For many fresh graduates, the journey from university to the workforce can feel like a leap of faith. With degrees in hand, most believe that the next logical step is a smooth transition to a dream job. But in today’s competitive job market, a degree is no longer the golden ticket it once was. It's more like a visa—it grants access to the interview room, but from there, it’s all about the value you bring to the table.
A degree, while essential for getting your foot in the door, doesn’t define your career. Think of it as a prerequisite, much like applying for a visa to visit a country—it gets you past the gate, but it’s the skills, experiences, and personal qualities that determine whether you stay and thrive. As Hani Alahdal, a senior HR leader in Saudi Arabia, shared in a recent episode of BaytCast, it’s about what comes after that interview: your ability to demonstrate value.
In his early career, Hani transitioned from engineering into HR, despite not having a formal background in human resources. His engineering degree was his passport into the corporate world, but it was his adaptability, problem-solving skills, and hunger to learn that propelled him to senior roles. His story serves as a reminder to graduates that, while a degree is important, it’s not the end-all be-all of career success.
Employers are no longer just looking for a list of degrees and certifications on your CV. They are looking for candidates who can add tangible value to their organization. The key lies in showcasing your unique skills and experiences. Whether you’ve acquired specialized certifications, volunteered, or worked on personal projects, these are the things that set you apart from other candidates.
During the BaytCast interview, Hani emphasized that while a degree may land you the interview, the interview itself is an opportunity to demonstrate your adaptability, willingness to learn, and ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization. Employers are seeking candidates who can solve problems, drive innovation, and add value, not just those with the best academic records.
As you start your career, focus on the following strategies to make yourself stand out:
Develop Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are just as important, if not more so, than technical skills. These are the skills that help you connect with others and demonstrate your value in a workplace setting.
Focus on Continuous Learning: Whether through online courses, workshops, or self-study, showing a commitment to learning will always give you an edge. As Hani pointed out, your degree is just the starting point; it’s the ongoing learning that builds your career.
Build Real-World Experience: Internships, freelancing, and volunteer work provide real-world experience that can’t be learned in the classroom. This experience can help you bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, making you a more attractive candidate.
Seek Feedback and Adapt: Take every piece of feedback—whether from interviews, performance reviews, or mentors—and use it to improve. By being proactive about your development, you demonstrate a growth mindset, which employers highly value.
In the recent BaytCast episode, Hani shared how his initial job at Sabic wasn’t a perfect match for his engineering background, but he embraced the opportunity to grow in HR. His flexibility and willingness to adapt allowed him to leverage his engineering mindset in entirely new fields, eventually leading him to major leadership roles. Hani’s experience underscores the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable, especially when early roles don’t align with your degree.
You can watch or listen to the full conversation with Rabea Ataya, CEO of Bayt.com, and Hani Alahdal on YouTube or stream the audio on Spotify, Anghami, and Apple Podcasts for more insights into career transitions and navigating the job market.
Ultimately, your degree is just the beginning. It provides the foundation to enter the job market, but the real work begins when you start building your personal value. By continuously learning, adapting, and demonstrating your unique skills, you will prove that you are more than just your qualifications. You are a valuable asset to any organization.
Audit Your Online Presence: Make sure your Bayt.com profile and CV highlight not just your degree, but also your personal skills, achievements, and any certifications you’ve acquired.
Target Relevant Roles: Explore job openings on Bayt.com that align with your upgraded skills, and don’t be afraid to step outside of the traditional career paths suggested by your degree.
Network and Seek Mentorship: Build relationships with professionals in your field and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and advice as you navigate your career journey.
As you start your career, remember that your degree might open the door. Still, it’s your ability to continuously learn, solve problems, and add value that will ultimately set you apart. Embrace this mindset, and you’ll soon find that your career path is only limited by your willingness to grow.