Following on from the article, 7 Steps to Making Informed & Successful Career Choices, this piece is aimed at women in developing countries, but it could really apply to anyone who finds themselves at an economic disadvantage wherever they are. People who are looking for new ways to take control of their lives and their careers.
Local Conditions Matter - Especially if You Are a Woman!
If a woman in a developing country is poor, she will have to shoulder the majority of the domestic duties, whilst also having to contribute to the family income by doing menial jobs or trade and barter. She may have the same access to education as boys do at a young age, but she is more likely to drop out earlier on, due to domestic demands. She will have to face insurmountable odds to achieve the same things that I take for granted every day.
Men in developing nations may also have limited access to education, but they are able to go out to work, and not expected to help with domestic tasks. The types of jobs available to them - although still relatively menial - are wider, and being out of the home exposes them to wider networks, and wider career opportunities.
I have spoken to many women over the years who have shared their stories with me - their struggles, failures and successes - and the stories of others who were not so fortunate. Their stories highlight the importance of making wise and informed career choices, when as a woman it can be so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of domestic duties and lose sight of the bigger picture - especially when no one sees your potential for greatness.
Your Choices Count More Than Ever When Faced With Limited Career Opportunities
There are very few skills and professions that international companies / organisations are likely to seek out beyond their own borders. There would have to be a distinct skills shortage in their domestic market for them to head-hunt abroad.
If a European or American company wants lawyers, doctors or accountants, they need not look any further than their domestic talent pool. Those roles, and others like them, are the 'prestige' careers that wealthy or middle class children pursue in order to add to their sense of achievement or their value to society. Ultimately, they are not faced with the hard realities and day-to-day struggles of financially challenged people in developing countries, so they can play the long game.
Pastures New
Poorer people in developing countries who aspire to those prestige professions may be missing the point. It may not be the ticket out of poverty that they were hoping for, and even if it is, they will not be able to stay in education long enough to make that dream a reality due to domestic demands and financial realities (unless they catch the eye of a rich relative, a charitable organisation or government scholarship).
The same goes for people in the West from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. You could join the clamour for the prestige jobs, but unless you are exceptional, you will find yourself up against people who have been groomed for those careers from birth. The key is to beat a new path and carve out a niche.
Skills Beyond Borders
There are some skills, that are widely sought out by international organisations. They reward skill and natural ability, regardless of socio-economic or educational background. Sport can be one such ticket out of poverty, and into the extreme wealth that people dream of.
If you are a gifted young (male) footballer in a developing country, and you get into a football academy, you could find yourself playing for the likes of Man United or Arsenal one day. The key, it seems, for poor and uneducated people, is to choose a niche skill and be brilliant at it! The chances of success are a lot higher.
The only problem with the sport route, is that it favours men over women. Women are still not making the same amount of money as men from Football in Europe or baseball in America. The golden ticket that sport could offer is not an option for women. There are no scouts going to Brazil looking for female footballers.
Without education, women in developing countries, who want to make it big, have to find more creative ways to provide for their families.
Technology is a Great Leveller!
This is where technology comes in. Technology and programming skills are the key to a better life for many women (and men) around the world, and it is a realistic goal to pursue! Mobile phone usage in the developing world is high because of the lack of infrastructure, and internet access is also common - although people may have to go to an internet cafe to get it. So the barriers to entry are low.
The obvious routes out of poverty, that have had limited success for a limited few, no longer apply; but if you can master technology, and produce things of local or even international significance, you can name your price! Even if you just master programming skills without creating the next big app, there are so many companies in the UK that are actively encouraging applications from abroad! You only have to search the online jobs boards to see the opportunities available!
Take Control of Your Career
You don't need to be in a desperate situation to take control of your career. If you find that your prospects or your goals have stagnated, then do something about it. Don't be at the mercy of circumstances!
Technology is NOT the future!
It's here TODAY, and you can make it work for you!
The Next Steps
Learn programming and build your portfolio as you progress.
Online tutorials:
Codehance
Khan Academy
Codecademy
