Overcoming Career Obstacles News Summaries by title
Success is not measured in 'degree'
Local success story part of inspirational conference
Lights, camera ...can I have a job?
Mother tops the chartz with business award
Youthful Entrepreneur Earns a Living From Computers
Job seekers try sites with staff opinions on employers
Big-hearted entrepreneur goes from hawker to owner
Neck injury gave Glatz new perspective on life
Aberdeen payroll firm can count on global demand
Ethnic youth defy stereotypes with online help
Imperial Holdings’ Lynch is the winner
India trip inspires new venture for mum Emma
A Tricky Turning Point to Marketing Success
Success an individual measure
How to Remain Positive When Job Hunting
Looking for a job? Survey says: be sure to follow up
Mid-level IT pros, can you clinch a better job deal?
How early should I start job-hunting?
Determination brings success
Alumna’s life inspires career in comedy
Paper boy finds route to success
Turn your passion into a livelihood? It can be done
Dogged persistence puts Sandy on her career path
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Success is not measured in ‘degree’
2nd October 2007
By Ramiya Bhas
An intriguing article in The Economic Times describes the remarkable success achieved by several individuals despite a failure to obtain academic qualifications. Many people would be aware of the success achieved by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, a so-called university ‘drop-out’. The Economic Times introduced three more individuals who have achieved significant success despite abandoning formal education. Mumbai resident David Patrao has managed to establish MER Travels, a successful transport company without formal management training. Along the way, Patrao suffered the setback of a business closure but remained committed to his eventual success. P. Vishwanath arrived in Mumbai as a run-away from Kerala with little education built a successful company that sold electronic copiers and office equipment. P.Vishwanath later built an innovative plastic card company. Vincent Fernandes now operates Precision Industrial Fasteners despite leaving school at a youthful age. He told the reporter “I still regret the fact that I quit my education. But my experience has taught me what I think I could not have been taught in books or in management classes”. All of these individuals profiled in the story have achieved success despite minimal formal education. Although they express regrets about their lack of education, their strong commitment has led to their eventual success.
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Local success story part of inspirational conference
14th March 2007
The Star reported on the remarkable career story of Maribeth Achterberg who achieved success and respect against all odds. Achterberg’s presentation was part of a conference recently organized by Brunswick Community College called “Women Sharing Vision and Courage”. At the insistence of her father, Maribeth Achterberg spent two years at a religious college in Dallas. She would later marry and divorce. After her divorce, she needed to work in several casual jobs to survive and support her infant daughter. The article in The Wilmington Star described how these difficulties did not deter Achterberg from completing an undergraduate degree at Cardinal Stritch University. Achterberg would later gain postgraduate qualifications in engineering management at Milwaukee School of Management. Now Maribeth Achterberg runs a successful business consulting company, Verity Management Solutions, and has a happy marriage and enjoys all the rewards of her hard work, patience and sacrifice. Maribeth Achterberg told the reporter about her approach to success and the important lessons that she had learned. She had learned the importance of being herself and following her own dream. Her experiences had emphasized the importance of being bold and courageous, remaining focused and accepting important opportunities.
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Lights, camera …can I have a job?
2nd March 2007
By Wallace Immen
An article in The Globe and Mail discussed a recent trend for job seekers to employ video interviewing when searching for a job. The story described the experience of a candidate for a job vacancy that used video conferencing for the interview. A potential pitfall of use of video techniques highlighted in the story is a possibility of technical glitches. Despite this possibility, video conferencing is becoming more common in job interviews. There are predictions that the technique will become more widely adopted in the future. There are clear advantages for employers including the possibility to interview a wider range of candidates from different geographical areas. Technology is continually improving. Bart Mindszenthy, a communications advisor from Toronto, offered the following advice for job seekers using video conferencing technology. “A big difference is that, in a television interview, the encounter is only for a few minutes. A video job interview is a very long, intense encounter, which can last more than an hour and you have to be prepared to handle anything – but at the same time come across as relaxed”. Mindszenthy suggests that presentation and eye contact are even more important than in a conventional job interview. Rehearsal is also highlighted as important to interview success. The article contains a number of practical tips to improve the chances of success in video interviews.
