Name: Robert O’ Neill

Student Number: 140620

Assignment: One Part B

Page Number:

Finding Employment After Studying

After obtaining a degree in Business Management the road to

employment has not been the easiest for Alejandro Narvaez. “They

ask for a lot of experience which makes it very difficult to be

employed.” Indeed the situation for newly graduated students in

Spain is rather bleak. With almost one in three being unemployed in

the South it makes finding a job close to impossible.

So what can a graduate do to gain such experience? “Studying

languages such as English, obtaining a Masters or applying for

internships,” are some of the ways to bulk up your CV and give

yourself a better opportunity he informs me. With colleagues of his

having to move to other parts of Spain, such as Madrid, and further

afield to Germany, The UK or Ireland, such a situation has not arisen

for Alejandro. As opportunities are limited both at home and abroad,

the initial cost to embark on a risky search for employment is

extremely high and an impossibility for some. “It’s a fantastic option

but one that is a little out of reach at the moment.”

Many factors in Spain have been affected by the current economic

downturn, none moreso than the universities. With teaching

performances continuing to be below par this has not been the main

cause of the decrease in numbers. “Higher fees,” have caused this he

tells me. While having justifiable ire towards the Spanish

governement for not having taken the correct measures from the

beginning, he believes that it still has not improved. “They have

followed the strict measures put in place by the E.U.” Measures of

austerity similar to those that were laid down in other European

countries some four years ago.

As little improvement has been seen in the last few years, Spain’s

road to recovery does not appear to be coming to an end. Wth

unemployment rates sky-high and showing little sign of reduction, the

property market continuing stagnantly and taxes being increased,

Alejandro believes that a different method could be taken.

“Encouraging public spending is crucial. If we lower the tax rates,

people will be less inclined to save and hopefully spend more, thus

increasing the flow of money.” Indeed it is a measure that has certain

positivity but is it a viable solution? With strict tightening from the

E.U. would such a solution be permitted? “Possibly,” he responds and

adds that greed has been a huge factor during the boom years in

Spain. “People have been very greedy with wanting more and

permitting themselves more than they can perhaps afford.”

As the interview came to a close I had one final question regarding

advice to students and Alejandro stresses that learning a language

from the beginning is fundamental to succeeding and finding

employment. ”Losing that “fear factor” of moving abroad,” he

concludes is very important to giving yourself the best employment

opportunities.

Alejandro is currently employed by Language Stays in Jerez de la

Frontera, Spain.