JOBSEEKERS have to be aware of what are the demand areas for jobs globally and regionally. They therefore need to do research and try to choose those which will be in demand. For example, the area of computer science and related field has been in demand for some time and will continue to be so for the next 5-10 years.

The Caribbean region has seen great improvement in telecommunication and so this is one of the areas in which there is already movement of labour.

Companies are already becoming regionalised and therefore recruit and place highly skilled persons in communication field in areas where there is high demand for their skills.

For example, Digicel has expanded to several locations in the Caribbean, recruiting and dispatching human resources for different areas as the company requires.

In the area of finance the movement of labour and capital have begun – Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, First Caribbean Bank, Island Life has merged with Life of Jamaica, and LOJ is now owned by Barbadian company Sagicor; while Guardian Life has emerged from the sale of Mutual Life.

Musicians and entertainers have always been moving around the region and will continue to do so as the entertainment industry grows.

The area of human resource development will see an increase in the movement of trainers and education around the region. Some of these, especially, trainers will be temporary contract workers or consultants.

In choosing a career within the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), you should not only look at marketability or the remuneration you should also strive to choose careers that are in keeping with your interests, values, skills and abilities.

When you choose a career in which you are interested and have the ability to pursue, you will have the determination, zest and motivation to pursue it vigorously and to strive for excellence wherever you may be employed. You will develop a high level of commitment and dedication, a positive attitude towards helping your organisation to achieve its goals.

You will strive to set personal goals and work towards achieving them while achieving the organisation’s goals.

In choosing a career in the CSME, you should ensure that you are broadbased in your skills and competencies.

When pursuing programmes of study, do double majors, for example, so that you can fit into more than one area of employment, and be flexible so that you will be able to live and work in many locations.

You may need to consider having expertise in a second language.

Some positions will take you to different locations within and outside of the CSME, and into a non-English speaking country where there is expansion of businesses.

Be familiar with some of the local languages (dialect) of other countries, as this is an asset. Also try to experience their culture before becoming a resident. This is where educational institutions can help by organising field trips or work and study programmes for the region.

We need to become more integrated as a region and by so doing we will be better able to integrate for career and job opportunities.

In choosing careers and looking jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities within the CSME, we need to know the viable areas for opportunities, how and where to apply. It does not necessarily mean seeking employment, but it could mean setting up businesses or trading.

Merrit Henry is career counselor and Students Services Manager at the Placement and Career Services unit, UWI, Mona. E-mail: merrit.henry@yahoo.com