Quick, update your CV and look for greener pastures

Q. I am an avid reader of your column. I graduated from college last in December with a diploma in food science and nutrition.

I did not get the job that I was looking for, but I got volunteer work in an organisation that looks after people with chronic diseases. However, I don’t get any incentive, not even tea. I don’t see any hope of being employed since I am not visible to the management.

I wish to start a pharmacy, but my worry is that such a business would not succeed in my home county.

Advise me on the best way forward.

Now, you have many good things happening in your life; your diploma in nutrition, an internship opportunity to gain practical skills and a solid vision to start a pharmacy. You however have quite some way to go before realising your full potential and here is why.

Firstly, you undertake a very important role in the lives of the patients you interact with. They are battling life-threatening ailments, and they need understanding and encouragement. Your attitude has to be right for you to reach out to them and make a difference. Your unhappiness arising from lack of incentive, tea or whatever else, should not hinder you from doing this noble job. I encourage you to see the great opportunity you have been given to gain practical skills, and learn as much as you can.

Secondly, I encourage you to speak to your employer and express your concerns and give suggestions. Also, by now, you have gained some skills that may interest another employer, so look out for suitable paid opportunities. You can’t volunteer your skills forever, it is important to exchange them for a wage, so update your CV and start looking elsewhere.

Thirdly, you have a vision to run a pharmacy in your county, possibly create employment, and this is a great idea. To nurture this vision, you need to research further and identify key requirements such as professional qualifications and business licenses. If you lack these key skills, you need to plan to acquire them, or look for a business partner who may possess them. You have already identified a gap in the county, be sure to check again and confirm the needs of your intended customers. Then of course, you will need some capital. You must give yourself a time frame, and when you get a paying job, start saving towards this venture.