Young generation of Emiratis want a career not just a job, summit told

Young Emirati graduates want the chance to grow and expand their skills in a dynamic workforce, a forum has heard.

Omar Al Badwawi, 24, who is about to graduate in electrical engineering, said those in college want to go into employment best suited to their degree. Ravindranath K / The National

ABU DHABI // Career progression and a dynamic workplace are just as important as a salary when looking for a new job, according to Emiratis.

As businesses and human resource experts gathered in Abu Dhabi on Monday to consider how to raise the number of UAE nationals employed in the private sector, Emirati students and recent graduates gave first-hand insights into their expectations when making their first foray into the job market.

“From my perspective we always look for a job opportunity where we can actually grow in a company because when you have different challenges that is how you grow and that is how discover your potential,” said Maha Yaqoot, a communications student who has just graduated from Zayed University.

"For me, I would say salary is definitely not at the top at the list of priorities, especially for a fresh graduate."

The 22-year-old, from Dubai, was speaking at an Emirati Youth Panel at the Emiratisation Summit, held on the sidelines of the recruitment fair, organised by Tawdheef, the careers and recruitment organisation.

“I am definitely looking for an opportunity where I can actually establish my career. I do not want a job – I want a career,” she said.

“I want an employee who is willing to challenge me. To be in this situation this will benefit me when I am working.”

Young graduates, or anyone on work experience in the private sector, need to be exposed to the “core business” of any industry rather than just sit at a desk and fulfil a role. In this way they will be encouraged to stay and grow with the company in question, she said.

“I met people who said they are not exposed to the core of a business. Therefore, they do not develop the love and the passion they need so they do not know if they can grow with the company.”

Hassan Bani Al Najjar, 24, studied at the American University of Sharjah before transferring to Zayed University.

“My top priority is a place to learn and to gain great experience so I can grow,” said the soon-to-be finance graduate, who also works full-time at the National Bank of Fujairah.

“I am looking for a place to learn and grow, and secondly where I can apply my knowledge. The atmosphere of the environment is also very important to me.

“I do not want to work in a place that accepts you because you are an Emirati to fill a quota. I want somebody that appreciates experience.

“This is a message to young graduates. We must be very ambitious and go to a place where we can learn and grow.”

Omar Al Badwawi, 24, who is about to graduate in electrical engineering, said those in college want to go into employment best suited to their degree.

“For a university graduate, they want to apply what they have learnt for the four years they spent at university,” he said.

He said the new generation needs to reverse the decades-old trend of the Government being the employer of choice for most Emiratis.

According to figures, Emiratis comprise only 0.5 per cent of the private-sector workforce but 60 per cent of the public sector.

Changing this preconception can be done with better education and awareness of the benefits of private sector employment, he said.