Issue 64, Almohandis Magazine, Bahrain Society of Engineers (Read Article)
The Largest Public Speaking Conference in MENA
“You will be the Chairperson to the humorous speech contest.” I read those email lines and I jumped into a happy dance! YAY ME! I was thrilled and privileged to be selected as a Chairperson for the largest Speaking Conference in MENA, DTAC 2017.
A sudden rush of nervousness stopped my happy dance. Standing in front of an audience of proficient speakers and prominent Toastmasters was frankly a scary thought. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, I was also expected to be funny while being among the top humorous speakers of the region. ‘You can do it, Zahraa’ I told myself. I had to dust off my self-doubt and pull out some belief reflecting back on my experience. I reminded myself that I just won seven trophies within my first five months of joining Toastmasters, that must count for something, right?
On the day of the event, I put on my new lipstick and same old smile, and I took a deep breath telling myself that I’ll just have fun. I stepped on the stage with my cheat sheets in my hands, ready to show what I practiced. I started delivering what I rehearsed until the contest’s Chief Judge approached the podium and told me to stop and wait because one of the judges is not in the hall yet. Suddenly I found myself facing the audience’s puzzled eyes with no cheat sheets to answer from. Those seconds of silence felt like ages. “Have fun“, an inside voice reminded me. A moment later, I found myself casually speaking, cracking jokes, certainly having so much fun.
It was an altering moment when I decided to stop worry and enjoy my time instead. We always need to remember to clear out our doubts with some self-belief and a lot of fun.
Job hunting & dating are more alike than you think
Written by Zahraa Dagher, as featured on Majra.me
Job hunting is pretty much like dating. You put yourself out there in hopes of finding the perfect match. So how do job hunting and dating relate?
1. Great Things Take Time
Job search is not a one-night-stand. Finding a job – or at least the one you want to work in – takes time. Keep in mind that there are employers and recruiters who need to process your application amongst thousands of others before you actually land the job. This process can take a couple of months.
2. Go with the flow.
Keep an open mindset towards all opportunities and be willing to compromise. You never know, that job you are eliminating might lead you to a new unfound talent.
3. Relax; you’re not putting a ring on it.
You might be hesitant to even apply for that job because you don’t know if it’s the right one for you. But hey, you are not “exclusive” yet. There is always a probation period that you can experience the job in and then if you’re not feeling it you can break it off.
4. Make it a priority.
If you are not in the lookout on a daily – or at least weekly – basis, you will miss out on many great opportunities.
5. Consider blind-dating
Use the right search mediums. I like to check GDN’s classifieds section and the new results on Indeed, LinkedIn and of course Majra. You might also take advantage of your friends and network. Think of it like blind-dating – they could open your eyes to offers that you didn’t even consider.
The Bottom Line
Don’t let the idea of being unemployed haunt you. Job-hunt; there is something out there for you. Also remember, you are not alone. We have all been there. While it lasts, enjoy the thrill of the chase.