On 29 August 2013, a Get Together for Job Seekers was organized by several OWIT Lake Geneva members. The central question was “What can you do to make a positive impact on your job search?” Four topics, hosted by four guest speakers, formed the basis for discussion in groups: 

• Knowing yourself
• Targeting your market
• How to network
• DO's and DON'Ts of successful networking

Just like all the other participants, I left the evening feeling very inspired and motivated to start creating my own profile and vision. At the same time, though, I realised how difficult it can be to go through such a process on your own. That is why I took the initiative to organise Follow Up Sessions for Job Seekers: by exchanging information and experience we learn from each other, we motivate, support and inspire each other.

Follow Up Sessions for Job Seekers
Twice a week we meet in Geneva. One is what we call a “homework” session, which means that we agree on a topic prior to the session so we can all prepare the homework. During the session, we discuss the process we went through and the obstacles we came across while doing the homework. As we all have different backgrounds and work objectives, this leads to interesting discussions and cross-over fertilisation!

The other weekly session is more informal. The focus is on the exchange of experiences, knowledge, tips, upcoming events on networking or job hunting, etc. It can be quite invigorating to be talking to women who are going through the same process as you - most of us feel uplifted, revived and refreshed afterwards! 

The group atmosphere is an open and genuine one. There are no experts; we are all keen to help each other and to learn from each other. Such an exchange can shed a different light on how you view yourself and your strengths, which you would not have been able to do on your own.
On certain topics we call for help from external experts, using our group’s network; we are about to have expert advice on how to set up and use your LinkedIn profile in a professional and effective way.

Practical information

• Every Monday from 13.30 till approx 15.30 at the Migros restaurant at Balexert in Geneva: “homework” session.
  
• Every Thursday from 10.30 till approx 12.00 at the Migros restaurant at Balexert in Geneva: “informal” session.
  

The topics are announced on the OWIT Lake Geneva Forum. You will need your username and password to log in to the OWIT website.

I usually send out an email asking to confirm your attendance the day before a session. This is in order to ensure a minimum participation of two persons the following day. There is no obligation to attend every session every time, the choice is totally yours. The sessions are open to women and men, OWIT members as well as non-OWIT members.

If you would like me to add you to my group distribution list for these emails, then please let me know. And of course, please do contact me in case of any questions etc. via howsamscg@hotmail.com.

And last but not least, if you are interested in setting up something similar in the Lausanne region, then I am more than happy to help you!

Saskia Howsam