Deployment Activated: My IBM Corporate Service Corps Assignment in South Africa

Thank goodness!

I’ve really neglected this blog over the past couple of years. I look  back on the posts and can clearly see, this blog was an outlet for me to process the passing of my father - which honestly, I’m not sure I’ll ever truly “process."

I’ve often thought over the past couple of years. about updating my blog, but with work and life, my writing has taken a back seat. 

So what brings me back to the blogosphere? Well, after five years at IBM, I’m finally deploying on my Corporate Service Corps assignment to South Africa. In fact, I’m typing this first post on the tail end of my first 12 hour flight - I have another eight hour journey ahead before I arrive in Johannesburg. 

To paint a brief picture for you - I’ve been sprawled out on a three-seat row, which thankfully I’ve had all to myself. But the wonderful couple in front of me, decided to recline all three of the seats in front of me, full extension, the entire flight - so I’m currently jammed between my seat and my laptop, with little room to see my screen. I’m not bitter at all.

So what is Corporate Service Corps? I’ve explained it in two ways to those who ask me - it’s like the Peace Corps for business - or more accurately, a pro bono work assignment in a developing nation.  In our case, we’re working in West Rand on a housing subsidy project. 

When I made the decision to come to IBM five years ago, it was not a decision I made lightly. It took hours-long phone calls with my Dad, discussing the pros and cons, weighing my options. Many of those phone calls ended in tears, as I struggled to leave my first job and take a chance with a enormous, international company. 

Photo I texted to Mom before takeoff 

There were many factors that led to me finally taking a giant step into the land of Big Blue, but one very big factor was the global presence IBM had and the opportunities I would have as an employee, to explore the world. Case in point - the Corporate Service Corps program, which I was keen to apply for the minute I was eligible (I basically held my breath for two years, waiting until I qualified for the program . . . just kidding, sort of). 

To have the opportunity to share my skills with others, to learn from colleagues from around the world and to immerse myself in a completely new and rich culture is a rare and exciting opportunity. As I collect my things and “prepare for landing,” I think I’m finally letting the weight of this experience begin to sink in. I’m nervous and anxious about the six weeks that lay ahead, but I’m so ready to dive in, head first. 

My goal is to blog throughout the journey - and hopefully, this will inspire me to get back to writing - please feel free to follow along. You can also follow me on instagram and twitter, where I’ll be sharing photos from our weekly excursions.

And now, it’s time to close all electronic devices and power down laptop computers - So, here we go!