A New Zest for Work, Thanks to Zambia Assignment
For Mari Gordon, Head of Publications at National Museum Wales, it was reaching a crossroads in her career that lead her to apply for the International Learning Opportunities Programme.
“Like many people who’ve been in their job for several years, I was starting to wonder if it was challenging enough for me and if I was still giving my best; or if it was time to make a career move into something new and more stretching!” explains Mari. “I love the Museum, but I was seen as my job title and people were unaware of the additional skills I could offer – why would they? I hadn’t had the opportunity or the confidence to show them.”
Her seven week placement in Zambia saw her developing a communications strategy and action plan for the Civic Forum for Housing and Habitat.
Formed in December 2007, the Civic Forum brings together twelve like-minded NGOs and community organisations from across Zambia. Together they want to ensure that marginalised groups have access to decent and affordable houses.
Mari’s work has helped to bring the partners closer together and enabled them to start to spread the news about the excellent work they do far and wide across Zambia, and beyond.
The ILO application process is deliberately in-depth. It requires you to really think about the transferable skills and personal qualities you have that will benefit groups in the emerging world.
“I saw the advert for the ILO programme three times on the PSMW website before I plucked up the courage to apply,” admits Mari. “It was an arduous process and hard to look at yourself as a ‘commodity’. But then, if you’re put off at this stage, you’re unlikely to enjoy the real challenges that lie ahead... It makes you question what you’re all about – not just work-wise but also on a personal level and I had last minute jitters right until I landed in Zambia. It was then that I realised that I had this amazing opportunity to get out of the rut I’d found myself in and demonstrate the skills I have to my colleagues – and myself. It sounds like a cliché, but I found more of myself too. Since my return, I am a more rounded person; proud and thankful to have been given the space to shine.”
The ILO programme is designed to stretch leaders from across Wales, giving them the chance to share their skills and expertise with overseas partners before returning with an international perspective and a renewed enthusiasm and confidence.
“Back in my day job, I am no longer dissatisfied and looking for the next step. I have been able to demonstrate to my employers that my experience is considerably more than my job title suggests. I have sought – and been given – more responsibility and have brought a new perspective to my everyday tasks. In return, the Museum has a more motivated employee, who relishes challenge – all for minimal outlay in terms of time and money on their part. They are proud of what I achieved out in Zambia and what I now feel capable of now I’m back.”