Making a Successful Transition from University to the Real World: The Saudi Arabian Job Market and University Curriculum as a Bridge

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the internship experience of Saudi females who were (KSA). Of particular interest to this study is the examination of architecture courses and teaching strategy from a practical point of view, internship length; input of departmental advising committees, course load, contact hours, and program curriculum. In addition, there is exists the local cultural resistance against females who want to work. Moreover, the study assesses if the graduates are prepared to have a smooth transition from university student life to productive employees in local architecture firms, without receiving additional training. Also, this study may help architecture departments understand if they are preparing students to enter encourage architecture departments in Saudi universities to review existing curricula and fill the gap(s) between theory and application where appropriate.