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Mother tops the chartz with business award
8th February 2007
By Janaki Mahadevan
This article reported on one of the contestants for a UK national award for Inspirational Business Mother of the Year. The competition is organized by Prowess a group which promotes women’s enterprise support. Abiola Ajayi-obe, of Elstree, started SmartChartz, a business based on the production of incentive stickers for children. The objective of the business is to promote positive behaviour by children in exchange for treats and prizes. Abiola Ajayi-obe established her business in 2001 after leaving a career in healthcare management. She told the reporter how it all began. “I had lots of people telling me it was a fantastic idea and asking me to make them one. I went to a printers in Finchley to get more done and he told me to protect the idea and make it into a business. It has just snowballed from there”. Abiola Ajayi-obe added, “I’m thrilled to be recognized as an inspirational business mother and to have made the final of the award. Setting up and running my business hasn’t always been easy but I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved and would definitely encourage other mothers with a business idea to go for it”. The web address of Prowess is www.prowess.org.uk
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Youthful Entrepreneur Earns a Living From Computers
5th December 2006
By Chedza Simon
This story describes how Tuarai Mushonga, a 26-year-old Information Technology specialist has built a successful computer business in Africa. Despite his limited startup finance Mushonga has progressively developed a successful business model. One of the keys to his success and improvement has been an emphasis on customer service. “We only order computers as per our client’s specification and load them with software as per the client’s request so that we can supply them as a package”. Mushonga’s company also offers free after sales service in case of problems”. He added “We treat our customers like kings”. Turai Mushonga told the reporter how he came from a humble environment. “I grew up in a small village called Goromonzi where there were no computers. When I went to college I heard they were offering information technology courses. I liked the fact that after completion of the course, I could venture into a business to make a living out of computers”. How would Turai Mushonga explain his success? “Making such a penetration into the industry was out of hard work and perseverance which I attribute to my independent thinking mind”.
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Job seekers try sites with staff opinions on employers
9th October 2006
By Stephanie Armour
This intriguing piece describes how some job hunters are now turning the tables on their potential employers and conducting highly detailed background checks of companies on the net. Job seekers have recently been monitoring web posts from employees of many companies about diverse topics including salaries and company culture. Before accepting positions, jobseekers have recently been visiting sites like Jobster, Linkedin and Vault to learn more about the opinions of the employees of specific companies. A quite surprising amount of detailed information is available on some companies and this has provided an opportunity for some job seekers to reverse the role in their job hunt. According to Jason Goldberg, of Jobster “Before, it was finding an ad in a newspaper. (Now) you can meet the real people and get the inside scoop”. Steve Batisto, of staffing firm Anderson Philips Associates, urged caution and commonsense with using this type of information. “You can’t believe everything you read.”
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Big-hearted entrepreneur goes from hawker to owner
10th September 2006
By Thu Ngan
This piece introduces 24-year-old Nguyen Tuan Viet who has pursued his dreams and has brought hope to others as well. From humble beginnings, Viet has established a profitable enterprise which creates specialized wooden necklaces and now exports to many different countries. One of the features of his business, VIETgo Ltd, is the employment of people with disabilities. The company now has monthly revenue of US$200,000. Viet’s career path has been somewhat unconventional. He dropped out of university in his search for practical experience. Viet told the Viet Nam News reporter “Knowledge at university is purely theoretical – I wanted real experience”. He learned the finer points of producing necklaces during his teenage years. He set up a workshop at home and has never looked back. Viet was able to grow his fledgling business with the help of friends and now is active in e-commerce. One of the features of the enterprise is employment of people with disabilities. Viet commented “I’ve had difficulties in my life, and I sympathise with how hard it is for handicapped people to find jobs. I wanted to do something to help them”. He added, “The true business person is one who can open his heart to the community. I want to earn money, but I also want to bring happiness to others”.
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Neck injury gave Glatz new perspective on life
16th August 2006
By Kevin Callahan
The Courier-Post reported this interesting story of a career change. The article introduces 38-year-old Brian Glatz who broke his neck 15 years ago during a judo competition. At the time Glatz was a promising athlete and wrestler. Glatz was also building a promising career as a mechanical engineer with General Electric. Brian Glatz was paralyzed by the accident. At one stage it seemed possible that he might not walk again. In the years since his accident Glatz has recovered from his injury and has developed a new perspective on life. He has also changed careers and become a respected teacher. The story outlines how Brian Glatz has found fulfillment in a different role teaching kids. Glatz told the reporter about the aftermath of his accident and how his priorities had changed. “I looked at things differently. I wasn’t too concerned about accomplishments – I needed some fulfillment. I thought I could get that if I became a teacher and a coach”. In the decade since his judo accident, Glatz has become a respected sports coach. The article describes how he started as a wrestling assistant and a coach of freshman football and is now a varsity offensive line coach.
