Job Discussion Forums

icc · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 14

.. little experience

Hey

I've posted a question in 'Saudi Arabia' section, but would consider working elsewhere in the Middle East.

I've relatively recently done a course leading to CELTA and PTLLS qualifications and have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, but little experience. My question is, do you think I'd be able to get a job in the Middle East (preferably Saudi Arabia, UAE or Kuwait) on this basis?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice you could offer

15yearsinQ8 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 462 Location: kuwait

i replied on the kuwait branch

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Do you have any industry experience as an engineer? If so, you might be considered by HCT in UAE in their engineering program. Your EFL quals are not usually acceptable by the better employers in UAE. Most require a related masters degree + 3 years post grad experience.

Is the PTLLS a teaching certificate that qualifies you to teach in your home country? If so, you MIGHT be considered at an international school that follows your home country's curriculum

icc · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 14

Thank you both for your replies.

15yearsinQ8: As you replied on the other thread, I guess I should reply to your post there.

helenl: Basically, I graduated last year and don't have much interest going into the engineering field (having done the degree without being greatly interested in it). I don't have much work-experience other than teaching children for a short period of time. I'd really like to find a position in Saudi and - having corresponded with someone via email whom I know to be working at one of the universities there - I got the impression I could do so. However, having applied for several positions I've found that many places want experience (that is, as advertized; whether they're strict in this stipulation I'm not sure). So at the moment I'm wondering whether or not it's worth while continuing to apply with a view to getting something soon - or to concentrate on getting some experience here (the UK) first.

And regarding PTLLS, it's like a 'preparation' (hence the 'P' in the acronym) for those teachers who have little/no experience - if I'm correct in saying so.

Thanks again.. and if anyone does read this and could offer the value of their experience it would be much appreciated

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Forget UAE & Qatar & probably Oman - you don't have the qualifications and with no relevant experience you would only be hired by bottom feeders with no legal documents provided and low (if they're paid at all) wages.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

icc · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 14

Yes, scot47 informed me of a possible avenue; however, I get the idea a better way to go about searching for a job is to contact the institutions directly. Do you think this would be better than applying for advertised vacancies (I would assume so due to the volume of applications they receive)?

Surely someone here has been in a similar situation before, and has some idea of how to go about getting a first job in the ME?