Suggestions for finding jobs as a freshman

As I posted on a previous thread:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 94#4146766

The reason I am referring to this is to link to the basic context.  You are doing the right things but the biggest issue is what I have highlighted in the thread before i.e. lack of overall experience and lack of GCC experience.

To add on to why that matters:

First, its about the cost. In today's market, companies are not going to bring in an expat from outside the GCC unless they can't find those skills in the local market.   And you are an almost fresh graduate so they are definitely not going to undertake that hassle when they can get someone similar who is a local and would help their localisation ratio (read third point).

Secondly, over the last few years, with the decline in the economies of the GCC, the preference has shifted from western expats to asian/non-gcc arab expats who have the skills and cost much less than a westerner.

Thirdly, Bahrain population is 50% locals who are well educated and work in private sector/service industries and even drive taxis.  This makes it very different from, say UAE, where locals amount for only 20% and work primarily with the Government.  These demographics mean that for entry level jobs, it is easier to find a local Bahraini and that is what most companies prefer.

Fourth, Bahrain is small so there is not much choice of industries or employers.

Having said that, to really improve your chances of finding something, you need to come down here for a month or two and look in person.  Companies might be more amenable as they would get to know you in person plus would take comfort in not paying any costs to be able to interview you.   An alternative is UAE which does have a much higher cost of living but also a much bigger business base.