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Aberdeen payroll firm can count on global demand
13th August 2006
By Valerie Darroch
This fascinating piece describes the rapid rise of entrepreneur Alison Smith, of Aberdeen, Scotland. After many years of hard work, Smith is the managing director of Activpayroll, a payroll and employee tax business which now has operations in several countries. The article described how Alison Smith started from humble beginnings but has persisted and discovered a successful formula. Alison once worked as a door-to-door Avon Lady and as a teenager held several part time jobs. Alison started out in business with her father’s accounting firm after she completed college. Eventually, Alison Smith developed special expertise in payroll and made her own independent operation. She has never looked back. Smith’s company has grown and diversified rapidly. One of the features of the company is the average age of staff is only 30. Alison Smith told the reporter “Payroll used to be a female-dominated business but that is changing, although all my four team managers are female …I’m not afraid to say I am a career woman and I am very competitive and I am proving a point that as a woman you can succeed”. Alison Smith founded her company five years ago with only three staff and 60 clients. The company now has a turnover of several million dollars and has a staff of over 70. In 2005, the 36-year-old single mother was named Scottish female director of the year.
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Ethnic youth defy stereotypes with online help
18th July 2006
By Kim Hart
This useful piece provides some helpful advice for individuals from ethnic minorities about breaking down stereotypes in the workplace and pursuing non-traditional career paths. The story highlights how individuals from specific racial groups are often strongly pressured to enter a limited number of careers. Choices may be restricted by community and family members. The article describes how a web-based service, CulturalConnect is providing awareness about additional career options. The philosophy of CulturalConnect is that the definition of success is highly individual. The reporter spoke to Pooja Merai, a 20-year-old student, who said “It’s important that we know about these people so we feel that we can do the same. It’s not only doctors and lawyers out there”. The service now has readers in over 100 countries and the site has received over 3 million hits”. The address of CulturalConnect is www.theculturalconnect.com
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Imperial Holdings’ Lynch is the winner
12th June 2006
By George Skaria
South African entrepreneur Bill Lynch recently received an award from Ernst and Young for World Entrepreneur of the Year. This Business-Standard article described the career of this remarkable man. Bill Lynch arrived in South Africa from Ireland in 1971 during a recession. Lynch had received only a village school education and had lived in poverty in rural Ireland. Despite the difficulties he had experienced, Bill Lynch dreamed of a better life and a career in business. When he arrived in South Africa, Lynch found work in a car dealership that was experiencing financial difficulties. Bill Lynch was instrumental in the stunning turnaround in the fortunes of Imperial Motors. Within 2 years Lynch had gained a 10% holding in the company and his entrepreneurial career had been launched. In the following years the company grew and diversified into truck hire, logistics, car rental and leasing. The company Imperial Holdings currently employs 36,000 people and operates on three continents. Bill Lynch received his award at a ceremony in Monte Carlo.
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India trip inspires new venture for mum Emma
9th May 2006
Alan Plews
This inspiring story tells of the courageous decision by a single mother to establish her own business. Less than 6 months after starting, Emma Kelly is already looking to grow her new company. A few years ago 24-year-old Emma Kelly went to India for 6 months. She had previously worked in a series of different jobs. During her time in India, Emma discovered many beautiful craft products and quickly realized that she might be able to create a company retailing these products in her home country. She sought professional advice about her new venture and took the plunge. Emma Kelly told The Evening Gazette that she has no regrets. “My life has never been so fantastic”. In the future, Emma plans to open additional outlets and retail over the internet.
