Planning for Future Jobs in Light of the Unified Saudi Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations—A Case Study of Graduate Students at Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University

Abstract

This study deals with the issue of planning for future jobs in light of the Unified Saudi Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations. We aimed to identify the mechanism used by graduates to choose a future job and to shed light on the Unified Saudi Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations. The problem addressed in this study is the identification of the optimal formula such that the graduate can benefit from this classification. The community studied is made up of students at the College of Applied Studies and Community Service at Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University in Dammam in the period from 2019 to 2022. The sample included 129 male and female students, representing 20% of the research community. The selection was random, taking into account the homogeneity of the research community. We attempted to verify the validity of the hypothesis, stating that there is a statistically significant relationship between graduates’ preferences for their future jobs and their knowledge, represented by The Saudi Standard Classification of Scientific Levels and Specializations. A number of findings resulted from this study, most notably that there was a discrepancy regarding students’ preferences for future jobs based on their gender. We conclude with a number of recommendations, including the need to shed more light on the Unified Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations in Saudi Arabia and increase communication between scientific departments and employers.