Hiding degrees to get jobs

Hiding Degree

Many graduates are hiding their diplomas and degrees to secure low-paying jobs in the public sector. The Fire and Rescue Department discovered this "under-declaration" during its ongoing recruitment drive.

Universiti Utara Malaysia graduate Mohd Ismanto Md Pono, 23, who was among 631 applicants said he applied using his SPM certificate as many graduates were finding it hard to get a job. “I will use this job as a stepping stone to build a career in the fire department as my target is to reach the top rank,” he said, adding that he hoped to be selected to become an officer during promotion exercises.

A graduate from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia known as Razak said he had applied for various posts in many enforcement agencies. “I only use my SPM examination certificate during interviews to become a fireman, policeman and Customs staff as I am worried that I will not get the job because I am overqualified,” he said. Razak said that even if he got a job as a fireman, he would later submit his degree to become an officer after gaining the necessary experience.

Another applicant, Mohd Hafizan Bachik, 21, a civil engineering certificate holder, said he applied for a position in the department as it was hard to find a job elsewhere. “Many graduates are finding it hard to get a job. This is my 10th job application since I graduated a few months ago,” said Mohd Hafizan who studied in Politeknik Port Dickson.

Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said many graduates only submitted their PMR and SPM qualifications when applying to become firemen, a job only requiring a PMR certificate. “Most of them are worried that their applications may be rejected if they reveal their educational background in their application forms,” he said, adding that this year some 23,250 applications were received for 533 vacancies for firemen.

Berita Harian reported that most graduates interviewed by the Public Services Department could not answer questions on general knowledge.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh said this was one of the reasons why they found it difficult to get accepted into government service.

“What is sad is that they do not know basic things like the name of ministers. Maybe they do not even know who the Higher Education Minister is,” he said.

He added that this was the reason why the ministry was proposing that university courses be extended to four years instead of the current three years.

This was also because the undergraduates had to concentrate too much on their studies and did not have time for recreational activities and self-development, he said.

HYPOTHESIS:

Is this the price the nation is paying for their dereliction? We bulldozed students into the universities, give them the necessary papers of qualification, and now have to derive measures to overcome the gaffe?

Is this what education is about? In the years to follow, we will have more potent issues. It is clear that PMR and Bsc has become comparative in standards and quality.