UBD students seek job opportunities at Convocation Festival
By Syafiq Affendy & Rohani Hj Abd Hamid

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, yesterday opened the Convocation Festival in a ceremony held at Universiti Brunei Darussalam's (UBD) Chancellor's Hall.

The Convocation Festival is an annual activity not only to celebrate the occasion before the actual convocation day, but it is to bring UBD closer to society and instil the spirit of self-belonging.

It is an effort to raise the desire of every individual to become a part of UBD in developing it, upgrading its image, and to support and assist it in all aspects.

During the event, the Bulletin had the opportunity to interview several students who will be having their convocation this year.

Mohd Khairul Ikhwan bin Jamil, who holds a Bachelor of Syariah degree said: "The festival is good for every graduate as we have the opportunity to seek job opportunities and at the same time introduce UBD internationally.

"For me I would like to look for a job in both public and private sectors. That's why during my semester holiday, I worked at a cyber café and tuition school to gain experience and help reduce my parents' financial burden," he said.

Meanwhile, Hj Muhd Yusruddin Hj Yahya, also a Bachelor of Syariah graduate said: "Although we have received our qualifications, we still have to wait for one or two years to get a job, as nowadays the job market is very competitive. Additionally, there are many undergraduates already, so I would like to pursue a Masters degree."

Ak Shahizwan Shahril Pg Ahmad and Nur Fadhilina Hj Md Kassim, who both hold BA in Education, said: "We have to be self-employed first while waiting for job opportunities to come. To all youths, we advise them to study hard for their future as jobs are not easy to get nowadays."

Saiful Asmawi Abdullah, a fourth year undergraduate who is going to graduate next year, expressed his appreciation for UBD's efforts in organising the Convocation Festival as the companies which are participating in the festival have shown numerous and attractive job opportunities.

"I have initially planned to look for a job with the government. However, after viewing the booths here, I must say that I'm really interested in looking for a job in the private sector. I'm eyeing for a job at the Royal Brunei Technical Services because of the equipment and military-related machines that I potentially may handle. I never even knew about their existence until today!" he said enthusiastically.

More and more graduates are now realising His Majesty's call to not be choosy with jobs or careers, and this was apparent when the Bulletin came across three students who shared similar views about landing a career in the private sector.

The three students - Nee Lin, Aimi Akmal Hj Massod and Victoria Nicole - all agreed that there will be better chances for them to gain self-development and experience, all of it at an accelerated rate compared to working in the government sector. They believe that private sector has now become more competitive and they are looking forward to be a part of it. - Borneo Bulletin (17th Oct 2008)


close