Student from Pristina: Lack of experience and unpaid internships are the biggest problems for youth employment

Aulona Grashita, a psychology student at the University of Pristina, says that the lack of work experience and unpaid internships are among the biggest challenges young people in Kosovo face when looking for a job. She believes that institutions must ensure equal opportunities for everyone.

Grashita says it is difficult for young people in Kosovo to find employment because employers insist on prior work experience.

"Today it is very difficult to find a job because wherever we apply, experience is required. But how are we supposed to gain that experience when most internships, if not all, are unpaid? There are also financial and logistical barriers. At a time when the economy is in crisis, how can a university or high school student complete an internship if they have to travel, given that not everyone lives in Pristina? On top of that, they have to pay for food during the internship, and we all know what prices are like today. Such internships are very expensive, and not everyone can afford those costs," the student said.

She therefore believes that institutions should take greater responsibility when it comes to organizing internships and supporting youth employment.

"They should guide young people toward their future careers from primary school onward by providing information about different professions. They should ensure that everyone has access to internships, whether by offering paid internships or by covering the costs associated with them. Also, personal connections should not be necessary to get an internship opportunity. Everyone should have equal opportunities," Grashita said.

She added that cooperation among institutions, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and young people remains essential for creating effective policies that facilitate the transition from education to employment and increase young people's opportunities to integrate into the labor market.