Trying to understand my peers’ thoughts on this, I started skimming through the UNICEF U-Report platform in Kosovo, which provides a space for the youth to express their opinions on topics that interest them.

Regarding professional career counselling, the survey — conducted in February of this year — shows that 39% of 1,937 respondents did not undergo any assessment of their skills, 35% of them performed a self-assessment, 14% did the assessment with the support of their employers, and only 12% with the support of a trainer or mentor.

Nevertheless, following one’s talents seems not to be enough for a career choice; students are also forced not to follow their affinities and desires because of fear of unemployment and poverty. This is the next consequence of the lack of career education, which exposes the disconnect between the education system and the labor market demands and leads to underdevelopment of in-demand job skills.

This stagnation is also reflected by youth answers in the U-Report platform, declaring that they feel less prepared to find employment opportunities (37%), determine what kind of jobs they are looking for (15%), write their CVs (10%) and succeed in the interviewing phase (8%). Only 30% of U-Reporters declare that they are confident when applying for a job.

When asked what the biggest barrier is to getting the job they want, 31% of them answer the lack of necessary connections or networks, 20% the process of searching and applying for jobs, 14% knowing what skills are needed, and another 14% the development of required skills.

The youth is part of the solution

For those who do not know the realities for youth in Kosovo, it might be unpleasant to read U-Reporters’ answers. It can only be imagined how many thousands of young people share the same opinions. Differently from U-Reporters, even if they want to express their concerns, they might be discouraged by thinking that it would be impossible to address them, or they would not be addressed in a way that would produce the necessary changes.

Many students are forced to make the wrong choice — being silent instead of raising their voice, following conventional traditions of career disorientation that make them feel unhappy about what they do. In addition, because of the pandemic — which besides forcing schooling to move online, has increased uncertainty about the future — young people who need to choose their careers have found themselves at a complex crossroads.

Thus, career orientation is important for saving young people not only from studying something they are not interested in but also from difficult economic conditions as a result of unemployment. The harmonious functioning of societal links is necessary in order to enable young people to shine in their talents without being afraid of unemployment or unaware of their potential.

One of the steps that would help solve the enigma of career orientation is listening to and accounting for youth voices. This is equally important for any other process that affects the youth because they are the best experts on the challenges they face everyday. We must provide them with a space for expression and take institutional measures to address their concerns.

U-Report is one of the few platforms that systematically listens to youth voices. This article, inspired by the responses of U-Reporters, is an example that shows how youth voices can be amplified when we come together.

So if you also feel that your voice needs to be heard, that it is not echoing in the right place, join the community of 7,000 U-Reporters by registering via Viber or Messenger. Let’s provide solutions to issues concerning our future.

Feature image: Arrita Katona / K2.0.

Youth career disorientation

When you’re forced to choose between what you enjoy and what gets you a job.

Trina Hoti