Job Seekers Journey Workshop

Barkulan as a hub connects many parts of the job and tech market in Somaliland. All the services offered by Barkulan revolve around building the tech ecosystem and support our community members. Many of the youth at Barkulan as well as the overall society struggle to land jobs. Although, it is a general issue in Africa, Somalilanders struggle more given the country’s status, the crippling economy and challenging work market.To address this issue, our team organized a workshop titled “Job Seekers’ Journey” to equip youth with the tools they need to navigate the job market effectively. In this workshop and the many we plan, we partnered with SiratMaanka, which offers mental health services in Hargeisa. The workshop provided a comprehensive roadmap, covering crucial topics such as professional email etiquette, CV and cover letter writing, and building productive habits for students. It also focused on the mental, psychological, and physical readiness necessary when applying for jobs, ensuring participants were prepared from all angles.

The workshop had a significant impact, empowering participants with practical knowledge and skills that are essential in today’s competitive job market. Key takeaways included:

Improved Communication Skills: Participants learned how to craft professional emails and cover letters, which are critical for making a strong first impression with employers.
CV Writing: They gained insights into creating a compelling CV that highlights their strengths and qualifications, increasing their chances of being shortlisted for interviews.
Personal Branding & Self-Promotion: Participants learned how to market themselves effectively, including building a personal brand, negotiating their value, and standing out to potential employers.
Mental & Physical Preparedness: The workshop addressed the importance of being mentally, psychologically, and physically ready for the job search, helping participants build resilience and confidence.

The workshop was facilitated by experienced mentors, including Asma Dhamac, a mental health and professional psychologist; Ahmed Omer, a professional with over 10 years of experience working with local and international organizations; and Abdiaziz, a professional content creator and digital designer. Aziz provided invaluable insights on becoming an expert digital content creator, negotiation strategies, and leveraging personal branding to effectively market oneself to potential employers.

The workshop, held on October 3, 2024, was attended by 30 participants (Female X, MaleX ) this is because. The interactive sessions allowed them to apply the skills they learned in real-time, fostering an engaging and impactful learning environment. Running from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and resuming from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this full-day event offered participants ample opportunities to network and receive personalized feedback.

In the end, many participants expressed that the workshop gave them newfound confidence, clarity, and actionable steps for their job search journey, positioning them for greater success in their future careers.