“Previous experience is required”: 3 young people tell what it costs to get their first job in Guatemala

Home News “Previous experience is required”: 3 young people tell what it costs to get their first job in Guatemala
“Previous experience is required”: 3 young people tell what it costs to get their first job in Guatemala

In Guatemala, 7 out of 10 young people between 18 and 24 years old do not have a formal job. Behind that figure there are thousands of stories of young people who study, undertake and seek to get ahead, but who often encounter the same barrier, lack of experience.

Evatni Morales, 20, is a young Afro-descendant mother who, while caring for her son, is also pursuing another dream: to become a chemical engineer. To get ahead, he has worked independently since he was very young. She started selling brownies at school and then dedicated herself to baking. She also learned to braid braids and took nail courses, an activity she currently dedicates herself to along with the beauty area.

Every year, thousands of young Guatemalans like Evatni graduate from high school, finish technical courses or even go to university with the same goal: to get a job. However, when looking for a job opportunity, many come across the same answer: prior experience is needed.

The Guatemala No Se Detiene team collected 3 stories from young Guatemalans of the same age -20 years old- about how their first job was a highly challenging experience.

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