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A Tricky Turning Point to Marketing Success
6th April 2006
By Jamie S. Rich
Some people find career reward and success in surprising ways. This report introduces Tess Stobie, aged 36, who has built a successful career as a managing partner for a marketing and communications company in Russia. Stobie moved from London eight years ago and has never looked back. She told The Moscow Times that “My career was hugely unplanned and unfocussed, shockingly so”. For many years, Tess Stobie’s career lacked meaning or direction. She arrived in Russia in 1998 with her husband. On arrival, she knew little Russian but managed to secure work and establish her self in the capital. Stobie managed to find work with a Point Passat, a marketing services company. Soon after her arrival, a financial crisis hit the country and provided many problems. The story describes how her company survived the downturn and is now thriving. One of the keys to her career success has been an increasing appreciation and understanding of Russian language and culture. She learns more about her adopted country by “Hanging out with Russian friends, shopping in the markets, and the day-to-day business of life”.
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Success an individual measure
9th March 2006
By Matthew Hoekstra
The Richmond Review reported on an appearance by Andrea Shaw at a recent luncheon. Andrea Shaw has overcome a number of seemingly insurmountable obstacles to build a successful career. Shaw is currently vice-president of sponsorship, sales and marketing for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Games. Her inspirational speech focused on the importance of vision and passion. Andrea Shaw initially trained as a nurse and later changed careers to become a teacher. After a severe neck injury, Andrea Shaw was incapacitated for almost one year. She was forced out of her job by her injuries but used her knowledge and talent by started a consulting company. She has never looked back. The article described how Andrea Shaw stressed that success is highly personal. “Success is about reaching your destination. You and only you. Success comes in many forms and what is most important to recognize is there are champions in each and every one of us in this room”. She added that “Vision is the stuff of our dreams. Passion is the energy to make it real”.
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How to Remain Positive When Job Hunting
6th March 2006
By C. H. L. George
This thought-provoking piece provides some interesting observations for job hunters. A number of job seekers are discouraged by well-intentioned but ill-informed advice from family and relatives. The writer encourages people in the employment market to be bold and ambitious and not be put off by negative comments who limit ambitions. The article suggests that in order to succeed sometimes we need to overcome our fear of failure and that we need to be proactive in our search for a better job. A continuing commitment to the learning of new skills also improves our marketability.
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Looking for a job? Survey says: be sure to follow up
1st March 2006
By Karen Lazaruk
This story in The Airdrie Echo highlighted the critical importance of following up on job leads during a search for work. Many people are reluctant to make follow up phone calls after submitting a job application. The Airdrie Echo article discussed the results of the recent survey done by employment agency Robert Half International Inc. The results of the survey were quite interesting and perhaps surprising. According to the researchers, 86 per cent of employers polled agreed that contacting the hiring manager within two weeks of applying for a job is beneficial. Only four per cent of respondents said follow up was not needed. The article quoted employment counselor Marilyn Moffat who stated “If you are interested in a position, pursue it”. Moffat added “By calling back, you are setting yourself apart from the others”. In the article, Marilyn Moffat provided some useful tips for approaching a follow up phone call.
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Mid-level IT pros, can you clinch a better job deal?
23rd February 2006
By Laxmi Devi
This informative article provides some useful advice for information technology workers who are seeking new job opportunities. The article describes the situation in India but is equally applicable to IT professionals in other countries. The writer laments how many IT professionals seem to reach a plateau in their career and have trouble advancing further. According to the writer, a key to overcoming this situation is to manage your own career and become less dependant on the decisions made by others. The article provides several insights into how stagnation might be overcome. Some of the strategies include updating skills, setting goals, being passionate about our work and thorough preparation for job interviews. The article also highlighted the importance of networking and enhancing supportive relationships.
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How early should I start job-hunting?
19th February 2006
By Nick Corcodilos
This article in The Seattle Times explored the issue of when to begin a job search. The story was written by Nick Corcodilos, an author and employment adviser. The writer states that it is never too early to commence a search for a better job. He also strongly advocates using non-traditional approaches to job hunting. One important aspect of an effective job search is research and this requires both time and effort. The writer suggests that career development is an ongoing process. Nick Corcodilos wrote that by starting early on a job search, opportunities are increased.
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Alumna’s life inspires career in comedy
8th February 2006
By Lacey D.Mackey
Many people have hidden talents which offer promising and rewarding future career opportunities. This article introduces 40-year-old Susan Dale who has recently found a career as a comedian. Susan Dale, a mum, works at day jobs but at night entertains and brings a bit of laughter into the local community in Tulsa. She was offered an opportunity after impressing people with her sense of humor while working as a waitress in the Tulsa Comedy Club. Her performance is based around her real life experiences. Susan told the Kansas State Collegian “Life is good. Life is fun”. As a child, Susan Dale suffered from dyslexia and found laughter a good way to remain happy and positive. Susan Dale told the reporter “How do you survive life when you’re not like everyone else. I didn’t want to make fun of other people, so I would just make fun of myself”.
