Not idle until the ideal job: Graduates

Muscat: Graduates of today are not waiting for the ideal job; instead, they are building on their work experience and bringing in income.

The Observer spoke to different individuals who are building up their time and experience instead of sitting at home and waiting for a job offer.

According to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Oman’s system of higher education currently includes, in addition to government educational institutions, 27 private universities and colleges with an enrolment of some 35,000 students. Each year, more graduates enter the job market.

Sameera al Aghbari, a graduate in English Literature, is currently handling sales and customer services at a popular bakery. She is enthusiastic and energetic while dealing with her customers, but when asked about her ideal job, her quick answer is 'teaching'.

Although she graduated two years ago, she has been busy. She first worked on a contract basis promoting products, and when that was over, she acquired her current job. She has a goal she shared enthusiastically: “I want to earn and save to study 'Teaching Methods' at the University.”

Omar al Dhafari, a graduate in Mechatronics Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University, said, “I graduated from Sultan Qaboos University at the beginning of 2023. I am a job-seeker.” Omar did not wait around either. “I worked in a Medical coordination office for treatment abroad. The job title was Public Relations, but I did different jobs there. I worked as a driver, a representative, a translator for weekly articles, an advertisement designer, and a data entry person.”

Marwa al Hassani, a graduate in accounting, got involved in pottery during her waiting period. Today, she has teamed up with a business partner and opened a shop at Bahla Fort.

Not all situations have been easy. Another graduate tried a hand at food delivery in a company and found the experience not very positive due to rude customers. However, he has now secured a job related to his profession. The jobs in between not only provide income but also teach many lessons, say the skilled job-seekers.

“It is in my character to enjoy what I do. As a graduate in English literature, I love to read novels and poems. I am passionate about teaching. I have been waiting for so long to be a teacher. But there is a one-year course I need to take, and that is why I am working to save up for the course. I want to be independent and not trouble my family,” she explained. The current job in customer services has taught her many things in just four months, she said.

“I learned how to talk to people and, most importantly, how to deal with angry people. Show your mercy, that’s it. Calm them down and do not argue,” she pointed out.

Omar reflected, “My English has become better, my interpersonal and communication skills have improved, and I have learned more about how to use programs like Excel.”

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation conducts the graduate survey, which, according to the minister in a report by Oman News Agency, constitutes the first building block for aligning higher education outcomes with the needs of the labour market.

The Higher Education Graduates Survey is expected to serve several parties, including policymakers, decision-makers, higher education institutions, employers, and students expected to enrol in higher education institutions.

But the current trend among graduates is to be proactive and take up whatever opportunities they get while waiting for the right break.