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Al-Zaieem answers all your questions about Egypt. Ask him your question here
OK PEOPLE, gather round and listen up. This is important. Now Al-Zaieem is
(fortunately for you all) wise and benevolent. However he is NOT a
licensed career counselor. Nevertheless, of the vast sacks of mail which
flood Al-Zaieem's mailbox each day, an increasing number seem to be
from curious overseas Egyptians or first-generation folks thinking about
returning to Egypt and wondering about the job market.
Below is a collection of letters from potential returnees. Al-Zaieem will do
his best to address your concerns, but for a decision this big, you'd better
do a lot more research than just writing to me.
A few brief tips for potential jobseekers before we get on to the individual
letters:
*Get your languages in shape: Real bi-lingualism (as in the ability to work
professionally in both languages) is very marketable. You returnees and
first generation kids have a natural advantage. Even those of you with
shoddy Arabic can pick it up quickly if you're not lazy.
*Don't worry about lacking experience: Cairo is a great place to learn
something completely new. If you're coming from overseas (especially if
you've got Arabic) employers will offer you jobs and responsibilities that
you're not even remotely qualified for and could never get in the States.
*Don't be afraid to come without a job: A lot of the most effective
job-hunting in Cairo is done on the ground through word-of-mouth. So don't
necessarily sit around and wait until you have a firm offer in hand before
coming. Do your homework and make your contacts from overseas, but don't be
afraid to just take the plunge and figure the details out when you get here
and start meeting people.
On to the letters!!
Mr. Al-zaieem,
alslam alkoum.
I an Egyptian American that raised in America since the age of 10 YRS
old, I'm 38 YRS old now.
I'm chef by trade and love for food, but not over weight. I have great
experience and education in computer software and the internet.
I have been visiting egypt for the past 28 YRS, i never stayed their
more then two weeks. Now that you know my BIO. here it the question
what kind of career opportunities is their in egypt for me? will i be
able to maintain the kind of life the an average person experience it
in the U.S.A.
How can i find about job opening in egypt?
One place to start would be the Egyptian Chefs Association. They can be
called or faxed at 20-2-362-7217. Unfortunately they don't have a
website. For technology and computer related jobs, try the jobsearch
websites listed at the bottom of the column.
Dear Al Zaieem,
My name is Dina Osman. I was born in Australia and lived here all my
life. I do speak Arabic but it's limited when it comes to complicated Arabic like
the news etc. However I don't read or write Arabic. I am coming to Egypt
in
January and I would like to look for a job. I have a background in
television -- I
am a production manager for television in Australia and I also work as a
Marketing coordinator/Manager radio as well.
I wanted to know what the likelihood of me getting a job in Egypt
Cairo or Sharm El Sheikh. I have two children -- 5 and 9 years old. I am a single mum so I have to be careful of everything.
So my question is do you think I would find a good job relating in the above
area or
similar. I would be looking for the end of next year. I hoping to
investigate my
options and possibilities in January so I can have some commitment of a job
for
next year.
Please advise me.Many thanks your help is appreciated.
Cheers,
Dina Osman
My advice is to definitely at least come on a reconnaissance mission—which
is what you're already planning. Overseas working experience in a field
carries weight in the local job market. Good luck and let Al-Zaieem know how
it goes.
I am an Egyptian American, born and raised in the States to
Egyptian parents. I am in the editing/writing field, and I am thinking
of moving to Egypt next year, Insha'Allah. Can you provide any tips for
quality publications/companies that would be interested in someone (with
experience) like myself?
Eagerly anticipating,
Nancy,
Houston, Texas
As Al-Zaieem has mentioned in a previous session, the English writing and
editing field in Cairo is particularly wide open. Come join us, Nancy.
One last note for job-seekers: There are a couple of active Egyptian
job search websites out there you can check out. They let you post your CV
for free and look through openings posted by recruiting companies. See what
you think.
www.skill-link.com
www.careeregypt.com
www.bayt.com
Also, Al-Zaieem's loyal subjects are all encouraged to write in if they have
any job-related advice of their own. If it meets the strict Al-Zaieem
standards for wisdom, it'll be posted. Any job search success or horror
stories that you think would be enlightening to the masses would also be
appreciated.
Did you like this article? Send your comments to comments@cairolive.com
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