What type of job are you looking for?
A position in Panama teaching English language skills to Spanish-speaking persons, preferably adult, business-oriented people. Either as a consultant to a commercial organization or as an independent freelance.
What nationality are you?
Dual, Canadian / British
What languages do you speak (and at what level)?
English (native language, University graduate) Spanish (fluent, spoken and written, 40+ years' experience) I have assisted a professional translator in Panama with translation for the Panama Canal Authority, ACP. Minor ability in French and Portuguese.
What country or area are you looking to work in and why?
Preferably Panama or a nearby country, e.g. Costa Rica. I worked in Panama in 1996-97 and made many friends. Since then, I have visited the country 2-3 times per year. I don't really consider it a "foreign" country.
What countries have you worked in?
Canada, U.S.A., Peru (twice), Honduras, Chile, Mexico (twice), Panama, Bolivia.
What countries do you have a visa to work in?
Mexico
What field do you currently work in?
Mining engineering
What fields have you worked in before?
Real estate management (Apartment buildings)
What qualifications do you hold?
University degree (B.A.Sc.) in Mining Engineering from U. of Toronto
Recently graduated from the 60 hour Global TESOL College diploma course in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in Toronto
Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why?
In order to succeed in any particular endeavour, I believe that a combination of both is necessary. One without the other would leave a person with deficient qualifications.
Describe the benefits of working with others
Teamwork produces results that reflect the combined talents and experience of the different participants. Although this leads to a broader appreciation of any particular problem, it can also be a pretext to avoid individual responsibility.
Describe the benefits of working alone
The work is done at a pace set by the individual concerned, without any pressure being applied by a group. There is more opportunity for a person to bring to bear his individual thought processes on a situation, especially since he will be aware of his sole responsibility for the results.
What was your worst working experience?
Working under a mine manager who had limited practical experience and relied considerably on management theory in books. This led to numerous unpleasant arguments and disagreements, especially as I felt my own background was more applicable to the work than his own.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career?
To operate generally in accordance with my own work experience and beliefs and not be overly influenced by the opinions of others if I considered them to be incorrect. That should not be interpreted to mean that I would never take good advice if offered.
What unique skills do you have?
I would hesitate to describe any talents I may have as "unique". I am sure many other persons have similar abilities. I believe I have a superior mathematical capacity in problem-solving. Also I have developed a command of the Spanish language over the last 40+ years.
What would you consider as your 'dream job'?
A senior executive position, President or Vice-President, say, in a Latin American capital city. However, at this stage in my career, that may be unrealistic, so I would say a position in Panama tutoring Spanish-speaking executives in the English language.
What are the most interesting aspects of your field?
The ability to identify problems, decide on solutions and implement them successfully.
Also, being able to travel extensively to various parts of the world as part of the job.
What are the least interesting aspects of your field?
The necessity to become involved with Government bureaucracies in order to obtain permits, authorizations and other official documentation.
Why do you want to embark on this career change ?
I have reached a stage in my career where the mining industry no longer drops six-figure jobs in my lap automatically. I would like to get into something a little less strenuous, compatible with my skills and abilities as mentioned above.
How can potential employers contact you?
Vernon E. Smith, P.Eng. Mailing Address: PMB# 239, 1305 N. Grand Ave. NOGALES, Arizona 85621, U.S.A. Telephone numbers (Mexico) +52-632-322-0519 (residence) (Mexico) +52-1-632-318-5260 (cellular) E-mail: panamine@hotmail.com
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