JEDDAH, 20 March 2003 — With only a few weeks to go for graduation day, many college girls eager to have a career are contemplating their options.
If it is difficult for male graduates to find jobs that match their degrees, it is even worse for female graduates. With limited college degree programs open for girls and limited job opportunities, many are not very optimistic.
“A bachelor’s degree is not enough any more,” said Sara, a student majoring in Islamic studies. “I want to get my master’s degree. It will give me more options,” she added. This is an idea many seem to have, but not all departments offer graduate degree programs. In addition, there are few facilities available for graduate degree students, “there are only two lecture halls for all faculty of Humanities graduate students, I don’t know how they can accommodate all of us who want to pursue our graduate degrees,” said Ola, a senior in Arabic literature. Even if they want to work as teachers after graduating — the best and sometimes only option available for many — they still have to complete two years of training to get their teaching certificate.
There is supposed to be a Career Day for graduating students where they get to know more about what job options are available, how to apply and what kind of skills and experiences they need to have. “I haven’t heard about it,” said Ola. “I know there is but I haven’t actually seen it or know anyone who has been to it,” said Rasha, also graduating this year. There are random posters in the buildings advertising for jobs in various private institutions and charity organizations, but basically the students are on their own.
