April 28 , 2009

Bethlehem University hosts 15th annual career day
By Mohamed jubran (bu'09)

This June Bethlehem University will graduate a record number of students, releasing more than 500 eager graduates into the local job market.

Many of these graduates will be searching for work in an ever-decreasing pool due to the many economic constraints of the illegal Israeli military occupation. 

It is for this reason that Bethlehem University’s annual Career Day is so important. 

This year, on March 19th, the University held its 15th annual Career Day, which was organized by a committee representing different faculties and departments, and coordinated by the Counseling Office.

The event saw students converge on the auditorium to meet potential employers representing the various sectors of the local Palestinian market.

More than 300 students met with 40 different organizations from the public and private sectors, including banks, hospitals, schools and non-governmental organizations.

As well as providing students an opportunity to meet potential employers, the event also gives local Palestinian businesses a chance to advertise themselves to the student population, particularly graduating students.

Mrs. Mary Sabella, Bethlehem University’s Student Counselor, opened the day, noting: “We have organized this special day as well as other workshops to provide senior students with training in CV writing and job interviewing techniques to help them market themselves. Bethlehem University cares about this day because it provides an important opportunity for students to find a job.”

Senior nursing student Mohammad Qatamish said: “I think there was a good variety of institutions included in the career day. I believe that it was a good opportunity to introduce ourselves to institutions, and to sell our skills, on the other hand, it give us a feed back about how to introduce ourselves to future employers.” 

Another fourth-year nursing student, Milad Azar, said he came to Career Day with one objective in mind: “To secure a job after graduation.”

Milad said he submitted his resume to several different organizations and he was hopeful he would hear from them. 

“I appreciate the opportunity for students to find future jobs,” he said. “I hope I’m one of the lucky ones who gets one.”