Graduating from a prestigious university like Universiti Malaya (UM) is often seen as a guaranteed gateway to a fulfilling career. But for Aisy, the reality turned out to be far from the expectations that came with his degree.
Despite him holding a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity, Aisy has been struggling to secure a job in his field to this day.

Currently, he works as a food delivery rider not because he lacks ambition, but because like many fresh graduates, he faced the hurdle of insufficient work experience.
A journey rooted in passion
Aisy’s academic journey was largely inspired by his family. “My father and brother have always been passionate about wildlife and biodiversity, so naturally, I gravitated towards this field,” he shares.
Ecology and biodiversity offered Aisy a chance to study the intricate connections between living organisms and their environments, covering everything from forestry to eco-tourism and green technology.

I wanted to make a positive impact on the planet,” he said. “I believed this degree would allow me to help preserve ecosystems and ensure that local communities could live in harmony with nature.”
Harsh reality of the job market
However, upon graduating from Universiti Malaya (UM), Aisy encountered a rather cruel reality: most job postings in his field required at least two to three years’ worth of experience.
“It’s frustrating because how are we supposed to get experience if no one gives us a chance?
“I sent out dozens of job applications, only to be met with rejection every single time. The constant ‘no’ emails were demoralising, but I’ve learnt to turn it into a source of motivation,” he said.

Faced with mounting financial pressures and no immediate job prospects, Aisy decided to work as a Grab rider to support himself while continuing his job search.
It wasn’t what I envisioned after graduating, but I needed something flexible that would still allow me time to apply for jobs and attend interviews.
“Though I was initially hesitant about the role, I quickly discovered that being a Grab rider offered more than just a paycheck. It’s been a learning experience, too.”
According to Aisy, he’s able to earn around RM100-RM200 on a good day. While it’s enough to get him by, he admits that it’s far from the career he dreamed of.
The stigma of working outside one’s field
Aisy is very well aware of the judgment that often comes with working in a role unrelated to one’s degree.
People think that if you’re doing a job like this, you’ve failed. But what they don’t realise is that this is a stepping stone, not the final destination.”
His viral TikTok video inspired many by showing that hardworking individuals come from diverse backgrounds, and what truly matters is their mindset and determination to succeed.

He also hopes that society can shift its perspective and better support graduates by creating more entry-level opportunities and offering training programs that bridge the gap between education and employment.
Staying focused on the goal
Despite the challenges, Aisy remains committed to his long-term goal of working in sustainability. “Even if it’s not directly tied to ecology, I want to contribute to a future where development and environmental preservation go hand in hand,” he said.

In the meantime, he’s focused on honing his skills and staying positive. “I know that everyone’s journey is different, and success doesn’t happen overnight.”
To those facing similar struggles like him, Aisy has some words of encouragement to offer:
Don’t let rejection define you. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing forward. Whether it’s taking up freelance work or pursuing online courses, everything you do now will prepare you for the opportunities ahead.”

Aisy’s story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of today’s graduates. While the path may not always be linear, he believes that with perseverance and the right mindset, success is still within reach.
“Every small step I take now is bringing me closer to where I want to be,” he says with quiet determination.
You may watch his video here:
@oliverwentworth asalkan kerja
♬ original sound – Nashrul Sekon – Nashrul Sekon
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