Volume 65 December 2026-January 2026 : Career Corner

Last month on Career Corner we talked about putting together a Professional Development Plan. As a follow up, this month we are wrapping up the year by focusing on organizations that one can get involved in for the year 2014 to build up or enhance one`s people skills or interpersonal skills such as communication skills, conflict resolution and negotiation, personal effectiveness, problem solving, strategic thinking, team building and so forth.

These days almost all job applications want some amount of years of experience and often at times fresh graduates are crying fowl about companies not giving them internship opportunities during school holidays to gain experience. Therefore, it is important that one considers doing some voluntary work or internship regularly during their school years. Young professionals are also encouraged to take part in career development activities outside work to continuously enhance their skills.

As you are busy working on your 2014 Career Development Plan, some of the organizations that one can join for membership or volunteer at for personal and career development purpose include;

BOTSWANA STUDENT NETWORK SOCIETY:  a student platform creating a linkage between students, government and companies in the development of academic excellence, leadership skills, career opportunities and social responsibility to help prepare learners to effectively and productively respond to the challenges of university, the corporate world, labour market and society at large.

TOASTMASTERS GABORONE CLUB: Provides a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. As a member of Toastmasters, you have the opportunity to gain speaking experience that relates to specific career needs, develop and practice leadership skills, sharpen your listening and evaluation skills, give regular impromptu talks, learn and practice techniques of effective public speaking, prepare and deliver formal speeches on subjects of your own choice, preside over meetings and many more.

AIESEC BOTSWANA: Provides a platform for youth leadership development, AIESEC offers young people the opportunity to be global citizens, to change the world, and to get experience and skills that matter today. Amongst many other programs, AIESEC offers an exchange programme based on short to long term international internships that also promote professional development but more importantly cross cultural sensitivity.

GLOBAL SHAPERS COMMUNITY GABORONE HUB: Through the World Economic Forum, the Global Shapers Community was established as a special community for young people in their 20s to provide the youth with a platform to shape the future by integrating personal, community and global dimensions. It is united by a common desire to channel the members` tremendous energy and enthusiasm into building a more peaceful, forward moving and inclusive world. City- based Hubs are the core of the Community. Gaborone Hub undertakes impact-generating projects to better the lives of the community. 

STEPPING STONES INTERNATIONAL: is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that works to unlock the potential of orphaned and vulnerable adolescents (aged 12-18+). The organization uses a holistic approach by nurturing the mental, physical and emotional well being of our youth to create realizable opportunities for them to become self-sufficient. Through the leadership program, youth involved gain life skills, leadership, entrepreneurship and community mobilization competencies to assist them in the attainment of post-secondary education or full-time employment.

REMMOGO YOUTH ORGANISATION: registered with the Department of civil and national registration focusing on issues of Road safety, alcohol and drug abuse through educational campaigns. Remmogo Youth Organization, drives the behavioral change initiative amongst the youth.

YOUTH ALLIANCE FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA (YALDA): YALDA provides a forum for youth on the African continent and those abroad with a commitment to the welfare of Africa. By networking with professionals, mentors and each other, members will increase their capacity to take on positive leadership roles in their universities, countries and on the continent. Through YALDA, members will implement their short and long-term visions for Africa.

BOTSWANA FAMILY WELFARE ASSOCIATION (BOFWA): BOFWA is committed to promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRH&R) with responsibilities to adolescents or young people, adults and families in Botswana. This is done through provision of information, education and counseling, youth and parents life skills development, clinical and outreach services delivery; SRH&R programme training and advocacy. 

RECONSTRUCTION LABS (RLABS): a global movement that provides innovative ICT solutions to address various problems such as unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse and so forth. RLabs creates an environment where people are empowered to make a difference in the lives of others.

There are a lot of organizations one can look into; Red Cross, Junior Chamber International (JCI), Cancer Association Botswana, Bailor`s Children` Clinic and so forth, just make time to research more about the organizations relevant to your line of interest or feel free to contact me for more information or for career coaching services including mapping out a long term career plan; writing a CV or cover letter; developing effective interview skills; building and managing an effective networking plan, email me on ccbotswana@gmail.com . Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!!! ENDS

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