More and more persons are leaving the Nature Isle in pursuit of higher education. Many of these individuals have been sent by our government through scholarships and/or educational assistance to some countries, including but limited, to China, Mexico, Venezuela, Jamaica, U.S.A and Trinidad and Tobago.
The students leave eager to learn for four or five years and return to contribute and place into action what has been learned. But there ARE NO JOBS being offered to them.
Before writing this article I made sure to contact several individuals to avoid appearing bias. Out of the 15 persons contacted, all were graduates from Caribbean universities within the past five years, only eight of that number is employed – five in the past two years and none of them were employed in their field of study.
When asked to elaborate on their efforts in securing their jobs, it was a resounding “You don’t want to know”, “Through hell and high waters”, “I got through because of my aunt/uncle”.
They all told stories of extreme perseverance, knocking all doors opened or closed from which there was little or no response.
The students including myself, have left and are now equipped with the knowledge, being more than willing to contribute but very little is being done to assist us. Personally, I completed school in May of 2009, and with outstanding tuition fees, I returned home and sent out numerous applications, went into offices, contacted my Parliamentary representative, and after six months of unemployment and National Commercial Bank calling me every day – inquiring about loan payments – I had no choice but to seek employment on another island.
I finally got a call back from Ministry of Education in May of 2010. I was then in a permanent WELL PAYING teaching job in another country but I returned home because of my undying need to give back. In a few days I flew back home, and hot off the plane with luggage in hand, I went to the interview. To this hour I have not received any form of response from the Ministry – not an email, letter, phone call, smoke signal, NOTHING.
I believe that it would have only been polite for a representative to have contacted me whether the response was favourable or not. Since then, I have applied to every possible place – over 30 applications and CV but not one response, not even to acknowledge the fact that it was received, NOTHING.
This story is very familiar among other graduates. Many students are home sitting on their bachelor’s and even master’s degrees. Another common excuse from possible employers is that “They can’t afford to pay us because of our qualifications” or “you have no experience in this field”. So then why should we go out to study if no one can pay us? And how are we going to get any experience if we are not given the opportunity?
The government is doing nothing to assist; not an internship program for graduates, NOTHING.
I believe something can be done to assist these individuals, not only because they are qualified but because they are willing to work. Many other persons have tasted the honey on the other side and chose to stay there, but those who have returned despite overflowing opportunities elsewhere are left unemployed.
This is an immediate cry of persons like myself, who have come back to give to dear ole Dominique but there are NO JOBS. And the little jobs that are available are being filled by relatives of employers – many of whom are not qualified, while other people are being sidetracked.
Persons are being picked because of other circumstances and not for the right ones. This corruption is everywhere, especially in government ministries! They rather shovel around current employees before placing a vacancy ad out!
What will be done to save the starving GRADUATE?
Graduate
This young girls plight is all sad but true…. The government should take all dominicans in consideration and not all their political groupies! Some are prospering and the ones that take the time, energy and finance to further their education are being sidelined because of political favours or who u know! When will this corruption end? Skerritt. boast about looking after the well being of the young ones by providing the opportunities for higher education this statement is a lie…..IT IS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW BUT WHO YOU KNOW!
A government cannot and will never be able to employ everyone in a country, just be greatful that this government has given, is giving and will continue to give it’s people the opportunity to gain higher education at home and abroad. Now it’s left to us to market ofselves and be thankful for having a good education. Now get up and go look for a job, it doesn’t have to be Dominica. My sis is back from studing and has landed a good job in her field in one of the OECS island and is good money. Your education is yours for life so get off all u buttom and go job hunting.
@FOR YOU AND ME:
These kids must see in this age of globalization the entire world is the homeland and can reside in any country, and work in any country and still pay their loans and other commitments
If they want to socialize, it have Face Book , it have MSN, and the rest where they can have a webcam and chat big-time.
We in Dominica are fraid of the wider world and we like the narrow minded culture. It is that same narrow minded culture that prevents us from making progress. Give it up people. And embrace the wider world. Before a man gets killed we want a prayer vigil, a prayer match. Ironically, crime and its variety of criminal activities is an indication of the progress and sophistication we are embracing. Thus we are making progress. We need to become proactive in this globalised world.
The good old days are over!!!! The days when the priest and pastors ruled our psychology has long gone. We are a lot more secular without realizing it.
Sir if you want to advertise email [email protected]. This is not the place!
Sir. mad . you people heart are so black. you want the young people .poor people children .Who went and stuidied. some time with notthing to eat . can not even coming home on a little holiday .while other kids go home .How many of you going to church people , ever offer to help one child . but i see . They must now come and give night class es, for thirty dollas a month .Will you pay there lone . this kids are crying out for help . hear there cry . and try to help them,.
It’s not if u have a degree it also depends on where u got it from. Not all degrees are created equal.
Alot of those U.S establishments where caribbean folk get enrolled are just in it for the money and the education sucks. Any university that has a marketing department needs to be avoided like the plague. Prospective employers know this, so be careful where u enroll. Some degrees are not even worth the paper they’re printed on.
That’s why when u hire these ‘graduates’ they tend to cause more problems than good in the work place for they can’t handle the work and they have absolutely no work experience whatsoever.
It’s just that there are too many follow fashion young people that want to go and ‘study’ in the states when they could do the exact same thing right here for a fraction of the money, but no, they want to go overseas putting themselves and their parents property in shit, just to prove a point.
@Patat:
Patat you rough with your comments girl.
But you make a ton load of sense.
These young folks must see their unemployment status as an opportunity to become their own boss and employ others in the process.
When one has to look at Bill Gates, the man who founded Microsoft, he did not complete college!!!
The man behind Dell Computers, The man behind Facebook, the man behind Napster, were all at school and developed their business models. Steve Jobs the man behind Apple Computers started from his parents basement or garage.
We have loads of Dominicans who have been exposed to computer training and all they do is brag and have not thought of making a software program available to ease the working life of business people. All the stores in Dominica should have a reasonable e-commerce website. Not one supermarket in Dominica up to now.
One still has to get to a supermarket in Dominica!!!!!!!!!
Why can’t I place an online order and get delivery at the time that is convenient to both of us? Why has none of these grads been able to flowchart the process and make the research and license these software in and out of Dominica?
These folks on a high horse for real. All they can see is Skerrit not making them a job offer; Skerrit not creating employment; Skerrit all for himself.
People should see the positive side of Skerrit. The man knows he will not be in Government all his life and so he is preparing for that eventuality.
Longtime I wanted to make a comment on this article but I was heading out on Friday to do some business. I came back this morning.
I have read this article and could not believe what I was reading!!!
The young people who were born in the 1980s and early 1990s – the generation of the Freedom Party are spoilt. These kids grew up when Regan and Thatcher ran the world and their parents took overseas trips every year and up to this day paying back loans for all these trips and consumer items some that have long gone boom and out of style.
These kids always boasted and negatively influenced poorer kids to think that the world owed them a favor.
Now for higher education these kids would not want to be working and attend UWI in the evenings and do a Certificate in Business Administration and then do the BSc in Accounting, Marketing, or some other field. No way. They wanted to get to the USA, UK, Canada, and all these other places. Cuba was looked down on. Even poor kids doh want to go to Cuba!!!!
Trouble is these places are first world and the life there is not what we have in Dominica or other 3rd world places. So in electronics a board is bad, no one has the time to troubleshoot a circuit board and discover if is a capacitor, a diode , or a resistor or an IC that is bad. Once you discover the board that is bad you just replace. End of story.
Now check the kids that have graduated in the Social Sciences with the exception of those who became Lawyers. Most of these kids have little work experience and want to command high salaries while getting on the job experience. Trust me that is a waste of time.
