AUC Students Hopeful About Post-Graduation Job Prospects

by NADA EL GARHY AND MALAK ABDELKHALEK

A large number of AUC students say that they are optimistic about finding a job after their graduation because of the University’s standing, a JRMC 2201 survey found.

Many of the 76 students surveyed believe that employers recognize AUC students and prioritize AUC graduates because of the university’s reputation as Egypt’s top university with students representing the country’s elite.

Some students even said that their motive to study at AUC was its brand, rather than its quality of education, even if they had to pay more in tuition fees compared with other universities

In the survey, 71 students expressed optimism about their chances of finding a job after graduation from AUC.

“As AUCians I don’t think we can be pessimistic because in one way or another we are the select people in the country,” said Youssef Sabek, 20, a business junior.

On the other hand, many of the students surveyed believed that having strong connections is the best and most effective way to find a good job in Egypt.

A large number of students agreed familial connections are key to finding a good job in Egypt, or with the help of a family-owned business where a job is already secured for them.

Many students said that attending AUC actually enabled them to make connections that will serve them in the future.

“Getting a job here in Egypt is not based on education nor the name of the university, it is based on connections,” said Mayar Hassan, 22, a business major.

“Unfortunately, in Egypt you must have connections to get employed so I already expanded my scope of connections in the political field with some help from my family in order to find employment opportunities,” explained Laila Said Mardini, a freshman intending to declare political science.

Egypt’s economy has been in decline amid the political turmoil that followed the 2011 revolution. The gross domestic product after the revolution fell until 2016, when it slightly increased by $336 billion – the second highest in Africa – according to the World Bank.

The unemployment rate has also decreased according to an August 2017 Reuters report to below 12 percent for the first time since the revolution.

AUC students also feel that AUC offers a unique learning experience that will help them find jobs after they graduate. They believe that AUC has the best quality of education in Egypt.

Students in the survey said that AUC gives them access to majors and skills not available at other universities. They feel that some of the professors have great expertise in their fields, and are very passionate about their subjects.

Students also believe that being in AUC gives them an edge because of the core curriculum, which provides the opportunity to branch out and study subjects outside their majors.

“Coming from a liberal arts background definitely shapes a unique character that employers look for in AUC students,” said architecture major Omar Assem.

“Not to mention that it also helps expand and diversify one’s potential fields of work, hence increasing chances of getting a job after graduation.”

Students also cited the opportunities to join many campus clubs, which they believed helps develop important skills through having leadership positions.

“I have only been at AUC for three semesters and was able to join three different clubs, each offering different experiences which add to my character and prepare me for the work field when facing any obstacles,” said Dana Yasser, a political science sophomore.

Many of the pessimistic responses were focused on the fear of not finding a suitable job because of the student’s chosen major and the job market.

“Not all students from all majors will find a job, it is based on whether there is a high supply of labor or not,” said Youssef Elwi, a political science and economics junior.

He added that if the job market in Egypt is weak, “it wouldn’t matter whether I’m an AUCian or not.”

Some students expressed satisfaction with AUC services that assist graduates in the job searches.

The AUC Career Center not only tutors students in writing their CVs and preparing for job interviews but also offers internship and job shadowing services. Its CareerWeb is an online portal which allows students and alumni to apply for listed job opportunities.