My life hasn't always been a smooth ride.  
After being a brilliant student until the end of high school, I had to give up my studies because of certain health problems. In the meantime, I grew personally and had time to start a family. I was very happy with what life had given me so far, but I felt that something was missing. I tried to work here and there to be financially independent and help support my family, but I was frustrated that I hadn't exploited my full potential and my ideas to create a business that matched who I was. I knew that without a higher diploma in my bag, it was going to be very difficult to find financial support from banks and other finance organizations. So I decided, with a lot of encouragement from my family, to go back to university after nearly 7 years away. Once back on the benches of the University of Sfax, I was amazed by the introduction of new fields of expertise into the traditional university curricula, such as artificial intelligence, etc. I also discovered soft skills through the Professional Career Development (PCD) and Career Search Strategy (CSS) modules. These modules have changed my perception of my development potential and the potential of the market in which I may operate, and they have helped me channel my energy and efforts into a clear path with precise objectives. I've learned to be flexible and adaptable to any type of situation, and I handle stressful situations much better, even in my personal life. I worked with my professors and mentors to develop my project idea into a business plan, which earned  a certificate of readiness from the University of Sfax. Now  I can submit this plan to banks, which will help me launch my business selling decorative items made from wood.  

Sourour Guidara - Fundamental mathematics student - University of Sfax 
 
*Professional Career Development (PCD) and Career Search Strategy (CSS) are two fundamental two-semester courses that provide students with the skills to shape their professional future and learn how to use career guidance services to make strategic career decisions. They have been developed and implemented by USAID Tunisia JOBS in collaboration with the Career Centers (4C) and the Universities of Tunis El Manar, the University of Jendouba, Sousse, Kairouan, and Sfax, and will have an impact on more than 55,000 students nationwide.