University student Rawdha Mohamed has successfully completed a professional course in media and filmmaking. She is now aiming to further her skills by enrolling in sports journalism courses to boost her prospects in the media industry. In her early 20s, Rawdha is part of the UAE youth actively seeking professional skills to enhance their employability and attract potential employers.
Natasha Parikh, career counsellor and CEO of My Learning Curve, shared with Khaleej Times: “Today’s students are proactively preparing for the future by taking courses that improve their job readiness.” Rawdha, who is currently working as a media intern to gain practical experience in content creation and media production, stated: “I am dedicated to preparing myself for a career in the media industry. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design at Ajman University, which nurtures my creative instincts through design and aesthetics.
“Although these fields may appear different, my journey is guided by a strong passion for both media and creativity. I’ve chosen a stable academic path in interior design to secure my future while also pursuing a career in media, where my true passion lies,” she added. For Rawdha, this dual approach will help her build a versatile portfolio, positioning her well for a successful career upon graduation.
Emirati electrical engineer, Maryam Almansoori, followed a similar path during her college years. From 2019 to 2021, she pursued several professional courses to enhance her skills and broaden her knowledge. “I was driven by a strong desire for continuous improvement and to stay competitive in the job market,” she noted. “These courses not only deepened my understanding of key concepts but also provided me with practical skills essential for real-world applications. By complementing my academic education with hands-on experience, I was able to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring I was well-prepared for my future career.”
Meanwhile, online learning platform Coursera has released a new report highlighting the growing use of micro-credentials by academic institutions worldwide. The report, based on a study of over 1,000 higher education leaders from 850 institutions across 89 countries, emphasizes the role of micro-credentials in shaping the future of education. According to the report, 88% of surveyed higher education experts believe that students are more likely to enroll in programs offering academic credit for industry-recognised credentials. Additionally, 92% agree that graduates with these credentials are better equipped for the job market.
This sentiment is echoed by students themselves, with 97% in the UAE and Saudi Arabia stating that earning a professional certificate would help them stand out to employers and secure a job after graduation. “Academic institutions need to collaborate with governments and industries to align their curricula with the evolving demands of the job market,” emphasized Kais Zribi, Coursera’s general manager for the Middle East and Africa. “By incorporating job-relevant content and micro-credentials into their programs, universities can help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in the careers of tomorrow,” Zribi added.
Natasha Parikh, career counsellor and CEO of My Learning Curve, also highlighted that today’s students are becoming future-ready by enrolling in professional courses that enhance their employability. She cited examples of students who have excelled in various fields, from coding and robotics to digital marketing and machine learning, demonstrating the real-world skills these courses provide, making students competitive for both college admissions and the job market.
