. It should be inborn. It is an inside job. It is about your own career and future. 

If you can’t be enthusiastic about what you have to offer why should you expect others to be enthusiastic for you? Lack of enthusiasm and confidence undersells your innate talent and skills. Even if you don’t have experience, how well are you using what you have?  Stop undervaluing your personal qualities, values and achievements. In the job search process always display enthusiasm about what you have and what your energy and freshness will bring.

Not having a job can be frustrating. Nobody likes receiving rejections. But these are the realities job seekers face daily. It can be frustrating when the job search is not bearing fruit.  The easy route is to allow doubt to take over. We start accepting defeat. And I tell you something, without self belief the game is over. What is the point in submitting applications and resumes without zeal or expectation? We doubt ourselves and even accept the tag of “failure” because we’re not getting results. 

Whether you lost that job opportunity or haven’t had any success with job interviews, our view at Jidaw is that "Failure is a perception, not an option for those willing to learn and grow from their experiences."

During Jidaw career sessions, we ask: Who doesn’t face challenges? “The person that doesn’t make mistakes usually does not make anything.” So what if you chose the wrong training programs? Some people give up simply because they failed a certification exam. 

Through our experiences at Jidaw, I know firsthand how hard it can be for the job seeker. But we also know that we all go through ups and down. At Jidaw we keep seeing people who have been condemned to the status of "also rans" who are now "come-back" champions. Challenges are part of life. The job market is tough, especially for newcomers but opportunities always exist for the resilient. 

The achiever is the one who is able to keep pushing through despite the stress, doubt and feelings of frustration that will come when job search environment appears hostile and unfriendly.

If you feel down and low, it is self belief that picks you up. Develop the “can do” and “can bounce back” attitude. You don't have a job? Big deal! It isn't the end of the world. And all worrying and moping does is to leave you weak, depressed and unable to improve your situation. 

Jidaw urges you to stand on your promise. Stand on who you are, push hard and intelligently enough and you will get the breakthrough you deserve. Let NOTHING steal your confidence.

Jide Awe

Founder, Jidaw

Career Development. Training. Consulting. Web Content Provision

A closed door is not a full stop

Do you equate joblessness with worthlessness? Does the job define who you are? Drop that negative mentality RIGHT NOW! At our Jidaw career seminars, we suggest that candidates should never allow the lack of a job or negative job hunting experiences take away your self esteem and confidence. Roadblocks are nothing new. In fact there is no achiever that has not been down in the valley. 

What matters is your ability to pick yourself up. “This too shall pass”.

Allow challenges to make you bitter and you lose the plot. Instead evaluate the quality of your effort. We learn from the highs and the lows. Ask the right questions. What are you learning about yourself, your career and the job environment? Be honest, what really happened in the interview room? Sometimes interviewers will advise or give you hints. Do a reality check and work on areas that need improvement. At Jidaw we stress that learning is for life. Have you looked at your resume quality, interviewing skills or issues of self improvement? Keep learning. Focus on substance and be grateful for the experience. Respond to fruitless job search experiences with equanimity and humility.

Rather than look for excuses or run from challenges, stay upbeat, throw light on the setbacks as you widen and improve your perspective. Focus on the positives. There is an opportunity in that challenge. But as we say at Jidaw, a positive attitude is nothing without knowledge and humility. Humility keeps us grounded enough to learn relevant lessons and go beyond our places of comfort. These challenges are not full stops. A job is not a career. And an unsuccessful job interview or failure at an employment assessment test is not the end of a career. Hurdles are part not the end of the journey. 

They are useful learning experiences. With the right perspective such negative situations actually help in building your backbone. Change your thinking says Jidaw. And don’t you realize even at the end of the day that choices made during job selection processes are subjective. It is about who the company feels will fit into the role based on short assessment process. It is definitely not perfect. So face that reality and stop banging you head against the wall.

Only one door has been closed, don’t let the closed door experience stop you from being long term in your search for another door that will be open. Always believe you can add value and that you deserve to be successful. Have a long term purpose.  Then plan and get creative. Be resourceful and persevere. 

“The best way to learn perseverance is to persevere. no idea, book, philosophy, no teacher can teach better than the hurt, doubts and stress we go through while pushing on and refusing to give up” - Jidaw.

If you are a newcomer accept that you are starting at zero level no matter how long you have been searching. And don’t allow delay to compromise your high energy level. It is essential to accept the temporary nature of life. Seasons go and seasons come. Keep learning and remind yourself of this important truth and get back on purpose. Beyond job search related activities, use your time to engage in constructive activities such as self improvement and networking activities in your community and in industry. Explore ways in which such skills and activities can improve your prospects.