The other problem is that these kids read for the most part only their text books while at University. Not much time was spent in understanding that the world around them was quickly and constantly changing and that the very carriers they were hoping to take up were quickly becoming extinct and as such they would have had to take up extra classes and do a minor in at least two other fields during the summer and Christmas breaks. But no dem man and woman want to get home for summer to party and lime about.
And check their profile on Facebook with tons of pics leaving da life!!!! And now dem man want complain!!!!
Boss Dominica doh owe all u a favor!!! On d other hand all u owe Dominica and Dominican tax payers big time.
Guys you all have to understand life from this perspective: if you were stuck on a deserted island where there is lots of primary produce on trees but no ladders, no readymade tools , no bed to sleep no creature comforts but the environment was fairly hostile and you wanted to survive. What would you do with all the knowledge you possess?
Take that same analogy and superimpose it on yourself and fellow graduates right now in Dominica where you can say thank God your family will at least give you a bed and a meal what the hell would you do?
Well let me share a few key words with you:
1. Move from independence to interdependence. Get to know each other personally and discover your strengths and weaknesses
2. Read all news papers and online publications and discover what the Dominican market is lacking. See these lackings as opportunities and determine if you can easily provide a solution at a reasonable cost. If you can and need finance then do what you have to do. Sell some land , prepare a business plan and seek a friendly business man out there who can take a chance on your dream.
3. Get known in the wider community. Join a social club and stop waiting for people to come to you. Get off your high horse and take some risk.
Patat, I studying now an is a person like you I want to come back D/a and do business with…serious ting. You have de right mindset. I respect dat!
patat, i agree with what you saying, I agree even futher with your three points at the end of your comment. but i have to agree that there is something inherently wrong with the job situation in Dominica. I think that there is a displacement of ethics in the business place as well as a egotistic attitude in some of our local business people. ex: you cant employ a person to perfom a role in your organisation, ask them to be accountable for their department, then come and constantly overide their authority. it completely defeats the purpose of employing a professional. i think some employers are intimidated by rules and procedure and feel threatened by employing someone who holds a higher degree than they do, IF they even posses one at all. coincidentally this type of behaviour is particularly displayed by Ministers of state and board members. who feel they a right to use or give away whether it be company stock, assets or what have u. Then act suprised when there is a reflection on the books. there is no escaping procedure, dominican employers just prefer having people that they can control and manipulate.
@Septic or sceptic????: I read the post and came to the same inference.The explanation is simple: despite understanding the plight of our younger grads( am still young but graduated long, long before this recent grad).Kids born in the 70’s and 80’s are different from those born say a decade or two before have a different take on things.They are like a politician I/we all know.They do not only want everthing but in addition they want it not even yesterday they want it now and all. what kind of fool would give up a job just because (it) was promised/offered an interview in it’s homeland? What are you smoking kiddo? never read the old adage a bird in hand is worth two in the bush? This takes me back to a discussion we had just last weekend(agroup of us in our 40’s).These kids today may graduate but dumb.It’s my take don’t blame me it’s factual.All is not lost kiddo think before you act & speak you are a grad uate afterall use your nogging.
@DA Man: Since DA is lacking educational opportunities for the working population who are prepared to sacrifice their evening to further their education may I suggest those who have Bsc or Masters come together and offer evening classes for a fee.
It can be CXC or A levels (technical and academic). They could also research the process of delivering programmes under a foreign school name(something along that line).
Work with the government to get access to the schools at night since they are not being used. For example night campuses are created by using schools at nights in Trinidad.
I don’t know much about business plans, but businesses are created from ideas.
I don’t think you want some of those graduates teaching you nuh. Be careful what you say.
@Eyes Wide Open: This is why I have come to the conclusion that academics alone is not sufficient. I am presently studying and have realized how challenging the labour market has become, hence my decision to acquire a skill/experience (eg geriatric) or two whether or not I decide to return to DA.
Very interesting article! I can relate to it because I myself am a student. I agree with some of the sentiments, however I think that students should think long and hard about their academic choices. First of all, when choosing a major, think of the current job market and how you can make yourself more marketable. A student can always double-major or major and minor in areas which will give them more edge in attaining work after they graduate. For example, Psychology and Marketing – Major&Minor or double-major, or Biology and Business Ad, and so on… This may not help in every situation but it WILL make a difference. Times have changed and so should our mindset or we will be left behind. Creativity is always key!!
Another thing is being involved in the community, campus activities, organizations etc. This will help sharpen communication and other skills and help you build friendships with people who you may need to help you land a job.
Most students studying overseas would like to return but if there are no jobs or landing a job is like catching hell, then they won’t return. However, I think that some students have the ability to start their own business and shouldn’t wait on the gov’t to create employment for them, we have to balance the scale somewhere.The gov’t though, is not doing it’s share of work because there are no incentives for entrepreneurs. By now in the year 2010 there should be a center for entrepreneur development or some kind of business incubator program. The gov’t should seek funding for such a program instead of begging for money for all kind of shit. There are so many bright minds out there, our people have so much potential, they can create so much wealth and the gov’t is doing nothing to stop the bleeding of the dollars, a brain-drain is also equal to a dollar-drain. These people lack vision and intuition…what a bunch of clowns …alas, bondieu bai nous wisdom.
Intresting article…i could not agree more. I remember when I graduated in 2003 and returned to Dominica, I didnot have a government scholarship but the party was in power then. I tried thru all means and no one could help. I sent out several applications, walked all over the place looking…only to hear that we cannot pay you for your qualification…we don’t accept graduates from a certain country…u need to present CXC certificates and all that crap! All I wanted was to work, but some of us a not that lucky, if you don’t have contacts or have a certain surname…then crapaud smoke ur pipe!!!
I did all sort of odd jobs to get by,Oh, I did do a business plan for a hydroponic farm and took it to the bank and what did they say, where is ur collateral? Then, i trashed the plan too! But I always remember that a man is never king in his own land. I got frustrated a left and now I am developing someone elses country and as long as I am comfortable, Dominica can be on the back seat for now….
@PatrioticB: good article, but what does it have to do with the lack of jobs in Dominica? Because you made things work out for you, there shouldn’t be jobs in Dominica?
You sound you like you are out of Dominica anyhow by your analysis of companies talking about networking and soft skills. Instead of talking about that, you should be talking about the market in Dominica and how employment can be improved. We don’t need an analysis of ‘how to get a job’ Well i have it working for me here in London, but I haven’t forgotten what Dominica is about, nor why I left.
This has always been the case. Year after year for decades now, and its never made sense. The gov’t educates its people, and then the people use their skill to help develop countries overseas, instead of our own because not only there are no jobs, but if we do get a job like in my case, the hostility and jealousy you face is shameful! I can say because I’ve been through it. You work well, you work hard, and they will make up a problem to pull you down. You will get no encouragement, no incentives, no support, and absolutely no praise, and maybe an increase of EC$100 a year – if they feel like doing your appraisal. In effect you are chased from the country.
What we need is statistics – how many people being sent to University by Gov’t and how many people get a job in DA after, and also how many people get a job overseas. We need this done because the gov’t doesn’t seem to understand the importance of statistics. Anyway, DA, thanks for the education, and thanks for chasing me from the country. Its been to my advantage, and all those who chase me, I have always been ambitious and doing much better than all of all you now. So stay in Dominca, fight each other like cat and dog… but remember, when God is for a person, you will never be able to pull down that person. In the meantime all of you who get your education, make your way out as long as you have to face that sort of thing. its not worth it, there’s a lot better out there.