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Determination brings success
8th February 2006
By Brian Keithline
This article introduces a remarkable man who has built a successful career despite a life filled with adversity. Ethiopian-born Mekonnen Kidane came to the USA as a refugee in 1991. In his homeland, he had earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. When Kidane arrived in Atlanta, he had no passport, no money and no possessions. These difficulties have not stopped Kidane from finding success as a nurse practitioner in his adopted land. When he arrived in Atlanta, there were other practical difficulties. He told the reporter “I had a hard time communicating because of my different accent. Kidane added “I had to apply at the Social security office with an interpreter”. In those difficult days Mekonnen Kidane received support from a Catholic Church charity. Kidane quickly became self-sufficient. Soon after arrival, Kidane started work as a dishwasher in a local restaurant. Within a few years, he had returned to university. A short time later, Kidane retrained as a nurse practitioner. In the article, Mekonnen Kidane told The Tennessean reporter about his amazing life and experiences. “If you’re strong and hardworking, you can succeed”. He added “Look at me, I was the least someone can be. I didn’t have a single thing, not even a penny when I came here. Look at me now. You have to work for it”.
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Paper boy finds route to success
5th February 2006
By Patty Jessome
An article in The Edmonton Sun told the intriguing story of the rise of entrepreneur Moe Najmeddine. Najmeddine, aged 25, is the president of Cedar group Corporation and runs four businesses. He started out with a paper route when he was only nine years old. The youngster worked hard. He accepted extra work and quickly saved a considerable amount of money. Moe Najmeddine soon dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. At the age of 17 he started his own business. He was unable to secure a bank loan but was determined to succeed in business. Moe Najmeddine successfully published his first directory. “They told me I was too young. I proved them wrong”. His business has progressively grown and he now regularly publishes 5 popular magazines. Many of his publications promote positive community activities. The story provides a wonderful insight into the young entrepreneur’s business philosophies. He told the reporter about the importance of a bold and positive approach. “The world moves fast, and those focused on obstacles in life will lose focus on their goals”.
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Turn your passion into a livelihood? It can be done
5th February 2006
By Diane Mouskourie
Many people are unhappily trapped in unrewarding jobs. This thought-provoking story introduces some folks who have taken an opportunity to turn their passion into a career. The article in The Jacksonville Daily News describes how several women have become entrepreneurs and started businesses using their craft skills. Colleen Taylor started out scrapbooking several years ago. Colleen’s interest developed and she decided to open a business built around her hobby. “I didn’t have any previous business experience other than being a Mary Kay consultant”. Taylor described how the new career initially gave her a sense of freedom “I get to run the store the way I want to, offer the classes I want, and I can decorate the store completely the way I want to”. More recently she has become more aware of the responsibilities and obligations involved in running her own business. Overall Taylor’s experience has been a positive one. “I have a good customer base and I’ve made a lot of friends”. The reporter also spoke to Million Heir-Williams who started a home-based business about two years ago. Heir-Williams business is mainly concerned with design of wreaths for all occasions but also she performs other craft work. She has identified a market niche and believes that she can build a long-term success based on the idea.
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Dogged persistence puts Sandy on her career path
28th January 2006
By Sophie Fowler
Many individuals face daunting obstacles on the roads to achieving career success. This lovely story describes the determined struggle by 26-year-old Sandy Ypelaan to fulfill her life-long dream be a veterinarian. Sandy has finally gained admission to study veterinary science after years of rejection and failure. Sandy never lost sight of her dream. Ypelaan, who grew up on a farm, studied diligently and remained defiant in spite of her repeated failure. She was prepared to perform voluntary work with the RSPCA to gain valuable experience. She also accepted work as a veterinary nurse. After years of trying, Sandy Ypelaan finally gained acceptance to study Veterinary Science at Melbourne University. She told the reporter from The Examiner “It’s like a dream come true for me”. She added “I grew up on a farm and have always been around animals”. Sandy Ypelaan reflected on her long struggle to pursue her chosen career. “I was going to keep applying until they got sick of me and let me in”.