The trial of job seeking without results should show the true you. At the day, at our career seminars we state that the hurdles should bring out the real desire in you. Do you know that difficult circumstances prepare us for leadership by helping appreciate the ups and downs of life, as well as equipping us with firsthand understanding of the pain others are going through? 

“Who feels it knows it.” Maturity is not an easy road. It is not about surrendering but about developing the maturity to deal with lack of results. Our belief at Jidaw, is that every situation should be about pushing forward, surviving and thriving despite hostility in the environment. Only your attitude and action can drive change. Self pity has no power to improve job opportunities. 

Timing may be outside our control, but NEVER ACCEPT DEFEAT. Keep hope alive. You can do it! A closed door is not a full stop.

Jide Awe

Founder, Jidaw

Career Development. Training. Consulting. Web Content Provision.

Newcomer, Foundation comes First

Fresh graduate? Newcomer? I use this opportunity as we always do at Jidaw to invite you to explore career development opportunities in the IT industry. But as you come in, I need to ask: what are your priorities? It's quite easy to get sucked into the "certification rush". The certification is the silver key that will unlock all doors, especially the high level certs.

Really? Please listen well, and this is a big PLEASE, don't chase form at the expense of substance. Don't run after high level stuff that have no meaning to you as a newbie. It may look "cool" and "everybody is doing it". But keep it real. Focus on what matters.

At Mastercomputers training we always insist that for newcomers a solid foundation is more important than any certification or piece of paper. Very often we misplace our priorities and start chasing "nothingness". And in our misplaced “get-there-fast” mentality when we choose such routes we end up getting all the baggage but no results. Don’t let them invite you to such a party. If you are just starting out, a high level certification should not be your immediate priority.

The reality and our experience at Jidaw is that newcomers shouldn’t just plan for training and certification.  Just coming in? Just as training is essential, you must also plan for work experience as well. Most importantly, keep your two feet on the ground when starting out with training and certification. Unlike the academic system, there are no real benefits for additional credentials without additional matching quality experience.

What do you plan to invest in? The high level certs? Let the certification you are aiming for match with your level of experience. If you are at zero level, start with the fundamentals - entry-level training and certifications. Focus on getting your hands dirty with entry-level opportunity. A rush, "Now, Now" mentality isn't helpful. Do you have the right mental attitude to start from the ground floor and work your way up? For sustainable career growth, basic fundamental knowledge and skills are a necessity. They are in fact your foundation.

Although there are really no formulas in choosing career areas and options, we at Jidaw have observed that training in tech support and related areas tends to create more opportunities for work experience. If you understand the reality of the IT environment, this shouldn't really surprise you. Practice opportunities for tech support are relatively cheap and easily available; there is no need for complex infrastructure or expensive equipment requirements. Lack of experience is no barrier to start and it gives the newcomer a leg in the door for starting out in the IT industry.

At Jidaw we always stress that the essence of training is to be equipped with the ability to add value. Many hanker after certificates but in my opinion the certificate is secondary. The IT industry demands and needs those who can solve problems and provide solutions. Period! Newcomer, does your training equip you to do that? Anything else and the training only delivers a certificate that is nothing more than a badge of honour. A certificate is also a badge of honour if opportunities for work experience in that area are limited.

This is why at Jidaw, we encourage students to plan for work experience with the right foundation. How does your training fit in? How will it help with work experience? Have a plan. A badge is not the essence of training. What is the point in training if you can't show what you can do; if you can’t use what you have learnt to add value to others and to yourself? Start with a foundation that allows you to do that and stop the mad focus on certification.

Advanced level stuff can always be in your agenda but it shouldn't be your immediate concern. High, advanced can be part of your long term planning. The great thing about career options within the IT profession is the flexibility. Begin with a foundation cert and keep advancing up the certification ladder as you acquire work experience. Flexibility in the IT career field also means you start in one area (tech support) and move to say another area (networking). You can even combine different areas.

New to the exciting and dynamic world of information technology? Have a plan that incorporates training and most importantly work experience. Start with a solid foundation - it is an open door that you should use to get to the closed doors.

All the best in your IT career,

Jide Awe

Founder, Jidaw

Career Development. Training. Consulting. Web Content Provision.

Certification myths - Good stories

Interested in developing a career in IT? Certifications are hugely popular but please you need to maintain perspective. Certifications, no matter how many you possess, do not equal an IT career. Training and certification will take effort and most of the time you will learn in the process. But, and this is a big BUT, nothing is guaranteed. Certification will improve your skills and knowledge but it can't give you what you don't have. Certification myths make for good, interesting stories but believing and acting on them is bad news for career development. The question you need to ask yourself is what is more important to me - building with a solid foundation or building castles in the sky based on crowd popularity? True education opens your mind; it guarantees nothing.

