Uncertainty After the Graduation Caps and Gowns

The end of summer is in sight, and many university students from Alicante are already in the final stretch of their degrees, navigating through ideas for their final projects, deciding on specializations, and, most importantly, the question that will echo persistently in their minds over the coming months: 'What now?' . This question will accompany each of them until the end of the academic year, when the graduation cap is set aside and they face the threshold that separates university from the job market.

Universities such as Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) demonstrate a "firm commitment" to preparing students for the job market and consider it a priority. According to the Vice-Rector for Students, José Juan López Espín, UMH has a powerful tool to achieve this goal: the Employment Observatory, an entity that 'not only talks to companies but also organizes numerous events where these companies come to speak directly with students."

This link with the business world allows the university to adapt its programs and services to the real needs of the market, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared and that the gap between university and businesses is increasingly narrow.

David Monllor, a Law student at the University of Alicante, emphasizes, however, a certain "wall between business and university" and adds that "certain subjects are not applicable to reality and this should be changed immediately, apart from the lack of practical legal training." As for his path forward, David is clear: "pursue an enabling master's degree and enter the job market without dying in the attempt," stresses the Law student.

On the other hand, Omar Perona, a Graphic Design student, describes his university experience as "very positive," highlighting "the learning acquired over these last years as very enriching." Despite this, Omar shares Monllor's perception that certain practical aspects could be improved.

However, unlike Monllor, Omar has had more opportunities to apply his knowledge in the job market during his studies. "I have worked in positions related to my field before finishing my degree and have always found work relatively quickly, which gives me confidence in my future prospects," confesses Omar.

The Vice-Rector of UMH also emphasizes the importance of undertaking professional internships but warns "without neglecting studies." He notes that "depending on the career, internships can be much more important than in others," such as Journalism.

Some university students still do not know which path to take despite being in their final stretch. Such is the case with Javier Gómez,a Business Administration student at UMH who confesses that 'it has been a tough journey since the level was quite high." Javier will undertake internships in this final year. He remains positive but somewhat indecisive about whether to enroll in a master's program or not. "I still don't know which master's I will pursue or whether it will be public or private," shares Gómez.