Alliance for Youth recently organized an event entitled ‘Education for Employment: Bridging the gap between Academia and Industry’.
It was held at the American University in Dubai (AUD) on 20th November 2017 and involved a high-ranking panel from Global Compact Network UAE, Nestlé Middle East, Emaar Hospitality Group, LinkedIn UAE and Mohebi Logistics, followed by workshops with attendees.
Key subjects discussed
- How corporations are involved with youth employment across the region
- Insights into ways of bringing the job market and academia closer together
- Sharing experiences about job hunting and first employment
Panel experts offered students a range of industry insights. Yves Manghardt, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Middle East, felt that business managers should guide young adults through coaching and empowerment. Mahmoud El Burai from Global Compact Network UAE, said that industry needs to be flexible and innovative in offering jobs to graduates in fields outside their academic training.
On-the-job training
Phil Showering, COO at Mohebi Logistics, explained how participants in the company’s intern programme gain much needed hands-on experience. Olivier Harnish, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group, noted that universities are now broadening their course prospectuses so that graduates have ‘softer’ skills adaptable to more job openings.
Dr Imad Hoballah, AUD Provost, emphasized that students need to be open to change, applying their curiosity, passion and responsiveness as well as their EQ.
