Never Forget your Dreams

Although millions of young people globally are searching desperately for a job there are many who have bucked the unemployment trend and have successfully taken their first step on the career ladder. 

Here are what some African youth are doing to overcome unemployment challenges

Bruno Menzan, 30, human rights consultant, Dakar, Senegal

'Do not get discouraged by failure and  keep trying'

 

Bruno Menzan is a full-time consultant for human righ

I was interviewed for around 10 of the many positions I had applied for. But I think when you fail to be shortlisted for roles, it does make you question your capabilities and skills.
There were also lots of obstacles I had to face. My home country - Ivory Coast - was going through a civil war and so I would be being interviewed over Skype while there were bomb blasts going off in the background. My priority was finding a good job while caring for my daughter. For me it became an issue of survival.
Don't just look for paid roles - volunteer or intern in order to get an insight into a professional environment and structure your CV so that it highlights your accomplishments and talents.
Do not get discouraged by failure and keep trying. Learn from your unsuccessful attempts.

Anthony Kogi, 23, technical support, Nairobi, Kenya

'Keep on trying and if you have to settle for an internship, do it to gain experience'

Anthony Kogi 

After university I sent out a bunch of applications and dropped off my resume at offices all over Nairobi. I also did a lot of networking. Although Kenya has a high rate of unemployment, I chose not to give up.
I bumped into my current employer one day and handed him a copy of my curriculum vitae on the off-chance he needed somebody. A day later he called me. I was first an assignment research assistant but am now working in technical support.
This is a small start-up company but it's giving me the experience I need.
I would say keep on trying and even if you have to settle for an internship, do it so that you at least gain experience.