It’s amazing how many responses and honest article can generate. The truth be told whilst in all islands people migrate to look for work dominica is by far one of the worst. I only wished that more of us would be honest about the mess that is dominica Graduates find it extreemely hard to get work if you’re not one of the boys and worst of all is that you see persons who have no clue about what to do doing the job you should be doing.
Many of us have felt alot more appreciated in other island and honestly don’t see ourselves returning anyime soon. take me for example i spent almost a year in dominca with no Job, finally got a teaching stint, went to St. Lucia for some holidays and one of my friends told me to send out some applications in two weeks I got four job interviews. Now i am working in St. Lucia in a good paying job i have even bought land here I’m still able to pay my loan in DA and I’m doing alright. I love Dominica but i feel as if it does not love me.
Every time i read the posts online i wonder in what world do Dominicans live in. Have you visited the other islands lately. Have you realized that we are way behind the rest of the pack. Dd you know that we were at one point though many years ago the most advanced island in the OECS. So i as you what went wrong?
I guess we are all too PARTISAN POLITICAL too really see that we have been going in the wrong direction and continue to go in the wrong direction for quiet some time
I really took some time out to read almost all of the comments. Guess what? I got my degree.! Serious.
I got motivated in doing something before something do to me. To be creative and venture into my own business. I put aside the thought of getting degree and to pay back! Thanks to you all and I feel your pain, you the writer.
PATRIOTISM DOES NOT PAY MY BILL. When you get the opportunity take it. It does not prove that I do not love Dominica but I took out my private loan, (begged government got none = ZERO not even here for books) Achievement scholarship from my school and a one-year academic scholarship from a private insurance company – DONE minus a dime from the Government therefore I OWE nothing – I have already given service for almost 10+ years. I was told I will not come back because I am going to study accounting with an interest in pursing the MPAcc.
I acted on what I was told. I know people who returned and became frustrated with the losers and jealous buggers at top and eventually had to leave the country. There are those living large at the expense of taxpayers and we know they are not returning.
I feel for you graduate but I dont think this is a problem just in Dca. Iv earned a masters degree in health and Im starting to think that earning degress are not worth it, unless you have someone to pay for your schooling. So many people I know have earned degress and secured a decent paying job but have accumulated loan debt well in excess of what they will make in a year. Does that really make sense when one can go learn a trade, then start their own business without all the debt? I dont know the answer yet but Im starting to wonder.
Graduate, I know you have your degrees but perhaps you should consider starting your business and volunteer at a local school if you want to put your education to good use.
I never Knew High Unemployment Exist in Dominica Among graduates who studied abroad. .I know This exist amoung High school kids in the1970’s.I remember in the 1970’s as a young person completed High school.and no work I would have taken any job, even to sweep an office.I never found any thing. Thank God I went to one of the Islands and after a little struggle i found a permanent job.Soon after i had to move to a Bigger Country.And a Few years ago I went Home Open a Buisness And could employ a few people. My heart goes out to all of you Graduates.I know how hard you have studied And all the time and effort that you have placed in you college work. I know you have a love for D/ca Most of us do. Think Of your self And then you will think of your country after. If it is possible try another island and if you succeed.You could come back to Dominica to open your own buisness that would be a wonderful contribution you will be giving D/ca.
@Wolverine: I dont have to brag and if you do have a degree then i understand why you are threatened by others having theirs now. you must be one of those who just isnt efficient in the job market. your ass need to be kicked out. no one who is inteeligent and have common sense wud speak such way. you must be threatend afterall. its like telling someone to eat hand to mouth for the rest of their lives. you made the comment earlier that adegree does offer you a beter pay. tel me what good pay can one get with just 0 levels , A levels or an associate. stupes.You probably dont relaise how competitive the world is. everyone doesnt want to be a broker or a business man so plz. at the end of studies though no job is promising yet everyone wants the best employement. i understand that persons may not have to limit themselves only to dominica. but your comments are ridiculous. you even criticise the fact ppl want to work out of dominca stating that the jobs are given to citizens rather than foreigners. you are so negative n disgusting. SMH
@Wolverine: what i wud love to tell u face to face . trust me its not appropriate for DNO so GOD BLESSINGS AND I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEE YOU. YOU ARE SUCH AN A**. you are a hater becuz u have no damn ambition. i ama woman but sure you are a woman writing this fooolish comments. you are a loser and you are threatened by us. but you know what the young lady or man will find a job some day and will be promoted to and you will still be in the bottom half begging social security to give u some cash at the end.
well well well… that was an intreresting article…………
we are up here in mexico and that makes me think.
I should plan very well what im gonna do before coming back to Dominica.
There are alot of job opertunities up here.
i think its discouraging hearing that i`m gonna be fully qualified with a masters degree and i won´t have a decent job
CORRECTION: The majority of persons who have gone abroad to study HAVE NOT received any scholarship from the government of Dominica. Get your facts straight. Let me add…those who they are funding are wasting tax payers money. I’m a student studying abroad and I can testify to it. When I get my degree and start paying my AID BANK load for the next 10 years…Dominica can kiss my arse.
@Wolverine: How u sot so nuh…I want to see you work as a nurse or doctor or even a nursing assistant with just your A levels…
education is the only way forward
I totally sympathize with the students who return home and find it difficult to seek employment, however these stories are not unique to Dominica. The same problems happen everywhere. While I praise the need for persons to further their education, we cannot expect any government or any organization to hand us a job because we have degrees and or loans to pay back.
1. Companies are not concerned about your debt, they are concerned about what contributions you can make to their company and how to your going to take the company to the next level.
2. Our career success depends on us. One of the feedback notes that Dominica is behind and need professionals in all sectors BUT we have to read between the lines. This may be true but which sectors are in greatest demand? Where is employability greater? Do we know the projected economic growth for those sector – Do we expect a decline or an increase in the coming years? Maybe that is where the government can provide better assistance to help graduates plan accordingly.
3. We live in a global economy. While I understand one passion for wanting to return home, we need to be open to change and be flexible and seek employment in other caribbean countries even if it is for a few years after graduation only.
4. Too many students also take loans and don’t have an action plan. They then assume that because they have a degree they will eventually make money to pay it back. Let us be strategic here. What options are there besides taking student loans? For one thing, enrolling in an online program can cut down on living expenses which seem to be much more that tuition in the US as least. For the many who think that every break they must travel to Dominica, why not get a job on campus(you do not need working papers to work on campus), Why not economise and spend less money on clothes, partying etc and put that money towards tuition thus reducing your loans. It is all about sacrifice and your long term goal. I for one was sent to college and I knew up front that my parents could only pay for my Associates degree. I was an international student so when I got here I had a plan. I worked on campus, in restaurants, factories, retail etc while in college to make ends meet. I also travel to DA only once, limited ALL social activities (YES ALL). Therefore, I was able to earn an Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and ivy league institutions without any loans and NEVER once expected anyone to hand me a job because of my degrees.
4. The critical factors in landing jobs are the non academic skills being brought to the table. We can develop those skills through internships, informational interviews with professional, networking, networking, networking, being part of a professional association in your area of study, taking part in clubs, conferences, seminars etc. If you spend 3-4 years in undergrad all these can be attained by graduation thus making you marketable. Also taking part in career development and leadership programs. How many of you know how to interview effectively, negotiate, what job search strategies are you implementing etc.
A PRETTY RESUME WILL GET YOU AN INTERVIEW BUT NOT THE JOB. Companies are looking for all the soft skills developed from the areas I mentioned above in addition to the degree and experience before they offer you a job in their company. This is why so much emphasis is based on behavioural questions. There is pull string everywhere, but lets not blame everyone, and ensure that in addition to the degree we are bringing what is required to to table.
