the job market after eight years of studies abroad.

Swift has a Master of Science in rehabilitation counselling and wants to be a sex therapist.

Her area of interest is more specialised than most but like many other Bermudians, the 25-year-old has returned to an Island that imports much of its labour but has no work for her.

"I'm very frustrated in the job search,'' she said. "It's hard. I don't think I would have gone into it if I didn't feel there was some way down the road I would get work.'' But Swift, who one day hopes to return to Northeastern University in Massachusetts and complete a doctorate in sex therapy, said she doesn't regret her choice of studies. "It will pay off in the long run.'' The Devonshire woman also holds a Bachelor of Science in social work, another area in which Bermuda is producing more graduates than jobs.

Swift is not battling scores of applicants for scarce positions, but vainly trying to find an opening that matches her skills. She has worked as a volunteer at Agape House and can counsel people on how to live with AIDS and other chronic diseases. She could also help those returning to health after strokes or major surgery.

With expertise in human sexuality and HIV, Swift sees the counselling and education of Bermuda's young people as another area where she can fill a need.

To slow the further spread of AIDS, "sexuality has to be included'' in educating the young, she said.

Decision-making, self-esteem, relationships, abstinence, and safe sex are among the topics Swift covered in talks to college students over the last three years. She also talked to younger students about puberty.

"Some of the ideas I have around sex education involve doing workshops with the parents, before ever talking to the kids,'' she said. "What are the sore spots? How can I help them to communicate with their teens?'' She also could help couples bothered by impotence or other sexual problems.

Rehabilitation of sex offenders is another possibility.

"Bermuda's very conservative,'' Swift said. "I recognise there's a need to go slow. I'm not trying to charge in here and be the sex queen.'' She's considered opening her own practice. But with student loans to pay, she's worried about the cost. And she would prefer to work alongside others while gaining experience.

Swift has had one success in her job hunt. This fall at Bermuda College, she will teach a continuing adult education course in sexuality, relationships, and social issues.

"I'm not giving up on Bermuda,'' she said. "I want to give back to the Island some of the knowledge I've gained.'' SEPTEMBER 1993 RG MAGAZINE