After completing my bachelor’s degree back home in Lebanon, I decided to put myself out there. I believe marketing is the base of everything with financial ends. Raising awareness is so important to business goals. I am someone who is creative and I like to explore the digital world, so marketing and PR appealed to me immensely.
I did not have much experience and it was difficult to find a decent job, so I started applying for as much as I could until an opportunity that would change my life – an internship in France for a digital advertising company.
Working there was a great start, however the operations department was very technical and repetitive and I felt it limited my potential. It was difficult to see myself pursuing my goals in this position. I could observe in this environment though that handling social media accounts seemed to be something that fit my skillset.
After ending my internship, I moved to the United Arab Emirates. Dubai for me is a leading hub for business and innovation, a place with many chances for growth. My aim was to grow my knowledge and understanding in the field of social media and gain more experience. I started searching for agencies that focused on social media and public relations. Personally, creating content, analyzing, posting and dealing with clients is something I am passionate about and it is a place where I can really express my creativity.
Joining Cicero & Bernay has provided me with a lot of expertise to call upon. I learn more and more every day. As a social media executive, I work across TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. These are the platforms that are ruling the world and the moment.
Cicero & Bernay has given me the chance to work with big clients and meet new people.
I always have the urge to be a perfectionist, which is challenging when attempting to simultaneously meet my clients’ expectations while always thinking outside of the in line with the latest trends on social media. Employment in a field I am passionate about is incredibly rewarding.
As a graduate in Lebanon, you are likely to face a number of challenges entering the workforce. The country has been facing financial and political issues in recent years, which has made it difficult for young people.
One of the main challenges that those fresh out of university face in Lebanon is the high unemployment rate that means vacancies don’t match skills and qualifications.
There is also a lack of job security. Many companies in the country are struggling financially, so they may not be able to offer long-term employment to new hires. Planning for their future and securing a stable income is a real reach.
Despite this, there are also many graduate opportunities. The country has a diverse and dynamic economy, with a range of industries that are looking for skilled workers. In particular, the tech sector is growing rapidly in Lebanon, with many startups and established companies keen on talented software developers, data scientists, and other IT professionals.
Additionally, Lebanon has a vibrant cultural scene, providing opportunities for those looking to pursue a career in the arts or media. New graduates with an interest in these fields can work in museums, galleries, and other cultural organisations.
Overall, this period in Lebanon is a struggle for most, but there are also many openings for those who are willing to be resilient, resourceful, and persistent. Personally, traveling to the UAE was the best option for me to grow in my profession as someone who needs stability and career safety.
Nancy Jaber is Account Executive at Cicero & Bernay Communication Consultancy, an independent PR agency headquartered in Dubai offering new-age public relations consultancy to the UAE and across the MENA region. | www.cbpr.me