Elisabeth T.
About me
| Elisabeth T. | |
| Education | |
| Educational Studies | |
| Undergraduate | |
| James | |
| 2010 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Country Expert | |
| Global Vision International | |
| South Africa | |
| Tourism, leisure and hospitality | |
| 2013 |
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A day in the life of a Country Expert in South Africa
My career history
I chose to go straight onto a Masters course as I became really interested in the International Development aspects of education and wanted to explore this more. From there I needed practical experience and travelled to Kenya to complete a 2 month internship placement with GVI. After just a couple of months in the UK, I headed out to Ghana to lead projects for a volunteering organisation called Madventurer. This was a great role as I was allowed the responsibility of setting up a number of projects in a new location and managing them throughout the year. I took control of budgets and accounts, planning and logistical preparations, orienting and training volunteers, managing the projects and networking amongst the local community - to name a few of my responsibilities! I have now moved back to GVI to work in an office role where I co-ordinate volunteer placements in Africa and Asia from their HQ in Cape Town. So far my career has offered valuable opportunities to develop my skills and travel- working in exotic locations, although at times challenging is a great opportunity and so much fun!
Courses taken since graduation
MEd Master of Education (International Development)
Where I hope to be in 5 years
I want to stay in the industry and develop from here...lets just see where I end up next?!
My advice to students considering work
Seize lots of opportunities and don't lose sight of the things that really interest you - I never realised I would work in this industry until I actually started, but then I realised it was the thing I have enjoyed most over the past few years and couldn't work out why I wouldn't have sought out this job!!
My advice about working in my industry
Get as much experience travelling, working and volunteering overseas as you can - this is the most important thing in getting into an international position!
What I do
My role involves reviewing volunteer applications, discussing opportunities with them, communicating with volunteers via email and phone, assisting with bookings and all pre-departure support, co-ordinating with field staff, conducting research and generally helping out with anything that volunteers need!
Skills I use and how I developed them
I think my range of skills and solid degree from a reputable University were useful. In particular the Education focus is highly applicable knowledge wise. However I think the extra things I did, volunteering and travelling were more advantageous!
Degree skills:
All the organisational and computer skills, and word-processing/ sound written voice!
Extracurricular skills:
All of the international volunteering I did was the most valuable thing for me - I taught in Tanzania, helped in a Ghanaian orphanage and interned in Kenya!
What I like most
Spending time talking about volunteering and travelling - I had some great experiences in this area when I was a student and I love sharing my experience and helping them to prepare!
What I like least
At times it can be hectic and it's not always easy to keep things going when your faced with power cuts or internet shut-downs, but there's not much I don't like!
What would I change? I don't think I would change anything - it's been incredible so far!
Next steps...
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