No experience, no job, fresh graduates told

Dubai — Students looking for jobs right out of university count on internships and job fairs to get a head start into the corporate world. With the end of the academic year approaching, UAE-based recruiters are attending university job fairs to hire the best students.

University of Dubai hosted its annual career fair on Tuesday to bring together such job-seekers and recruiters.

“This job fair is there for you to start your career and make sure you succeed as time goes by. You have to progress always so that you will be a leader one day,” said Dr Eesa M. Bastaki, President, University of Dubai.

A total of 27 companies attended the job fair this year providing students with career advice and information.

“Education teaches you how to learn. Even after you graduate, you will continue to learn. Every idea has the potential to succeed as long as it is managed properly. Be bold, take a risk and try to do something if you want to be successful,” added Dr Eesa.

Students attending the fair had a mixed opinion of the effectiveness of job fairs. Farid Ali, a student from Pakistan noted that the opportunities were limited for anyone without work experience.

“The job market in Dubai is very difficult for fresh graduates. Employers look for experience, especially if the job requires some technical skills. We end up getting offered sales and marketing jobs which may not be the career aspiration,” said Farid.

Appreciating the university’s effort in helping students, he added: “I am already working for a company, and this job fair by the university is an opportunity for me to find what kinds of jobs are available in the market.

Another student Mohammed Awais Zeb noted the need to improve the quality of career forums to help engage a wider section of the student community.

“Job fairs have to be well planned if a student has to benefit from them. What happens is we usually end up queuing at such fairs without knowing what jobs are on offer in which company. It becomes a CV collection drive for recruiters and there really is no need to line-up. If a company hires on the spot, then the fair becomes really helpful,” said Mohammed Awais Zeb, a student at the university.

Hundreds of students interacted with employers at the fair, hoping to secure a job.

“I am looking to get into a finance job after completing my course. Taking up an internship is an excellent way to know one’s interests. Students who believe they have the knowledge and skills but without any experience shouldn’t give up even after rejection,” said Omnia Ahmed Fahim.

 

muaz@khaleejtimes.com