Gain the certification advantage but drop the myth. It is a fairy tale to think that certification can replace work experience. Is experience about studying for and taking a proctored exam? Don't make me laugh! Take the gains but reject the lies. In fact let's reason this out - how can passing an exam (certification) or exams (certifications) replace the need to get your hands dirty on the field? There are many things you will learn in the workplace that can't be covered in any test or exam. So what really are we talking about? It is weird and certainly a wrong headed belief to think that because you have acquired several popular advanced level certifications means you don't really need work experience. Where is that coming from? Does that make sense?

Another hugely popular “tale by moonlight” is that acquiring popular certifications is the passport and guarantee to jobs, and work experience. It's good to be ambitious but you must also be wise. Don't allow anyone to exploit you because of your desperation for that “good job”. I don't mean to sound harsh, but there is more to getting a job than passing a technical certification exam. Gain knowledge, build skills but at all times, be wise. Keep desperate desires in check. The plain truth is that getting a job in IT requires more than certification. So don’t be misled. Open your eyes and get understanding.

Training and certification shows initiative but top gun certifications and first class training are no substitute for experience. Please ignore the adverts, and GET REAL! Experience has no substitute. Acquiring advanced level certifications will not automatically translate to “good” - high paying, high level - jobs. This has nothing to do with your background. Without experience, myths are simply good stories and nothing more. In your career journey, you are making choices all the time. It is always in your interest to make sound choices. Don't get carried away with the noise and razzmatazz.

Embarking on training and certification? Start from the ground up. Identify your training need. What is the sense in paying for high level training and certification when you are not solid on the ground? If you are a beginner are you strong in the fundamentals? Solid foundation means solid career. You may be certified but do you have a secure grasp of the basics? Or does starting with advanced make more sense? Give me a break! I come with all humility but what do you make of Oracle Certified developers who struggle with Microsoft Access? Or Certified Microsoft experts who need support for with simple tech support? 

You are always making choices in career development journey. Take falsehoods out of the equation. The danger of these myths is that money is burnt, resources are wasted and the candidate still isn't moving forward. Bitter but true.

Jide Awe

Founder, Jidaw.com

Career Development. Web Content Provision. Training. Consulting.

So what really is the Big deal about developing a Career in IT?

So what really is the big deal about developing a Career in IT?

Attend the FREE IT Career Seminar on Saturday September 18, 2010 to learn about the IT Career Total picture, what it takes, A+, CCNA, N+, Entrepreneurship and other career and training details.... also interact with instructors and other IT professionals

Contact details are: 12 Eric Moore Street, Wemabod Estate, Off Adeniyi Jones Ave, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel: 08052647395, 07052509148, 01-8958064, 01-7940562, 08035007778

Due to limited space, You need to CALL OR COME OVER to collect your registration number before the seminar date and event. Registration numbers are not sent via SMS, e-mail or the Internet.

The only requirements to attend are to have a desire to build a career in IT and to register before the event date. There are no registration fees. The IT Career Seminar is free to attend.

"He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever". - Chinese Proverb.

Jidaw runs the only FREE, Straight talk, no-nonsense Career forum on IT Certification and Career Development - September 18, 2010 (THE TOTAL DISRESPECT OF STATUS QUO. ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME THAT YOU FULFILLED YOUR DESTINY?)

Time is: 12:30pm
The dare-to-be-different, Free IT Career seminar addresses how to build and grow a successful career in information technology. Theme for the next seminar is "The Total Disrespect of Status Quo".

This shocking and yet inspiring seminar tells you the REAL TRUTH ABOUT IT CERTIFICATION & CAREER DEVELOPMENT. It will reveal what they don't want you to know about A+, CCNA, Tech support, Networking and IT Entrepreneurship. But don't you worry! Jidaw is determined to remove ALL veils of ignorance. Masquerades will be unmasked!

The seminar is made for you. Attend for down to earth with information on professional opportunities in IT, as well as the right approach for achievement. It will provoke and motivate you!

POWER IS NOTHING WITHOUT DIRECTION!!

Jidaw.com is the leading content provider of ICT news, jobs, career information and strategic insights on ICT in Nigeria.

Call on 08052647395, 07052509148, 08035007778, 01-8958064, 01-7940562. Jidaw's Address is 12 Eric Moore street, Wemabod Estate, Off Adeniyi Jones avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.