The bottom line is we all have a story, please have an action plan in place with specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and time sensitive GOALS.
Anyone knows what happened to my old buddy Francisco Ettiene Telemacque aka The King of Wesley aka F.E.T??!!
I hope y’all didn’t block grandpa cuz I miss him lol (no homo)
F.E.T if you’re reading this holla at your boy let me know u’re ight!!
@aa: My Family is very well capable of taking care of themselves because they don’t rely on family abroad or degrees to earn or get money and live comfortably.. Like I said before, there’s a lot of money to be made in Dominica, and a substantial amount of contribution to be made without having a degree, college education and specialization job courses is enough for any citizen unless that person intends to Be a college professor/lecturer.
@Truth: haha sigh, you’re entitled to your own opinion, I’ll leave you to your assumption that I’m without a degree, but that isn’t the point. Anyone who can secure a loan can go get a degree, its not that hard, But is it really worth it? Apparently the truth really does hurt, you seem offended by my comment and the mere fact that you can’t look at the issue i raised any differently only suggests how far I think you’ll get in life with your masters degree, in whatever course you chose..
Good luck to you though.. hah I mean it.
@also graduate: So what must the government do? fire all those “OLD’ people just to give you a job? stupes. some of you say you’re educated, which i find hard to believe.
@massacre:
People dont realize that is just a big show.. when the then Minister of Education come with Marpin and GIS…saying they sending 10-25 students overseas this year… and NO ONE is paying for tuition and the students are left to vend for themselves!!!!!>…
@jj:
They government never GAVE NOBODY Scholarship eh!!.. it never fall on nobody lap!!.. you know how much walk certain people have to walk behind then Mr. Henderson…. for these scholarships!!!! And when you get to the different countries.. the payments are late.. and is just baccanal!!.. getting a scholarship is not a plate of roses eh..!!
I got a full scholarship for academic excellence and was approached by the government… unlike many others…
We speak and we are not in the same boat….!!! DO you know what it is… like to apply… to all most all the businesses, banks, government places…. send business plans and still be rejected for loans to start those businesses. Do you know the percentage of students who commit suicide.. because of these pressing issues. Many come from poor homes.. and they may have a family of 10 depending on a better life…. from the… fruits.. of a now better education…!!!
No one is criticizing dear JJ… they writer is simply speaking from a place i doubt you have never been!!!
@Gary:
“Why is it University graduates think that someone must give them a job after completion of
their studies,thinking they are special and educated and as a result all doors should be open to them. this is the mind set graduates have after completion of their studies, that’s a false sense of security and prepares them for disaster”
The above statement is an extract from what you wrote.. and it cannot be anything further than the truth. The students who go away to study or even do so via the internet are doing so to better themselves. Now mark you… there is no longer an ” a and b” way of doing a degree anymore..most university have no incorporated a holistic approach to education and are now preparing the students with communication skills, vocational skills, interview/CV preparation skills, OJT- on the job training and some even go as far as allowing the students to work within their fields before graduation as to gain experience.
I am also a graduate and i can talk for myself when i say…. I NEVER EXPECTED anything from no one. Before i came back home… i send out resumes…. called companies.. both private and public… I did my homework before i left and pursued education in a field that i knew was needed. While at school I work ” illegally” in that country to gain experience. I came here.. went on interviews.. did follow ups.. and NOTHING !.. I prayed about it.. sort.. small business loans.. and still came up empty!!! See often times.. the graduates are doing their parts.. but no doors are opening!!!…. Despite our efforts.
Let us encourage the graduates rather than be so negative!!
@Wolverine:
I have never heard such FOOLISHNESS in my life!!!….
Whether or not you travel away to study or you to it online.. you still have to PAY….. hence why one takes a loan!!! And for those who received scholarships.. they chose to come home for different reasons…. some… come back to help their families.. to buy a piece of land… to simply give back to the LAND OF THEIR birth!!>..
So say what u want…..you ask for “reality”- reality is….. EDUCATION IS THE WAY OUT OF POVERTY
Be it.. pursuing higher education or learning a skill right here in Dominica… it is alll EDucation….!!
You speak like a very ignorant person.. and i refuse to waste anymore time.. on you… i hope the $$$ you are making in EU.. is helping feed… your family in Dominica!!
@hmmm:
this is just what we are talking about… ur ignorant a!! will never move fwd and you need to understand y we can leave dominica and go elsewhere and fnd work and florish. and then start our business in their country cause our own country REFUSE to create an environment that will entice us to come back home and then call us the cause for the brain drain… idiot!!!!!!
@tamrin balls:
All of the above was done!!!.. We are not educated fools.. we pursued all avenues!!… And no one said.. that a job is owed….. hence why… we are not hitting waiting on a job to fall on our laps….!!!
It was our need for better for self.. that caused us.. to.. go away to study in the first place… nothing is owed to us.. we went in search for what we wanted…!!!
And as for the fields that are needed to be filled.. if you were as informed as you are supposing you are.. you would have been aware.. that Dominica.. is in need of qualified persons in every field.. since we are so far behind than other countries.
I would advice that you.. read and understand before commenting!!!
@Wolverine: But u have a problem wolverine. ppl choose to go study to beter themselves n u dat talking dat nonsense. you must be a high school drop out or only holds a primary school leaving certificate. unfortunately she cannot find a job and has responsiblities. but to make it sound like its wrong to go study just becuz she has a loan and she needs a job is bull crap . stop ur non sense. aa. the stock broker is fortunate but not everyone wants to be a stock broker. to be alwayer , dostor, accountant n certain other profesions u must go n study. aa.many persons wud prefer open there own business after studies but finace is limted.give the individual a break..aa. Iam pursuing my masters right now n i am proud to do so. by the way i wrote to ur level becuz thats all you can understand. and sure there are grammatical and spellingerrors becuz thats what you wud understand as well. im not looking for an A from DNO for writing skills so dont have to put effort into this. besides brilliand ppl know that you speak differntly based on the audience you are writing too, like ppl like you. you pissed me off with ur immature comments.
@Lily: What makes someone qualified? I know a 16 year old who only has his A levels and he makes £35,000 a year as a stock broker- Fact. There’s many like him as well.
You DO NOT need a degree to be successful in whatever field you choose. There’s many people who start their own companies and are working in Top Firms who never went to university, they don’t have any student loan to pay.
@LG: I agree with you, there is no place like home, lets stop blaming the government and let us start our own businesses!
@aa: Im not saying that at all don’t get me wrong, But How foolish to Take a loan to go study in the US/UK etc with the knowledge that you soon have to return and find a job in Dominica where the salary won’t pay off your loan until 10-15 years down the line.
Whats wrong in doing an online degree if it matters so much? its alot more economic and you’d be able to do it while getting work experience in Dominica.
Foreigners come here with little education and make so much money here but alot of you Dominicans are so blinded by a Piece of paper after 3-4 years that you all Don’t realize that there’s alot of opportunities in Dominica. Chinese are making a fortune here, go ask them if they got BSc and MBA lol
I’m in the EU and I can tell you that a Degree ain’t nothing but an increase in your salary, Experience is what you need more than a Degree.
Get Realistic..
Well Its true about that statement, I too have qualification and experience, and just here waiting after how many apps and cvs, and follow ups, nothing whatsoever, those who deserve the job don’t get it, while, interior workers “pull string” for their family who hardly have any qualification. Dominica is as bad as it is already, me myself leaving that country for sure. Is Anybody doing anything?
Lets think about it…did you analyse the job market home before you choose your career? Where was your plan B? Before you returned home did you try finding out if there were vacancies available if you should return? During your symmestre breaks did you volunteer your time at the intended institutions where you want to get employed? Other than study, and then applying for a job what else did you do?
