How hard is to get a job in Jamaica?

Question

I am a Jamaican living in the US who would like to return to Jamaica after college. I am getting my degree in Business Administration but I would like to know more about the economy since I have not lived there for a while I am not that familiar but I know there has always been a complain about there are no jobs.

So how difficult is it to get a well paying job to live a decent life in Jamaica?

How do you think the Jamaican economy will be in the next 5 years?

Answer 1

The economy is experiencing sluggish growth and is expected to suffer an economic setback from damages caused by Hurricane Dean in August 2007.  The economy also faces serious long-term problems: high but declining interest rates, increased foreign competition, exchange rate instability, a sizable merchandise trade deficit, large-scale unemployment and underemployment. There is a 10.2% unemployment rate with 14.8% living under the poverty line.

Amnesty International  recently accused the government of doing nothing to combat inter-city violence, mainly in Kingston where these communities are left at the mercy of gangs.  This doesn't bode well for the economy and reflects the high unemployment and crime rate.

Answer 2

Getting a good job in jamaica is about social networking and being well qualified. Having a degree is one thing, but having additional skills that make you an unique asset to a specific type of company is the way to go.  Examples:

1. Being bilingual or multi-lingual. Spending 6 months in a foreign spanish speaking caribbean or south american country, for example, can be a MAJOR asset.  

2. Having real-world market, distribution or sales expereince (with evidence of your achievements).

3. Being knowledgable or having relavant experience in sports, entertainment or other popular activities.

4. Having the ability to organize large complicated projects (with evidence).  

With specialized skills, you move towards being a unique catch. Its also important to have patience and resources. if you want to move here and get a decent job immediately, be prepared to travel to and from Jamaica regularly just to socialize until you land the perfect contact.

The truth is that the state of the economy is not a PRECISE indicator of how easy you can get a decent job. The economy is dynamic and diverse. You always have jobs in Jamaica that pay you enough to buy a nice car and/or house in 2 years (or less), as well as jobs that will leave you living from 'hand to mouth'. The key is to position yourself for the kind of job you want.

Remember that when the economy is down, there are always investors and huge corporations looking to hire proffesionals who can carry them UP.