Recent Research Sheds Light on Student Views of Job Readiness in the Emirates
A new study published in the Industry and Higher Education journal examines the factors that shape how undergraduate students in the United Arab Emirates assess their own readiness for the workforce. The research, conducted by Aizhan Shomotova, draws on responses from 646 students across nine colleges at a major public university and highlights several variables that influence these self-assessments.
Understanding Self-Perceived Employability in the UAE Context
Self-perceived employability refers to an individual's personal evaluation of their likelihood of obtaining and maintaining employment. In the United Arab Emirates, where higher education institutions play a central role in preparing graduates for a diversifying economy, this perception matters for both students and university leaders. The study uses a validated scale tailored to the UAE setting to measure these views among undergraduates.
Study Design and Participant Profile
Researchers collected data through a cross-sectional survey distributed to students in a large public university. The sample spanned nine colleges and captured a range of socio-demographic, academic, and experiential backgrounds. The approach allowed the team to identify patterns across different student groups while controlling for key variables.
Key Influences on Student Perceptions
Findings point to several factors that stand out. Maternal education level showed a notable association with higher self-perceived employability. Students who held part-time jobs during their studies also tended to rate their employability more positively. Participation in career counselling sessions and involvement in extracurricular activities emerged as additional positive contributors.
Conversely, students enrolled in Arabic-taught programmes reported comparatively lower self-perceived employability scores. This pattern suggests that language of instruction and related curriculum elements may play a structural role in how students view their future prospects.
Connections to Leadership Potential and Engagement
The research builds on earlier work by the same author that validated scales for leadership potential and student engagement in the UAE. Those prior validations helped establish reliable tools for examining how leadership qualities and engagement levels relate to employability perceptions. The latest study integrates these elements to provide a more complete picture of student readiness.
Implications for University Administrators
University leaders in the United Arab Emirates can draw practical lessons from the results. Strengthening career counselling services and expanding opportunities for part-time work or extracurricular involvement may help raise student confidence in their employability. Attention to programme language and curriculum design could also address disparities observed among different student cohorts.
Policy Considerations for Higher Education Regulators
Regulatory bodies overseeing higher education in the country may find value in the evidence on structural factors such as language of instruction. Policies that support balanced programme offerings and targeted support for students in Arabic-medium tracks could contribute to more equitable outcomes across the sector.
Perspectives from Students and Faculty
While the survey provides quantitative insights, the patterns align with broader discussions among students and faculty about the transition from university to work. Participants who accessed career services or gained practical experience often described greater confidence, consistent with the statistical associations reported.
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Future Directions for Research and Practice
The study opens avenues for further investigation, including longitudinal tracking of how self-perceptions evolve after graduation. Institutions may consider piloting enhanced support programmes and measuring changes in student views over time. Continued validation of employability scales specific to the UAE context will remain important as the higher education landscape develops.
Broader Context Within UAE Higher Education
Higher education institutions across the Emirates continue to adapt curricula and services to meet evolving workforce needs. Research such as this contributes to evidence-based approaches that connect academic experiences with labour market realities. University administrators and policymakers can use these findings to refine strategies that support graduate success.
