Event : 30 April 2025
Partner : Ibn Tofail University – The Higher School of Education and Training (ESEF)
Sometimes, the most powerful answers come from those who once asked the same questions. That spirit of shared experience and mutual growth defined the first edition of the Graduates Forum, held on April 30, 2025, by the English Studies Department of ESEF – Kenitra. More than just an academic gathering, this event became a bridge between generations, uniting current students with graduates from the last four cohorts in a unique, honest, and deeply human exchange. It was a reminder that guidance doesn’t always come from distant experts or perfect careers, but from those who once walked the same hallways, faced the same uncertainties, and dared to keep moving forward.
From the very beginning, what set this forum apart was its authenticity. It was a space created by youth for youth; a rare platform where students, often weighed down by questions about their future, met graduates who had once carried those same questions and found their way through them. The connection was immediate and sincere. These weren’t abstract success stories; they were lived realities, raw with emotion and rich with insight. When students see their reflection in someone who has overcome similar struggles, the result isn’t just inspiration, it’s transformation.
The day unfolded through four thematic discussions, each illuminating a different post-graduation path. In the first segment, graduates who had ventured abroad for further studies or work shared the highs and lows of crossing borders, both physically and emotionally. Their stories revealed how resilience, cultural curiosity, and adaptability opened new horizons, but also how crucial it was to carry one’s roots and identity along the way. This global perspective was further enriched by the virtual presence of alumni currently based overseas, making the forum truly inclusive and borderless.
The second discussion focused on those who pursued teaching careers through the CRMEFs. Here, perseverance and passion took center stage, as panelists recounted their journey through competitive exams and rigorous training. What emerged was a portrait of education not just as a profession, but as a calling; one that demands heart, vision, and relentless commitment.
Next came a deep dive into the world of graduate studies in Morocco, where alumni demystified the process of pursuing a master’s degree. They offered a wealth of advice, from selecting the right program to managing workloads and staying motivated through academic pressures. For many in the audience, this conversation replaced fear with clarity and opened new academic ambitions.
Finally, the discussion turned toward professional integration. Graduates spoke candidly about entering the job market, navigating first jobs, adapting to workplace cultures, and overcoming early career obstacles. Their honesty provided a much-needed reality check, and at the same time, a strong sense of reassurance. The message was clear: the transition from university to employment isn’t always smooth, but it’s navigable, especially when one walks it with confidence and support.
And yet, what left the deepest impression were not only the speeches, but the moments in between, the spontaneous conversations, the questions from students filled with anxiety and hope, and the warm grounded responses from the panelists. Those shared glances, nods of understanding, and unfiltered emotions turned the event into something far greater than a forum. It became a reminder that storytelling when rooted in experience, has the power to heal, motivate, and reorient entire outlooks.
This forum also reaffirmed something essential : that every experience, no matter how personal or painful, can become a source of guidance for someone else. For the students, it was a spark of hope, proof that they were not alone in their doubts. For the graduates, it was an affirmation that their journeys matter, and that every step, whether marked by struggle or success, holds meaning.
As the forum drew to a close, the atmosphere was charged with gratitude, inspiration, and renewed motivation. This event was more than just a gathering; it marked the birth of a dynamic, supportive network built on empathy and shared purpose. It also reflected Ibn Tofail University’s deep commitment to its students, not only through academic excellence but also by attentively addressing their questions, concerns, and aspirations and transforming them into meaningful opportunities. In a world where young people often face uncertainty alone, this forum sent a powerful message: you are not alone; together, we grow stronger.
