We’re excited! This week we are introducing our new blog feature ‘International Gators, Calling the Swamp Home’.  We’ll be chatting with some of the most intriguing faculty, staff and students on campus who will share their experiences about landing a job outside of their country of origin or how they are preparing for the job search in another country.  Each person will be asked four questions about their experiences and insights that they would like to share.

Our inaugural post features Dr. Charles Bwenge who is a dynamic senior lecturer and program coordinator in African languages for the University of Florida’s Center for African Studies (CAS) and Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures (LLC).  Dr. Bwenge hails from Tanzania and has lived in the United States for the past 19 years. 

Four Questions for Dr. Bwenge:

1. How would you recommend Graduate students to explore majors and careers?

I recommend subscribing to professional websites, journals, and other publications. This worked very well for me throughout my career and I would highly recommend it.

Mtakuja Village, Moshi rural, Tanzania (June 2010) Field trip @ Local Knowledge & Climate Change Adaptation Project (LKCCAP)

2. What are three tips that students should keep in mind when job searching for a position in the U.S.?

1. Have a well written CV (ask your colleagues and professors to provide comments or visit the CRC for a review).
2. A well written career portfolio.
3. Maintain good relationship with your professors who eventually will be your references.

3. What was a challenge you faced during your U.S. job search, and how did you overcome them?

For me there were a limited number of job positions in my field. In this regard, a student can try to initiate the process by sending his/her CV to potential employers! Sounds a little bit fun!

AFLI 2013, conversational session (Swahili)

4. If you could go back and share with your college-aged self one piece of advice, what would you say?

I would tell myself to try to attend as many professional conferences/gatherings as possible in order to network with individuals in your profession/field.  Also, to do as many mock interviews as possible which may help you to improve self-presentation.

Thank you Dr. Bwenge for your valuable insight!

It is an honor to be featured on the blog that targets Graduate students at UF and I hope that you will find value in sharing my experience with you as you begin your job search process as a Graduate student. Feel free to contact me, at cbwenge@ufl.edu if you have any questions.

For more information about Dr. Bwenge, please visit his profiles at http://africa.ufl.edu/bwenge and at http://www.languages.ufl.edu/faculty/bwenge.html.

If you would like to be considered for an International Gators feature or know someone we should interview, please email Liz Kazungu at lizk@crc.ufl.edu.