Context and Educational Journey
I am Arsh Jacob. I come from a humble background in Pakistan. Currently living in Lahore, Punjab, I went to a Government School and completed my matriculation there. I did my FSC Pre-Medical from ILM Group of Colleges. Even though I was never interested in medical studies, I still chose it due to family pressure.
Have you ever experienced the same kind of pressure in your life?
It turned out to be a great learning experience, and I was able to gain a lot of knowledge. While studying medical, I enrolled myself in a General English course at ICD (Institute of Career and Development). I realized that I was enjoying this subject far more than any other. This became a turning point in my life.
I Decided to Pursue a Degree in English Language
After that, I enrolled in BS English Language and Linguistics at the University of Management and Technology (UMT). UMT offered courses tailored to my interests and provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field.
I also joined reading clubs and found myself deeply interested in fiction and fantasy literature. From there, I knew it would be great for me to pursue this field academically. Another reason for choosing this degree was my love for books since childhood.
Truth be told, I am a great fan of Oscar Wilde, George Orwell, and Khaled Hosseini. I believe reading is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to discover new ideas, cultures, and perspectives.
During my undergraduate studies, my family faced a financial crisis, because of which I had to support myself and manage my tuition fees independently.
Opportunities Out of Reach
That was the most crucial and difficult phase of my life.
I came across numerous opportunities that turned out to be out of reach because of my educational background and lack of experience. Many employers prefer candidates with higher qualifications, such as a Master’s degree or prior experience. As a result, many jobs I was interested in seemed impossible to attain.
I had no choice but to compete with hundreds of other qualified candidates for a single opening. It was disheartening to see opportunities slip away because I did not meet the required criteria. At times, it made me feel like I was not good enough.
I believe many students experience the same emotions and frustrations.
The ordeal does not end after completing a degree program. Even after graduation, the real challenges begin.
Job Challenges
Getting a job after completing my degree in Pakistan has been quite challenging. Finding employment after graduation is difficult for most university graduates. I soon realized that the job market was far more competitive than I had anticipated.
Some organizations ignored my CV completely, which was disappointing and discouraging. The challenges I faced included:
- Lack of experience
- Language barriers
- Limited resources
- Socio-economic disparities
- Lack of professional networking
In addition, the job market is highly competitive, and employers are constantly searching for the most qualified and experienced applicants.
My Personal Experiences
As I did not have much professional experience and was not allowed to stay outside late, I decided to pursue teaching opportunities. I submitted my resume to multiple institutes such as Educators and local academies like Jameel Academy and Naveed Majeed Academy, but unfortunately, I never received any response.
During one of my lowest phases, when I was struggling emotionally and financially, my friends encouraged me to explore online tutoring and freelancing because they recognized my writing potential.
They introduced me to several content and freelancing platforms such as:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Contently
- Preply
- TeacherOn
- Facebook freelancing groups
There are many opportunities available, but accessing them can be difficult due to several reasons.
Some Common Challenges Include
- High competition for limited opportunities
- Cultural and religious barriers for people from certain backgrounds
- Unequal access to education and professional resources
Fortunately, after several unsuccessful attempts, I secured a small gig through a Facebook group. My first project involved writing articles for a newly established company.
It was a wonderful experience because it gave me confidence and self-appreciation. From there, I gradually explored other freelancing websites and started receiving positive responses and valuable experiences.
That is how I started my journey into online tutoring and freelancing.
I believe everyone must overcome challenges in order to stand out from the competition and pursue their desired career path.
It takes immense hard work, dedication, patience, and consistency to succeed in today’s market.
Getting your foot in the door and building your identity is never easy. The process of job searching can feel overwhelming, but support from friends and mentors becomes a major source of motivation during difficult times.
How to Overcome These Challenges
1. Be Proactive
In order to overcome these challenges, one must remain proactive while applying for jobs, networking with professionals, and pursuing internships to gain practical experience and skills.
With dedication and persistence, it is possible to secure a rewarding and fulfilling career.
2. Stay Optimistic and Hopeful
You should remain optimistic about your future.
I personally believe that if there is a will, there is always a way to grow and improve. Staying hopeful allowed me to continue learning and developing my abilities despite setbacks.
3. Become a Lifelong Learner
Upskilling is extremely important in today’s digital era.
I am currently exploring online courses to enhance my knowledge and learn new strategies. I also plan to continue my studies and gain further experience through internships and short-term projects.
Continuous learning helps individuals remain relevant and competitive.
4. Develop Your Professional Network
Building connections within your industry can open doors to mentorship, advice, and opportunities.
I have been trying to connect with professionals who can guide me and help me grow. Networking plays a major role in personal and professional development.
5. Give Back to Others
I strongly believe in helping others grow as well.
If I can guide and support someone through my experiences, I feel I can make a meaningful contribution to society.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my journey has been both challenging and rewarding.
Pursuing a degree in English Language and Linguistics was one of the best decisions of my life. It gave me valuable insights into language, communication, and professional growth.
I am proud of the accomplishments I have achieved so far, and I remain determined to continue building a successful career.
Despite all the challenges I faced while searching for opportunities, I never stopped believing in myself. I kept improving my skills, strengthening my resume, and working on my abilities so that no company or institute could ignore my potential.
I am sure many students have experienced similar struggles. If you are going through the same phase, do not lose hope. Continue learning, improving, and searching for opportunities that align with your goals and dreams.
These days, I’m learning to use a new AI tool for video creation, and I’m sharing this to spread awareness about the importance of upskilling in order to stand out in today’s job market.
With time, practice, and consistency, it is possible to improve your skills in any field through self-learning and mentorship.
Join Tutorbees.net to explore valuable skills, enroll in courses, and start building your career as a freelancer in this digital era.