I was always told that nobody owes me a job. Education empowers you. Its up to you to decide how empowered you are to get up on your two feet…tag along some others like yourself…you never know what my come off it. We need a wider range of services home…
all the best
Why is it University graduates think that someone must give them a job after completion of
their studies,thinking they are special and educated and as a result all doors should be open to them. this is the mind set graduates have after completion of their studies, that’s a false sense of security and prepares them for disaster, First of, a degree is not a guarantee for success in life. and second most or if not a high percentage of students choose the wrong vocation, some are ill advised, ether by parents or counselors, some seek certain vocations for prestige, some are influenced by society, some looking at the employment market as their guide. so it must be established that choosing the right vocation is key so as to avoid problems down the road when seeking successful employment.
Finding employment needs more than just having a degree. A degree does not necessarily means you’re qualified for a position. Having a degree and not developing your personal and communication skills, depending solely on the degree to land a job is one of the problems graduates fail to address. They do not tell you how badly or poorly they done on interviews with prospective employers but instead always finding to blame someone or something, Finding employment is selling your self, convincing the prospective employer as to how you will add valve to the company and not just be an employee looking for a job, that is the reality of the job market today, it is not selling your degree. Most graduates do not seem to understand that and then start complaining and loose hope., of course you’re going to find nepotism, but that should not be an excuse for failure to acquire employment.
Students must also know that the years spent getting a degree is not teaching them all that it needs to succeed in life, they’re only learning a vocation, as to finding gainful employment, life is going to have challenges, it is how you deal with the challenges you’re faced with, so looking for a job is a challenge coupled with perseverance and finally lets not forget all barriers to accomplishment are in the mind.
What are these comments achieving anyways? Many graduates are not willing to work extra hours or to take on more hours to jump start a new business of their own.
For many graduates and non graduates alike, it’s work, home, television, facebook then sleep. You see how all of them fat and have big belly.
How can the country move on, when this is the regular routine for people who sat in a university classroom for 4 years and more, and paying a 75,000 student loan? Just waiting for LIME, Govt, the banks and business places to give you a job? You must be kidding.
Ahforce some of dem “Grammar Gods” like “hmmm” and “Francisco” on this site does kotwahyeah me! Their comments are ALWAYS ladden with: grammatical; sentence structure; and all other errors. Yet, they come on here and criticize persons. I have observed quietly for far too long; it was high time that I said something.
I am a well educated woman (Masters Degree level) BUT when I write on here, I CHOOSE/PREFER to write in our Dominican colloquial twang…it gives de t’ing more spice! If an individual chooses to write how he/she feels most comfortable, what gives? As long as de person is not being disrespectful towards others, and readers understand the gist of the point the individual is trying to convey. Give it a rest already! Stupes. Readers, doh worry “hmmm” with write how allu want self!
To the writer of the article: I sympathize with your plight. One of my family members is going through the same experience. Sometimes, God allows us in through a tiny window; so, in the end we can make our way through wide open doors. I encourage you to apply for positions throughout the region and beyond. Also, you may want to explore the idea of volunteering at a local organization, while you have the free time. Volunteering provides further opportunity to network. Philanthropy also gives one a feeling of satisfaction and pride.
All the best.
I can related to this letter, because I too am in a similar situation. It is sad and extremely frustrating that the only job I could get was teaching. I too have a loan and I have to say if I did not I would continue looking for a job IN MY AREA OF STUDY.
When you don’t go back to Dominica, others say you are deserting your country, when you come back, you are criticized because some say you believe you are better than they are, you can’t find a decent job, including one that recognizes you have a degree.
While you’re sitting there in this other job, or unemployed you begin to forget every thing you learned the past 4 or 6 years and in my case start regretting decisions and almost hating yourself.
No support from the government. They want people to go out, get degrees, learn things, but there’s no way to put into practice what we learned in the end.
I’m in the same situation. I regret coming back here. Trust me.
While I sympathise with your plight my dear, I have to wonder why you actually left a permanent job to attend an interview, couldn`t you have take some time off of work instead? Anyways, this is a problem that a lot of graduates have after leaving school. I was a bit fortunate in that, i didn`t have to wait so long and it wasn`t because I knew someone or someone knew me. it was because what i studied was a bit unique. Too often we see people going to study the same things for example accounting. Sometimes there are about 10 accountants graduating and seeking employment at the same time, now Dominica is a small place. Yes government can employ, but can Government always afford to employ everyone every time? Another problem I have with some graduates is that they are too selective when looking for jobs. Some people only want to work at a bank so that`s the only place they send out applications and then say that Dominica has no jobs. As my mother would say `beggars are no choosers`so if you want a job, you should send your applications far and wide and not only in Roseau, and not only in Dominica. It`s a rat race out there you have to fight and go after what you want. And in the case where you can`t find a job and you really want to stay in the Nature Isle, then start something of your own. Use the skills that you have and start a little side business, whether it being in computers, or giving afternoon cxc tutoring, something. In this day and age, you just can`t sit around and say that there are no jobs, and Government should provide jobs etc.. and not try doing something else for yourself. Be proactive!!
I’m sure countless students will identify with that!! We all love our homeland but at the end of the day we got to look out for ourselves. It’s sad what is happening and the continual brain that is happening to our country. I can identify with several you guys who said that you will not return home when you have completed you degree and I totally agree with you guys because that the exact way I feel. For those of us who took loans out at the Aid Bank for example, are expected to pay over $1000 Ec per month once the grace period is up!! Therefore we are forced to take the job opportunity wherever we find it, unfortunately most of the time it is not in Dominica.
I graduated last year with my bachelor’s, and was about to return home and begin the process of applying for jobs, lucky for me I got the opportunity to pursue a PhD degree which I would be getting paid for. Of course I took this opportunity. I have always thought I would return home once I have completed my degree but the more I think about it the more I realise that Dominica is a mere place for vacationing!! I have to establish myself before I can return, no how much I would LOVE to contribute to my country but at the end of the day I GOT TO TAKE CARE OF ME!!
I recently graduated with a Masters Degree in the US and let me tell you all its not easy being in the US and not having a job. Its really tough now the worst part of it is being at other peoples home and not being able to contribute financiallly. Here everything is about money.. Am online everyday searching for jobs and it is really tough. I am getting ready to return to Dominica… I know its tough home but there is no placelike home.
To all of you out there…..critising Dominica…..don’t let the readers believe its all a bed of roses in the US because it isn’t…. it’s really tough out here
“The government is doing nothing to assist; not an internship program for graduates, NOTHING.” I had to almost read through the entire article to fine this statement. This is our problem here in Dominica; being dependent.
My tow cents said it best, “I think that when one considers going to study these days, with the intention of returning to work / reside in DA he/she should make provisions to be willing to start his/her own business with the aim of making money and creating employment for others in the process.”
Imagine the US government being the major employer in America. America would then be a third world country. America’s prosperity is driven by innovative young entrepreneurs. The same can be done by our incoming graduates. Here is an opportunity to change our current system and be more innovative.
A good business plan is all it takes.
Good article….. it’s bringing to the open a persistent issue that is all to often over shadowed by political discussions. It’s time we discussed the other social challenges we are faced with as a country. As university grads we need to be innovative. Innovative in finding ways to generate income for ourselves, not necessarily waiting on a traditional job offer/job. Networking with others in your field of study, coming together and creating opportunities that would be beneficial for all. We must continue to persevere, if not for our perseverance we’d not have a degree.
In D/ca, you have to be “somebody” or to know “somebody, and let me say it is happening all over the caribbean, and the worlld I should say. So you don’t blame Dominica for that. It is true that most of you cannot get jobs in your field, but don’t just stay there and expect the government to creat job.
