Close
Close
Close
October 9, 2024

Designing her future: Massa’s story

Massa Abar's story of transitioning from biomedical science to UI/UX design highlights the struggles many young graduates face in Lebanon's difficult job market. Through SE Factory and the STEP programme, she found the tools and confidence needed to succeed in a new field.

In Lebanon, a country facing one of the worst economic crises in its history, many young graduates are struggling to find long-term employment. With unemployment rates soaring, the gap between academic education and job market requirements continues to widen. For recent graduates, the challenges are overwhelming—many are left feeling unsure about their futures and uncertain about how to make the transition from education to work.

Massa Abar’s story is one that resonates with countless graduates facing these difficulties. From studying biomedical science at university to eventually becoming a successful UI/UK designer, Massa’s journey was not a straightforward one. After realising her initial career choice wasn’t right for her, she had to find a way to pursue her passion in a tough job market. Her path was made possible through SE Factory’s bootcamp and the Skills Training Education Programme (STEP), funded by the Islamic Development Bank, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund both of which gave her the practical skills and confidence to succeed in a new field.

A career in transition

Massa started her professional journey with a degree in biomedical science. However, after graduating and starting an internship, she quickly realised that the routine work didn’t suit her. “It felt like a routine, and I didn’t enjoy it,” she explains. She knew she wanted something more creative and dynamic.

That opportunity came through SE Factory, a bootcamp designed to teach digital skills. Encouraged by her siblings, who had also attended the bootcamp, Massa joined the programme. She learned a range of software tools, teamwork skills, and interview techniques. These skills proved useful as she applied for jobs after the programme and was successful in landing many internships.

SPARK’s STEP programme: closing the skills gap for graduates

Massa’s journey is part of a broader challenge facing graduates in Lebanon. With unemployment rates steadily rising due to the country’s ongoing economic crisis, many young people struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications. Recognising this issue, SPARK, in partnership with the Lebanese organisation ‘Al Moltaqa Goodness and Development in Akkar,’ launched the Skills Training Education Programme (STEP) to equip graduates with the skills they need to secure employment.

The programme focuses on providing practical, job-ready skills to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge students gain in university and the real-world demands of the job market. By collaborating with economic and industry bodies, such as the Chamber of Commerce in Tripoli and the Order of Engineers and Architects, STEP offers courses designed to meet the needs of various sectors. These include both technical skills, like cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI), and more general job-search tools, such as how to write cover letters and perform well in interviews.

Since its launch, STEP has held 35 bootcamps across Lebanon, helping 395 students gain the skills needed for employment. As a result, 128 students secured internships, and 68 have found paid employment, demonstrating the programme’s positive impact on young people’s futures.

A path forward for Lebanon’s graduates

Massa’s journey from feeling stuck in an uninspiring internship to finding her place in the design field shows how skills training programmes can make a real difference. For her and many others, finding the right support was key to opening up new career paths.
“If you’re unhappy with what you’re doing, you can change that, many people go through it, it’s not impossible, you can do it,” Massa says. Her story mirrors the goals of the STEP programme, which helps graduates gain the skills and confidence to take charge of their futures.

Despite the ongoing challenges in Lebanon’s economy, programmes like STEP give young people the chance to build successful careers and contribute to their communities.