Patricia Valentine
Contributor

Twenty-first century job seekers are no longer limited to opportunities in their country or region as, with the advent of technology, the job market has expanded into a dynamic and ever-changing landscape that has no boundaries.

The global workplace is the hub of business and cultural activities where people live and work. As the workplace becomes more global in its reach and outlook potential, employees need to be prepared to not only survive but to thrive in a workplace which requires them to be vibrant, technologically savvy, multicultural and multi-skilled.

In looking at the world as the marketplace and workplace, employees are able to expand their experiences and offer each employer varying perspectives, making them more rounded and adding value and dimension to a work environment, thereby increasing their marketability.

Well-rounded individuals

Distinctive globally ready employees must possess good interpersonal communication skills and must be innovative, adaptable and multifaceted. It is no longer acceptable to possess only academic competence and basic theoretical understanding.

The University of the West Indies (UWI), in keeping with its thrust to remain relevant and produce graduates who will be marketable not only in the region but globally, has sought to invest in holistic development by seeking to cultivate and refine 'soft' skills in students.

Work and travel programmes facilitated by Placement and Career Services, Office of Student Services and Development, UWI, Mona, as well as internship programmes, afford students the opportunity to experience the culture of varying people and organisations, regionally and internationally thereby expanding their world view.

Other programmes such as summer and part-time employment opportunities help to focus students' minds on workplace and career preparation.

In addition, finalising students are assisted to access job opportunities locally and regionally through the Office of Placement and Career Services' annual graduate recruitment programme, which facilitates the networking of students and potential employers in an organised manner. The exposure to the global workplace offered to UWI students is beneficial especially in light of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the ease of travel afforded to individuals to cross borders with few restrictions and the expansion of multinationals and foreign firms in the region.

The UWI Career Awareness month being celebrated in February under the theme, Abandoning Boundaries: Preparing for the Global Workplace, is another initiative by the university which provides broad-based career information to students at the secondary and tertiary levels across the island. A major feature of the month is the 17th annual career exposition where over 25 booth holders - local, regional and international - will provide career development information and networking opportunities over the two-day period beginning February 14, in the Assembly Hall, UWI, Mona.

The author is acting assistant public relations officer, the University of the West Indies, Mona.

CAREER EXPOSITION

Date: February 14-15
Theme: 'Abandoning Boundaries: Preparing for the Global Workplace'

Opening Ceremony

Time: 10.00 a.m., Thursday, February 14

Venue: The Undercroft, Senate building, UWI, Mona

Career booth exhibition

Thursday, February 14: 11.00 am-4.00 pm

Friday, February 15: 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.

Venue: Assembly Hall