And I think most of yoou are very ungreatful in some way, you get a scholarship to China, Cuba, and after four or five years what do you do? critize, critize the same government who help yu in getting the scholarschips. So my advice to some of you is don’t wait on the government, go out there and creat opportunities for yourselves.
finally a person who knows what it is for us that do want better and are motivated and blessed to have studied abroad with a dieing urge to serve or give back. it just doesnt motivate and you cant talk to the general public about it without they saying ” you sell your flag” … thank you dno
i can feel this person’s pain.this kind of stuff makes you feel like an educated fool. one of the trends that i’ve noticed in the available scholarships is that most are for sociology and similar fields. engineering and technical fields are neglected and they are very much needed. how many social workers and lawyers and the like can our small population cater for when they return. has anyone tried to get a good plumber or electrician who will give you good value for money.before the touch your sink the bill high. i have nothing against a tradesman earning his money but give quality and professional service. i really feel sorry for the students who return and don’t get a job. i was unemployed for two years and i finally landed a good job i was one of the lucky ones cause it was not pull string.we really have to rethink our system from top to bottom. even in opening a business on return the funds availabe are so meager by the time you set up shop you are at a loss. an overdraft at the bank compounds the situation and you are back to square one. we need to as a collective change our culture, ethics and stop promising people jobs which are not available
I feel your pain and believe me it hurts.
Truth is, if you are woman, young, sexy and “willing to give it up” to the supervisor you are “almost” guaranteed work in Dominican society at least until someone else who look or does “it” better than you roll in. If you are a guy then crapaud smoke your pipe because is gwayea time. Even when you know people they still want to fook you in return for helping sometimes even before they help.
Even in highly respected institutions on the island you can tell those women who have dignity. They don’t get promoted. We have too many perverts in top positions who still see young women as a piece of meat to be had. And, that attitude goes all the way to the top. The only way out of this cycle is for returning graduates to focus on creating their own employment by strategizing their return more effectively. Start you own business if possible.
This is exactly why I will not come back to dominica when i am done studying. It makes no logical sense to return to Dominica with my many degrees and cannot receive a job when I can get one over here. Brain drain is going to cause dominica to go no where fast. I love my country but this is just keeping us behind!
I feel your pain but, you know that many Dominicans have high positions in other Caribbean countries because we have the qualifications? Think about CSME and the International market, we will be able to compete for the highest paid jobs anywhere. Launch out of Dominica get a job.
I can identify with this article!
In D/ca, you have to be “somebody” or to know “somebody” to progress without toil. Its a shame that even in our own public service, this is so glaring. When I visited the Minister of Education a few years ago to discuss the posibility of a scholarship, the very first thing she asked me was not how qualified I was, but who are my parents and which village I am from…
Persons who follow the campaign trail (no matter how dumb) are the ones in jobs or who benefit from the government…and we wonder why inefficiency is so prevalent in the public service??!!
I guess when the Skerrit government decided to aim for 1 university graduate to a household in D/ca, they did not consider the other side of this equation (employment)…so the only options available are drugs…stealing..or …the “out of service” Red Clinic…lol!
@My two cents: Well put together comment.
I can certainly identify with this individual’s plight however I have to wonder about the wisdom of leaving a “well paying job” to return to an uncertain one here in Dominica.
It is very disheartening more so to realize that hey…maybe if I had just stayed here in Dominica in the same old dead beat job I would have gotten where I wanted to go financially just by seniority. But as human beings we all desire to attain more knowledge and this is where the going to study comes in…not just to go to the UK/US etc but you are really led to believe that once you have attained the “degree” many doors are opened. I do believe that this stands true however it does require persistence and a lot of patience in relation to returning to Dominica and seeking employment.
It’s quite obvious why some graduates are probably not working. The commentaries made by the people who call themselves graduates contain English that is poorer than posts made by regular users on the more scandalous topics.
If writing on behalf of unemployed graduates, please, at least try to write like one. Thank you.
And why would you leave a high paying job and come back to something you were uncertain about? You wanted to contribute to your country? And now you are online complaining? After having made the good ties overseas you should have reapplied and returned; not be in Dominica a year later, unemployed.
you should have study “bobol” and then you would have be employed long time lol
@Wolverine:
Wolverine, please do not spread such misinformation as a fact or valid argument. Education is very important in this global world that we live in. In case it did not dawn on you, we are in a global world today. In addition, if you, an individual would like to compete with others whether in your own country (maybe not D/ca) or the host country you live in then more likely than not you require some level of education to competently do so.
And I don’t know where your data are taken from to get you to conclude that “citizens get priority over foreigners at a rapid increasing rate” but I’d like to see it. Yes, we face challenges like everyone in these hard economic times but what you are referring to is not my experience and those of my international friends (from various countries) who are qualified (with higher education degrees).
So I’d like to see where your argument is placed so I can have a better picture.
@Wolverine: i tortally agree…well said lol
@Sceptic:
I sympathize with this person, because I know how difficult it is for a couple of my friends who are on F1 visas. However, ……
This goes in line of the old saying, “Penny wise and a pound foolish.” The absence of critically thinking skills creates these types of problems. You are giving up something for something you have yet to gained – in the name of giving back to your country. Another old saying, “You cannot give back of which you have non.”
Wisdom is not at the top of the university mountain. A leave of absence would have worked just fine.
@Wolverine:
So are u saying we should settle with out….. primary school education and not seek to better ourselves…. if u dont have anything good to say dont say nothing at all!!
I am a Cuban grad and I totally agree with your article but most if not all the grads from Cuba in the medical field receive internship from the government. The situation with the rest of us is very sad but its not just the government to blame, sometimes we have to create employments, start businesses because we have a problem here of mass migration and it takes us to start somewhere to change that trend.
Graduate: I too understand what you are talking about. It is the painful truth that Dominica cannot accommodate all our graduates coming home. But the same could be said ….though at different levels all over the region and maybe the world. This situation is compounded by politics and other cultural inconsistencies.
Like you, I returned home after graduating from University with high hopes but could not find employment. in Dominica ..and so made the hard decision to live my beloved country and my family to seek employment in the region…that was 10yrs ago
It is now possible for University graduates to move around the region once they have obtained the necessary certification from Government to live and work around the region. It takes a positive attitude and the willingness to adjust…I am not saying it is easy..but it opens up a world of opportunities for us.
Maybe latter on when things are better for DA we can go home…more qualified and more experienced to serve our country and its people.
for now their are sites on the web were regional jobs are advertised…
You need to do the necessary preparations in terms of having a CV that makes the employer want to meet you…thats the fist step….Then go to that interview ready to impress..do all the background work necessary..
.I will tell you personally that at one interview I actually prepared a power point presentation and went in ready ..That job was mine! . After my presentation the interviewing panel had no questions..they said that I had answered all their questions in my presentation..the job was mine…. they had never seen it done in that way before and with so much enthusiasm. sometimes you may need to do things differently to make the statement you want to make.
I can now help my family at home…Thank God.
I have said all that ….to tell you that it is not the end…you have made that first start in getting qualified…..sometimes we need to look at the opportunity in the disappointments. Go out there with the knowledge that the employer needs you more than you need them….know your value and what you are capable of bringing to the table and focus on that..(yes there may be a lot of people out there looking for work but not many enthusiastic committed persons with the right attitude) .And don’t give up.
