Last week, we had Vorng Demorng, who found it difficult to get a job using her academic skills, mainly in political science. Demorng is currently a project coordinator in one local organisation and she wants to become a policy maker or government officer.

She raised concerns about how students studying political science could find jobs that fit their skill set. Why do some development organisations not publicly provide internship opportunities to students?

Responding to Demorng’s questions, this week LIFT talked to Phuong Sam Ath, 29, the director of Phnom Penh Job Center about Demorng’s concerns.

Phoung Sam Ath said political science is a broad subject and many of the jobs in his company relate to this field. He added that in terms of his company, this skill is more about task management because they have to know how to analyze policies andhow to create and accomplish goals or missionsset by each company or organisation.

However, Sam Ath said that a government position is more fitting than a company position because the government contains work more relatedto political science such as the job of policy maker. He mentioned that for those who want to get a job in this field, they have to clearly understand the skills they are studying and what they can be used for in a real work environment.

“Some students don’t know exactly what to do after graduation. They have to enhance their skills and look into the job market,” said Sam Ath, “Furthermore, to get a job as a policy maker in the government, it is very important for students to keep checking each ministry’s website to find job or internship announcementsand to communicate with candidates who previously appliedor took the examinations.”

Sam Ath encourages students to be brave in asking people who work in the institutions they wish to apply for.

“They can come to Phnom Penh Job Center where we help students to find jobs and internship opportunities,” Ath said.“Our center has many connections with other ministries and companies with which we can match students’ skills or abilities.”