THE EDITOR, SIR
I am a final year student at the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication at the University of the West Indies Mona.
The issue I would like to discuss is the lack of employment possibilities not just for students that have graduated from the university, but more so for those students who would like part-time employment preferably in their field of study, so at graduation the problem of not having experience will not present itself.
If one should check the careers section of particularly The Sunday Gleaner, and naturally, it would be so for any company, there is always a requirement for experienced persons.
It is ironic, that as a student you are not presented with the opportunity to work in companies or institutions that are related to your field of study, but yet at the end of your three-year tenure you are expected to have at least three or so years of experience.
Fortunately for myself, I gained some working experience after leaving high school and prior to my enrollment in the university, so at the end of the day, I won't be rendered totally incapable.
However, for the past year I have tried, and without success I must add, to gain employment in one of our media institutions so I could put into practice what I have learnt, but my applications have fallen on deaf ears.
It is quite sad for me, because at the end of the day, which in my case is fast approaching, I will be turned down by newspapers, television stations etc. simply on the basis that I have no experience in the field.
It has been said for years, that students of the university have failed to give back adequately to their country, especially since our tuition is subsidized by not only the Government of Jamaica, but also the people of Jamaica in the form of educational taxes.
But how can we expect to contribute and to be true leaders or revolutionists when the very nature of society or those in society who hold power deny us this?
I am calling on citizens of this country, parents and those in a position to help us, to do so in order to create a better future for our country; Jamaica Land we Love.
I am, etc
GEORGIE-ANN GRANT
y2kgeorgie@yahoo.com
Student UWI, Mona
Via Go-Jamaica
