Career guidance and counseling
Career guidance and counseling is defined as a planned and organized process aimed at helping trainees understand themselves, recognize their abilities, and develop their potential to achieve psychological, social, and professional harmony, as well as their goals, within the framework of Islamic teachings.
Recognizing its importance, a career guidance program was held in the college theater, attended by 150 students, and presented by Dr. Halima Al-Saeedi, an associate professor from the College of Sciences.
The program began with recitation of verses from the Holy Quran highlighting the significance of guidance and counseling, followed by a speech by student Lama Al-Shahrani. This was followed by a short play depicting the confusion and uncertainty graduates face when applying for jobs without prior planning.
Dr. Al-Saeedi then gave a visual presentation on how to utilize career counseling to achieve goals. She provided information about the labor market’s requirements, explained the importance of each academic department, and highlighted the opportunities available for graduates. For instance, a computer science graduate could pursue careers in cybersecurity, network engineering, or software management.
She also emphasized the importance of building a proper resume and its crucial role in job applications. Key steps include researching the employer, adhering to deadlines, preparing for interview questions, maintaining a composed state of mind, and relying on Allah, with full faith that sustenance is in His hands.
Dr. Al-Saeedi addressed common interview mistakes, such as unclear speech, not turning off mobile phones, and deviating from the discussion topic. She stressed the need for candidates to highlight their skills, such as proficiency in English, conference organization, or relevant academic qualifications, with certificates presented in reverse chronological order.
She also explained essential points to consider in resume writing, including mentioning work experience and providing contact details of previous employers. She highlighted the importance of carefully choosing impactful phrases like "worked," "researched," and "employed" to strengthen a resume.
Dr. Al-Saeedi advised avoiding personal details like date of birth, listing multiple email addresses, or using colors in resumes.
The session concluded with an emphasis on the vital role of career counseling. Following this, Dr. Al-Saeedi answered attendees’ questions, distributed brochures and gifts, and certificates of appreciation and gratitude.
