Abstract
Graduate unemployment is a significant challenge for Muslim-majority states. Based upon focus groups conducted with university students in Indonesia and Brunei, this research examines what insights the Islamic literature can provide with respect to tackling joblessness at the behavioural level. Using the theoretical model developed by Alvi (2021), it differentiates between the reach and purpose behind students’ aspirations, as well as the willpower (himmah) and knowledge (ilm) required to reach their goal. The results of the focus groups suggest that most students lack a clearly articulated career path, which impacts their attitudes towards job hunting. The paper highlights three areas of action for policymakers and higher education institutions: firstly, it highlights the importance of prioritising exposure to different professions to enable students to make an informed choice. It secondly supports the use of religion to root students’ motivations in a broader vision. It finally recommends a flexible approach to strengthen the clarity of students’ aspirations where necessary, and ensure they have support during school-to-work transitions through the use of alumni or a mentorship scheme.
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Article Details
- Year: 2022
- Volume: 43
- Issue: 1
- Pages: 189 - 216
- Accepted: 06.01.2022
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17035634 -
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How to Cite?
Hanaa Hasan, Imran Alvi (2022). Attitudes Towards Graduate Unemployment in Southeast Asia: An Examination Using Himmah and Rajaa. Journal of Economic Cooperation and Development, 43(1), 189-216. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17035634
