Volunteer work in AfricaWhat type of job are you looking for? Volunteer work in any English or French speaking countries as part of my gap year program. I am planning on doing medicine at university and I believe that working in a third world country would be a great way for me to spend my gap year. It would also give me invaluable experience for my later studies of medicine. What nationality are you? I have triple nationality: Swiss, British and Australian citizenship. What languages do you speak (and at what level)? I speak English (mother tongue) and French almost fluently. What country or area are you looking to work in and why? Any area in Africa, preferably one where French is spoken. I want to make a difference but do not wish to partake in any of the 'youth volunteer programs' as I believe that they are simply a service for 'poverty tourism' which simply allow young (and wealthy) people to feel better about themselves. I understand that work in these areas is no way as glamourised as it is by the suited representatives who come to my school and talk about working in 'real Africa'. I am enthousiastic and passionate about contributing something. What countries have you worked in? I am a student. What countries do you have a visa to work in? None as of yet. What field do you currently work in? I am a student. What fields have you worked in before? None as of yet. What qualifications do you hold? I will have gained my Higher School Certificate in October this year. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? I personally believe that formal education is essential for establishing an educated society and that this is imperative in the long term for an emerging country on the world stage. However, on the other hand, in the long term, many conflict-ridden and third world countries have a more immediate need for basic infrastructures such as transport, housing and health services. Therefore, skills are as important because they are needed for a country to develop and also provide jobs, thus improving the economy. Describe the benefits of working with others Working with others, for me, is one of the most rewarding things that I do. The sense of union and mateship is enriching and often, by working as a team, much more can be done as a group effort. One can lean on one's teammates much more. A strong bond is established through working together and one can meet friends that become those for life. The ability to work with others is an essential life skill as it is one that is tested constantly throughout one's life. Describe the benefits of working alone Working alone, on the other hand, can also be particularly rewarding. One does not have to rely so much on others and therefore there is less chance for dissappointment. There are also no issues with communication, which can limit the effectiveness of working in a team. You know your own capabilities and often this means that your goals and aims can be more realistic and achievable. What was your worst working experience? My worst working experience was at a private hospital in Sydney. It was part of the mandatory school work experience and the person who was supposed to be showing me around was not at all helpful. I was supposed to be 'shadowing her' throughout her days as an anethesist but she never would tell me her plans for the day, despite my repeated asking. I ended up spending most of the time in the emergency department, and luckily I found that very informative. What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? I cannot exactly say that I have yet to have a career, although I certainly aspire to learn many important lessons during mine. However, a life lesson that I have learnt so far is that if you have a goal, you must never lose your determination despite the discouragement of others. When it becomes hard and challenging, I always take a step back and recall what it was that I had set out to do in the first place. This works for me. What unique skills do you have? I am able to do a cartwheel, but somehow I don't think that this is what you mean. I have been told that I am a very good people person, and that I have strong skills in speaking and dealing calmly with stressful situations. (This must have come from my time working in the most busy cafe on the most busy street in Sydney where for some reason the customers were always grumpy). I also can speak French and a little German and Italian, having grown up for a time in Switzerland. I have been exposed since a young age to many parts of the world, and have a drive to explore as much of it as possible. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? My dream job would be working as a medical professional as part of Medecins sans Frontieres, or another organisation. I do not desire to work in this field for any reasons of self-gratification, simply because I believe that one has such a short time on earth that it is useless to spend it doing anything else than something that will change the lives of other less fortunate people. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? I am not sure yet. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? I am, again, not sure yet. You have no skills, as yet, and no tertiary education. Why do you think that potential employers should consider you? I would completely understand an employer's decision to pick a skilled or educated candidate over me, in fact, I would probably go for them too! But I believe that I have the enthousiasm, passion and endurance to be able to make a significant and positive contribution to the lives of people and a community (regardless of how small)in a country where there really is need for it. I am quick to learn, easy to get along with, capable of bouncing back after setbacks and able to handle difficult situations. I love to face challenges, both alone and as part of a team, and would take such adversities head on, putting everything I had into achieving what I set out to do. How can potential employers contact you? I can be contacted via email at jillianneve@hotmail.com or via mobile phone one 0061401745737. my address is 36 Hopetoun Street Paddington 2021 NSW Australia | 
