Free IT Career Seminar: close the empowerment gap

Many come into ICT with unrealistic expectations based on promotions and adverts. But ICT is not a "fast money", meal ticket scheme. Career questions don't have "YES" or "NO" answers. The seminar helps interested individuals see the complete picture before making their career decisions.

Next Seminar Date is: Saturday, May 19, 2012. Time: 12:30 p.m.

Designed for newcomers and career changers interested in developing ICT careers and running ICT businesses, the seminar also shares information on non-formal educational opportunities such as ICT training and certification because many interested people are outside ICT's formal education loop.

A Special Session on empowerment of women with ICTs will be held during the May 19, 2012, FREE IT Career Seminar to mark the 2012 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day which has the theme, "Women and Girls in ICT".

Speakers provide down to earth information on professional opportunities in IT, as well as the right approach for achievement. Efforts are geared towards answering career questions and meeting the needs of those who want to become ICT professionals and entrepreneurs. The Career Seminar is free to attend, so participants have nothing to lose. The only requirements to attend are to have a desire to build a career in IT and to register before the event date. There are no registration fees. "Once you have the desire, knowledge and the thinking, achieving through ICT is both straightforward and possible".

Due to limited space, You need to CALL OR COME OVER to collect your registration number before the seminar event. Registration numbers are not sent via SMS, e-mail or the Internet.

Contact details are:
12 Eric Moore Street, Wemabod Estate, Off Adeniyi Jones Ave, Ikeja, Lagos,
Nigeria. Tel: 08052647395, 07052509148, 01-8958064, 01-7940562, 08035007778

If you have any questions please Fill this form

Furthermore, the seminar's underlying theme is always the disrespect status quo. What joy do we find in the status quo? What are we defending? The digital divide? We must quit playing defensive and go on the offensive. Knowledge is not for the sake of knowledge. According to Norman Cousins, "The main failure of Education is that it has not prepared people to comprehend matters concerning human destiny."

Knowledge must add value. A paradigm shift is required. Already the large army of unemployed graduates shows that degrees don't automatically translate to jobs. Every year less than 12 per cent of fresh tertiary institution graduates gain employment in Nigeria. Education is beyond certificates. And most individuals need more than classroom education to address career and life challenges. Status quo is entrenched. It will not lie down and die. We must resist the comfort zone of conformity. Creativity, ideas and energy must all be in the mix if we are to fulfill our potentials.

A career in the ICT sector has no limits. ICTs are important in all aspects of our lives. The future of ICT depends on people who drive innovation. The seminar therefore spreads awareness on the entrepreneurial mentality required for problem solving and innovative solutions. The orientation is on job creation and not job seeking. This helps in job and wealth creation which helps poverty eradication.

Having an entrepreneurial mindset is therefore essential both to move forward in an unpredictable, hostile digital divide environment and to deal with important personal development and life issues. We must be able to survive and thrive even in difficult times. 1,000 excuses cannot build an IT Career. Are we focused on changing the mountain or is the mountain is changing us?

To compete globally Nigeria needs bold entrepreneurs; we need brilliant new ideas, as well as the ability to tap into the potential of enthusiastic young people. The best economic policy is not one that decrees jobs into existence but one that encourages, supports and empowers entrepreneurs.

Raising awareness enables more people to respond realistically and positively to the opportunities and challenges of the digital age. A larger number of people are able to participate and contribute meaningfully in ICT development. This can only boost productivity levels in the economy. New job and business opportunities create social and commercial benefits. The seminar is about developing human resources to make ICT a force for progress and a sustainable future. Empowerment must be a priority.

Empowerment is for all. Inclusion is non negotiable. But how effective, how real is empowerment if the majority of the population is excluded from the driving force of the modern economy and society? For example, does it make sense to champion the participation of women in politics without considering how women can use ICT to create and shape their own future? Jidaw Systems in conjunction with the African Information Security Association (AISA) will hold a special session on the empowerment of women with ICTs. during the May 2012, FREE IT Career Seminar to mark the 2012 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), which has the theme, "Women and Girls in ICT".

The Information Technology industry and community has a strong need for skilled individuals. Want to position yourself in the IT cycle of opportunity? Interested? Curious? Don't wait for change to happen. Make change happen!

Jide Awe
Founder, Jidaw (Mastercomputers)

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