The coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of millions of students, but university students have had an extra challenge. Finding a job in this new era in which businesses have closed down and new hirings are rare is a challenge even if graduates are able to finish their school through online education.
Graduates anticipate that employers may not prefer those having earned degrees through online education rather than attending class in physical classrooms. The online education during the lockdown did not allow the latest crop of graduates to accrue field experience or establish networks necessary to harness employment opportunities.
Aslı Görkem, 23, a recent law graduate, shares the concern that the lack of socialization may not allow her professional career to grow. “Establishing a network is one of the key elements of success in some professions, which is the case with me. I cannot achieve that through online means, as face-to-face interaction is everything for a lawyer,” she said.
Görkem said the choice to select either her health or her future employment as her top priority is giving her nightmares. “I have found myself in a vicious cycle where I cannot meet people, build a decent network and develop a reputation, which is the most important thing for a fresh graduate like myself,” she said.
Among all sectors, tourism was hit the hardest throughout the world during the pandemic due to flight bans and travel restrictions. Born in the southern city of Antalya in Turkey – often dubbed as the country’s tourism capital – Serhat Adak, 23, had set his goal at a very early age to become a guide for tourists. When Adak succeeded in finishing his education to realize his dream, the restrictions dried up tourist traffic.
“Even seasoned guides had a hard time finding jobs this year because of the outbreak. I was only able to find some occasional opportunities. Finding a job in this sector is now more difficult than ever,” he said.