I agree with you if you dont have a god mother or god father crapoo smoke your pipe. if i were you i would have never gone back after being in a good job as you said. I had my own experience where i applied to be a police officer and fire officer in 2001 did exams, interviews and all the works. was sucessfull with the fire department but was told at the time the government did not have money so i would have to do it as a volunteer. hell no i migrated and after four years my parents called and told me the police and fire departments are calling me for interview in a nice way i ask them to let them know that i was no longer interested. I am employed overseas with the government and is making a comfortable salary. We may love our counrty yes but sometimes we have to do what we have to do i don’t blame any young person who leaves da to make life a bit more comfortable especially when you have loan to pay. hope that something work out for you and the others.
@Sceptic: the part where the writer left his job does perplex me as well. i have never known anyone to give up certainty for uncertainty no matter what the circumstances are. but that’s a personal issue. however, i will agree that your points about this are valid.
the fact remains that the writer identified a significant problem.
just because the world shares a problem does not mean that as a nation we should do nothing to address it in our environment.
I have three degrees…. Two of which I could not find employment in because they were so broad, so I had to return to school to learn a skilled degree…of which I only not got a part time position in. But I am thankful.
The sad thing is that it is hard to get a job anywhere. Not only in Dominica but also here in the U.S. I guess most places are feeling the effects of the recession.
With my first two science degrees, no one would hire me without experience and yes it was frustrating. I did jobs well beneath my degree status : I was a bakery clerk, then I did the call center thing, customer service manager etc… I did not like doing those jobs, but I made the best of it, and I got a pay check which I was thankful for. It paid the bills.
Unfortunately, it is not the job of the government to get us the job we want. This is especially true for Dominica because of it’s size, that there are not much vacant jobs to go around. Sometimes we have to do what we can do in the meanwhile until the right one comes along. Keep your eyes and ears open to the opportunities. And keep praying for God to open a door.
From my last graduating class, many of the students got jobs from referral from people they knew. I was a top student in my class, but that didnt matter because I was not raised in this (U.S) city and therefore was limited in that manner (friend referral). So I get you on that. It is unfair but it is happening everywhere apart from Dominica.
I learnt a very important lesson from my dad. He said to me one day, “you never leave a job unless you are certain you have another.” I hope can be helpful.
One of my instructors told me, that she literally went to one of her employers work place every friday (after work) inquiring about openings and telling them how much she loved the institution and how much she really wanted to work for them. So not only did they have her written resume but they also had a face and motivating personality to match the description. It was not long after when the manager created a position and hired her.
To all grad students whose greatest desire is to work in Dominica, keep keeping on. Persevere. Sometimes it may not work out right away. Sometimes you may have to go somewhere else to work (wherever that has a opportunity). But do know this, you are not alone and Dominica is not the only country who is going through this high unemployment rates.
Good Luck and God Bless
I can identify with this article.
I went abroad to get an education and know i cannot come back home and depend on the Gov for a job. It is the reality in DA. There is nothing i would love more than to be home making a meaningfull contribution to my countries development. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do so if you get an opportunity elswhere, take it.
Dominicas problem is not enough private sector opportunities when the government is the main employer that is never good. Gov may need to put systems inplace to increase our Tourism/service industry, and encourage more agro processing and other hi tech and light industries to come to dominica. This will help creat mor private sector jobs and ease dependent on Gov
Take Ross University for example.
When my student loan finish pay and i can build my self a comfortable home in DA. I will come back
My future is mine to determine.
this is a very true article… i graduated in 2009.. yet to find any employment in my field of studies nor any other field.. so i am working on a way to create my own employment… maybe we (graduates) should try to do the same…. But at the same time the financial institutions make it hard for us young people to do so.. e.g i went to a particular bank for info… the representative told me i would need a certificate of tittle (fine) or 100% OF THE LOAN…; now i jus come from studying how the hell am i supposed to have all that money…
then on the other hand hat i have realized, there are alot of OLD people (sorry to say it like that) working in different departments for the Government (WORKING) yet there are a number of young people sitting on their bachelors and masters at home… and these OLD people are not being productive.. they jus there ocupying space… i think there is something about they cant be fired or laid off because of the amount of years they have been serving…i have seen cases….
Ask the rich successful entrepreneurs in Dominica if they needed a degree to be successful, All Dominicans wanna run away and go study in the US for wat!, the world is changing and a degree is nothing but a receipt. Most of what you learn in university isn’t applied in any field of work with your career.
You people don’t realize that only the lucky ones get to live and work in the US/UK/Canada after they finish studying, its also getting extremely hard to get a descent paying jobs in those countries as citizens get priority over foreigners at a rapid increasing rate.
Keep taking the loans to go study and Enjoy spending the rest of your work life paying back loans lol.
Its interesting that we have to face those situations i am one who has returned too a degree unfortunately i do not have a loan to pay. I only got employed because of a friend its a good job though by the way. Our problems we have is that their are less jobs then the people applying for them. I was reading about a new agreement that Canada is going to have with the Caribbean. Apparently there is a surplus of 800 million from Canada to Caribbean, it seems that they want to reverse that. So they are investing heavily to develop us so that they in turn will benefit. They are investing in foreign direct investments which we should demand that they be foreign portfolio investments giving our people the opportunity to get jobs. Another point is that our government should follow what Barbados is doing now, they educate their people then they pay for their internship. That means that whenever these agreements come into place including CSME they will be at an advantage with qualifications and experience. That small business drive is not the best way, i did read that report by Owen Authur these micro businesses are too vulnerable. We need more corporations. Government has to put in place a plan to train our young people or sadly we will be left behind in this competitive environment.
Interesting article.
I did pretty good back at the DSC which is more than i can say for quite a few of the people i graduated with. That didnt seem to mean anything though as employers were hiring their friends’ kids, many of whom couldnt even meet a grade C in many of their courses while i was being told that there are “no positions to suit your requirements”. Yet you find sociology majors working in banks. I eventually settled for a job i actually liked though the pay wasnt much. Now im almost at the stage of achieving my bachelor’s degree. To a certain extent, i fear that i too may fall victim to this situation. On the other hand, i have heard of quite a few small business loans being offered by several financial institutions in Dominica. You (the writer of the article) may want to consider that as well. I fully understand that you already have loans which have not been paid but being able to manage and run a small business in your field of study may grant u the opportunity to take care of your loans. Afterall, when all else fails, remember that you are the only one you can depend on. So take control and turn this negative situation into a positive one.
LETS GET AWAY FROM THIS 8-5PM ATTITUDE. THE COUNTRY NEEDS TO RUN 24/7
CREAT FACTRIES/CALL CENTERS. SOME OF THE BUSINESS OFFICES IN ROSEAU
NEED TO OPEN UP BRANCHES IN THE 2ND TOWN. CREAT JOBS!!!!!!!
PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO WORK 2 JOBS.
@APG: Your theory makes sense but it’s difficult in reality. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to obtain a loan from a financial institution of D/ca to start your own business. If you have no big name and no security it is impossible. Foreigners come to Dominica and obtain loans to start business. Financial institution give then millions with little collateral. Dominica presses it’s people in any way possible. I am currently doing my degree but i don’t believe I will be able to pay my loans when i an through studying if i stay in Dominica.
THAT IS SO TRUE…. I SUPPORT THAT PERSON MORE THAN A 100%
What a heart wrenching piece. I can identify with your dilemma. I love my country to death and will always return for regular visit and to keep in solid contact with my roots. I was caught in the same position but then decided to be loyal to myself. The people in governments have their priorities in discord. They install unqualified people in positions way over their heads and we wonder why we are not making progress as a nation.
Note also that the politicians nee to control the intelligencia. With an ignorant population the politicians can play their foolish games. The present government has taken this game to the next level. We see how much they are in high pursuit of pocket lining.
