The young Iraqi man, Abdulrahman Al-Shallal, faced a challenge that many graduates can relate to – not being able to find a job that matched his degree. After completing his studies in Computer Science at the University of Baghdad in 2013, he found himself unable to secure a position in his field and had to continue working at a bakery in Baghdad, where he had worked during his studies to support himself.
The Bakery Journey
Since entering university, Abdulrahman, who was 28 years old at the time, had worked at a bakery in Baghdad to afford his textbooks and other essentials. He had hoped to find a good job in Iraq after graduation and to have his skills recognized, especially since he was among the top students in his class.
However, after graduating, Abdulrahman was shocked to find that there were no opportunities available for him. No institution seemed interested in his qualifications, and he was forced to continue working at the bakery.
He recalls how, in the bakery, he kept encouraging himself by repeating his dreams that one day he would find a job in his field. Although he respected his job at the bakery, which provided his daily bread, he did not want the years of study and effort he had put into earning his bachelor’s degree to go to waste.
A Friend’s Perspective
Abdulrahman’s friend, Ali Khalil Ibrahim, a 26-year-old, describes him as an ambitious young man with a high level of education from a modest family. While working and studying, Abdulrahman would often talk about his desire to secure a job. Despite applying multiple times for jobs in Iraq without success, Abdulrahman decided to look beyond his country and sent applications to various companies in other countries, hoping for the opportunity that eventually came.
A New Beginning in Austria
During his time working in the bakery, Abdulrahman would wake up every day at 4 am, pray, and head to work with a sense of determination. He would constantly think about his degree and ask God for a chance to find a job that matched his qualifications. Those dreams never left his mind, even as he worked with dough in the bakery. He envisioned his future and believed that anyone who wrote down their dreams and persisted would eventually achieve them.
Abdulrahman focused on improving his English, translating his certificates and experiences, and learning how to market himself. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, he learned from his mistakes and perfected his approach when contacting companies through emails. Eventually, one of the Austrian companies responded positively, offering him the chance to work in his field.
Abdulrahman’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence, self-belief, and adaptability. Despite the challenges, he never gave up on his dream of working in his field, and through hard work and dedication, he was able to make his dreams a reality.
