Job guarantee
You have completed over 1500 days of rigorous study. Since that first moment when you crossed the threshold of our esteemed institution—filled with hope and a bit of apprehension—you knew this place would be a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment. Four years have passed since then, a journey marked by the tireless dedication of our faculty and your relentless pursuit of understanding.
With each colloquium and exam, particularly those nerve-wracking oral exams, your initial confidence was often tested. Doubts crept in, questioning whether this path was truly meant for you. Many nights were spent in despair, sometimes in tears, as the weight of your studies seemed unbearable. You faced misunderstandings and loneliness when it all became too much. Some of your peers faltered, choosing easier routes. They might have already found jobs, bought cars, or started saving for a home. Yet, you invested your time and energy in the pursuit of something that, as you now realize, offers no guaranteed future.
You have conquered your final significant challenge—your thesis. Only you know the countless times you had to start over, the numerous revisions, and the moments you nearly gave up. Yet, here you stand today.
It is a moment of relief that it’s finally over, but also a moment of uncertainty as you stand at the beginning once more. It would be wonderful if five job offers or scholarships were waiting for you, along with a chance to travel the world before landing your dream job. That would be a just reward for your efforts, wouldn’t it?
But such rewards are rare.
2. What do I truly desire, and what are my genuine strengths?
Dear Graduates, you find yourself alone again, perhaps more frightened than you were four years ago, and even less sure about where to begin. The practical tools and skills demanded by today's job market were not part of your curriculum. No one guided you to discover what you are truly suited for.
Where will your philosophical education take you in a world that often undervalues theoretical knowledge? Perhaps to an institute, if you’re patient enough to wait for a vacancy left by one of the few who retire from their secure positions.
In America, many employers don’t ask about your past studies or work. Instead, they ask what you can do and how you will do it. You are a blank slate, ready to begin writing your story today. Ask yourself: What do I enjoy doing? What frustrates me? Where do I want to work? How would I like to change the world? What would my dream job be like? Who do I want to share my life with? Who am I, really?
These are tough questions, and you may never fully answer them. But imagine standing in the crowd at your own funeral, hearing what people say about your life. Would you be pleased with what you hear? Would you want to add anything? Now is the time to write that speech, because your actions are writing it every day.
3. Do we have the power to make our own decisions?
Will you chase after profit, amass wealth, and exhaust others in the process? Or will you build meaningful relationships, create opportunities for others, correct the errors of past generations, and give nature a chance to breathe? Will you have a family, pursue music, write books, or plant trees? What will you write on your blank slate?
Write it today. With the diploma you have just received, write down your commitment to what you want to become. Make a pact with yourself. When you look back at this commitment after many years, let the path you walked be close to the one you envisioned today.
Dear Graduates, you are now in a vast waiting room with thousands of other graduates. Like Josef K. in Kafka’s "Before the Law," you stand before a door guarded by a formidable gatekeeper. Will this door ever open for you? In the book "American Millionaires Have Spoken," Petra Škarja recounts a story of a millionaire who waits for job seekers to call him a hundred times before he responds. Slovenians call once, twice, and then give up. To get past the many gatekeepers, persistence is key.
You may not all become millionaires, not because of a lack of talent, but because of the choices you make. I believe everyone has artistic and athletic potential within them. You might not be a soloist or a ballet dancer, but whether you are a designer, writer, presenter, or constructor, I have no doubts about your talents.
4. Meaning and confirmation of one's own values
Qualities such as curiosity, focus, and dedication are essential starting points. Courage, patience, and persistence will be needed as you move forward. You will learn that the world is interconnected—actions in one place can have far-reaching consequences. Your work must have meaning, and your mission is uniquely yours. Each of you is an irreplaceable piece of the world’s mosaic. You are co-responsible for the fate of all humanity. Prosperity only gains true significance when shared with others. Knowing yourself will lead to loving others and guiding them with a compassionate heart.
Understand that the greatest gift you can give someone is trust. Achieving not just the praise of others, but also inner satisfaction and peace, will indicate you are on the right path. May courage, happiness, and love accompany you on your journey.
Congratulations, and may your futures be as bright as your dreams.
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