Well said, I understand your point. Something should be done to HELP to HELP. However having acquired that knowledge and knowing the state of Dominica. We (you) should know that there is not enough companied to higher all of us (graduate student). I believe we can use that knowledge and be creative.
Like starting a business; special those who have the business and computer degrees. This would HELP reducing the amount of unemployed graduate.
Also let’s keep in mind we could do like you did seek employment in the Caribbean. ALL these would HELP.
We (you) are more qualify those running Dominica. Don’t expect them to know more than you or help you. Because the truth is they simple don’t know anything.
But let’s be more creative with our degree. However your point is valid and don’t be discourage!!
Hi Graduate,
I certainly feel your pain and I acknowledge that you do speak for the masses. It is most definitely frustrating to want to contribute one’s talents and not be afforded an avenue to due so. That said, I think that when once considers going to study these days, with the intention of returning to work / reside in DA he/she should make provisions to be willing to start his/her own business with the aim of making money and creating employment for other in the process.
Though hash, the Dominica reality is that; Dominica does not currently have the job slots (positions) to hire the increasingly qualified individuals returning home hence those individuals may either have to seek employment elsewhere or start a small business.
I know that most person next question is going to be; Well if one has recently completed studies and most likely has student loan commitments then where is that person going to get cash / money to start their own business?
My response to this question would have to be; Businesses begin with Ideas, not money. All things considered, if one has some good ideas regarding identifying and satisfying the Dominican / international consumer needs and he/she can translate these ideas into a sound business plan then he/she most likely will be able to approach the private sector to partner on the venture and subsequently secure funding. The NDFD is also a good source of assistance in assisting person with their Ideas and business plan. The growth of any developed country is directly proportional to the number of small businesses therein hence if this is any indication as to what needs to be done to grow the Dominican Economy and the people as a whole, we will need to create lots of small viable businesses. IF a small business is to become viable it would require planning and that’s where the graduates can put there knowledge and training into practice first hand.
The alternative would be to gain employment abroad and try to amass wealth and return home a few years later to invest such wealth in the economy.
I just had to share my thoughts after reading this article.
To all those unemployed graduates out there I would like to suggest one more way of looking at things… Knowing what it is that you want job-wise… Ask yourself how can I achieve that goal. Never stop asking that question until you get what you want. You will need to act on the answer that are generated from this question.
Good Luck in your endeavors and God bless you all, my fellow ppl
So you quit a permanent, well-paying job to come to an INTERVIEW in d/a where u weren’t certain you were getting the job?
Seems to me like you got the education but nvr picked up on common sense…Sorry to sound like a hater lol cuz I’m a student myself and i feel your pain but that was just…DUMB
Well, maybe that is a good time to think about starting some kind of business. I know the money may not be there, but there can be some kind of a service business that can be started… hopefully with help from the Gov’t.
I don’t mean to belittle the situation, but that’s pretty much what has to happen sometime. Think of all the service companies you were exposed to abroad and see if any of that sort can be tailored for the Dominican business climate.
I support this article 100%, It is hard for us graduates, when we return to Dominica. The Government of the day should have some intern program for us, so that we can get the experience needed. Also the level of biasness in the government institutions is alarming. I had an interview once and was second in line for that position. The first choice which was a non-national did not take the offer. You know I was never contacted; they gave the position to a supporter of theirs. I was so disappointed.
There are to many unqualified individual in top position in this country.
Whilst I do not disagree that there is a growing of unemployed, qualified, persons, high unemployment rate is an international problem right now.
I light of this, i am perplexed at the writer’s decision to leave a “Well Paying Teaching Job” in another country to come to an interview, without the assurance of sucess.
A temporary leave of absence from his then employer would have been a wiser and safer choice until he was certain that the interview was successful. This insert in the above letter, makes me either question its authenticity or understand why this person should not be employed as he clearly does not make sound decisions.
my goodness! i have been saying this to my friends for years. i am about to pursue a BA and i know that one of the most important things i need to figure out is where to go when i have acquired, because i know that i certainly won’t get anything out of it in Dominica. some of us may lament about the salary that comes with the job, but in essence, just having a job is enough of a good start for us. this situation is an abomination.
i feel ur pain … ive heard many stories from friends and all are the same …
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how will the fesh grads gain experience if no one gives them the oppertunity 2?
shame on the gov’t …then they come n boast on howmuch scholarship they give n grads returning ….SHAME
Finally this story made it on DNO cause I have been hearing this story for a long time now. The funny thing is that there are a few students who have returned home just recently and is already employed. Why is that? It’s who know who and especially if you have family in high places…oh boy!
I can relate to that even though i didnt go to university to study after i finished school i stayed at home for 9 mnths before i got a job and i concider myself lucky because as you said it was smbdy who knew smbdy that pulled some strings for me got on the job training and said to myself im gonna work for a few yrs save some money then go study but even while i was working i saw no upward movement at my workplace ppl working in the same positions way more qualified than i was and im doing the same work as they were they been stuck at these positions for 5 and 10 yrs with degrees and changed my mind bout going to study then still having that burden of paying a loan which most likely my parents would have to do since i would have no means of making money if i didnt have a job i know of one guy who at the time i was still going to school in maybe his 40’s went to do his masters came back home and he couldnt find a job he had to settle for a messenger’s job in the bank/credit union cause he had a wife and kids to support and send to school along with his bills i mean there are lots more stories and most of us can relate to that …….So Govts and employers we beg of you to do something real quick that gonna save our youth and that will also help in the crime and poverty thats going on right now
This is a really Interesting Article. I am currently in University and know that I might go through that same situation when I get back home. The problem is not only Government, the private sector or individuals with the Capital and Ideas to start new ventures are NOT doing so. This is a very serious problem because we will suffer from a ‘brain-drain’ of well qualified individuals whom we need to help take Dominica to the well publicized Next-Level.
I hear your cry my friend and I feel your pain. It is ridiculous to say the least. I worked at an institution for several years and would not get promoted because they need people with degrees. Now mind you, some of the people in management did not have degrees. They were there for years and got promoted based on experience. Suddenly, experience is not enough. They want degrees. We enrolled in several higher education programs in that same field and every time we would get to one level they would raise the bar. It was impossible to reach that bar. They would not give study leave so you would have to leave your job to go to study.
Now, upon your return, you would hear the other 1000 reasons they cannot give you a position much less a promotion. I am one of those who left and have no intentions of returning. No one will be able to pay me a salary which will service my student loan and a mortgage. Now I will say you were very wrong to leave your good paying job and place confidence in anything DOminican. This is the stage we have reached. A stage where you can trust no one.
I will say though, that our country is not the only one with employment issuses. It ia global. The problem with our country is its size. Because we are so small everything is personal and hits home. We feel it more. I would advise you though, to seek employment elsewhere, meaning out of state. You said the Bank does not stop calling. It never will. Go find a way to pay your loan and build your future. Good luck my friend, good luck.
Now reality is setting in. Investing in college is not what it used to be. It doesn’t guarantee you a job. But it may guarantee that you have debt which the banks intend to collect.
Many new graduates aren’t getting employed and many qualified people over 50 are being let go.
Think seriously before you jump.
I support this article 100%, It is hard for us graduate, when we return to Dominica, The Government of the day should have some intern program for us, so that we can get the experience needed. Also the level of bias in the government institution, I once had, I was second in line for a position, and the first choice which was a non-national did not take the offer. You know I was never contacted, they gave the position so a support of theirs. I was so disappointed.
There are to many unqualified individual in top position, this is way this country can’t go forward.
it was about time someone said that story. A lot of students had to quit school because tuition wsnt paid by the govt. A dam shame do u know whats its like to be in a foreign country with no help and no money u starve or do illegal stuff to survive
100% the truth.