After investing in their careers through years of studying and hard work, students face the reality of kick starting a professional line in the field they aspire to follow. Earlier today, ESO (European Studies Organisation) held a debate, "Graduated, now what?’, with the aim of discussing the job and working opportunities available to students within Europe.
Guest speaker Prof. Arnold Cassola started off the debate by distinguishing between the job salaries provided within European countries before 2004 and the salaries provided today. Since the entrance of the ten countries into the European Union in 2004, including Malta, the salaries have decreased in number since the ten candidates have not been contributors. Yet, he highlighted the fact that it is a full package, including the experience of opening one’s mind to life and culture outside of Malta.
With reference to his experience in Brussels, Prof. Cassola emphasised the importance of learning different languages when aspiring to working within the European Union, especially minor languages.
Prof. Cassola described the reality of working in the European Union after graduation and said that one must start as a stage. Students do not expect to find a highly paid job immediately after finishing his or her studies. Such students must be outgoing and capable of searching thoroughly all opportunities that are available.
The panel included various speakers who contributed to the discussion, including Brendan Zerafa, on behalf of JEF Malta, who emphasised the issue of youth unemployment which is higher than normal unemployment.
Dalziel Bugeja, representing TSA (Tourism Studies Association), stated that job opportunities continue to grow. Within the tourism sector, various openings are available, such as a specific program offered by the Hilton hotel for students who are to graduate. The idea of offering non-formal education to students was suggested by Tyler Cassar, a representative of KNZ (Kunsill Nazzjonali Zghazagh). He stated that the European Union might not fully recognise such skills, such as involvement in non-governmental organisations, and gives more importance to a certificate of graduation.
This idea of soft skills was also discussed by Ryan Falzon, who contributed on behalf of KSU. He stated that there should be vocational training centres for students to take up courses enhancing their informal education. Neil Smart Costantino, representing SDM, also gave importance to awareness. The experience does not only involve working abroad, but also living abroad. Julian Guillaumier, speaking on behalf of PULSE, also agreed that the opportunities are available, yet training programs would be helpful to push the students to pursue them.
The discussion then revolved around the areas of education and social and cultural restraints. Most of the panel agreed that the education system in Malta is to blame for the lack of encouragement to work within the European Union. Education is the bridge to employment and the local system of education may not fully provide for pursuing a future outside of our country.
Reference was also made to the Bologna Process, which Prof. Cassola described as a process of harmonisation. He mentioned the Pisa Report, which classifies Malta at a low level when it comes to basic schooling.
The discussion closed with a short message from MEP Dr. Therese Comodini Cachia who also mentioned the numerous employment opportunities available within the Union. With so many different perspectives laid on the table, the debate was very fruitful and informative as to the means by which we can pursue a future internationally and as to what careers are available within the European Union.
