The Student Careers and Alumni Department at Zayed University Timetabled five Career Spotlights throughout the academic year 2019-2020 to meet the UAE’s Vision 2021 and Emiratisation plans.
The event, which was organized at the Zayed University male promenade yesterday (February 10), received over 1000 male ZU alumni jobseekers and company representatives, in addition to ZU undergraduates. The office will host the next events on February 24th in Dubai Campus and March 23rd in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Acting Vice-President of Zayed University, said: “Emiratisation and the support of our youth is something very high on the national agenda and is one of our significant key performance indicators at the University.”
She further added that “Towards achieving that vision, we must ensure joint partnerships between ZU’s Student Affairs Deanship and our potential employers, to generate secured job opportunities for our graduates and our youth.”
“Together, we create that platform of partnership that we all will work towards achieving our social-economic development that is needed,” she said. “Today, you have the opportunity to meet and network with our highly motivated and talented students and alumni.”
Rashed Al Shamsi, Acting Director of the Student Careers and Alumni Department, said the Career Spotlight event, which was themed ‘Showcasing Talent–Accelerating Opportunities,’ had managed to bring in approximately 350 job opportunities. “Students had the opportunity to register for internships, full-time and part-time job opportunities provided by 38 renowned Government, Semi-Govt. and private companies.”
“We have introduced four online career platforms to our students,” he added. “Most notably is ZU”s own Career Management System, which offers employers direct access to graduate CV’s and is searchable by Major, Campus, GPA. The platform also includes a Message Board for direct communication between students and employers and facilitates the direct recruitment of interns. The system enables employers to register directly for on-campus career fairs and events.”
During the event, ZU Alumni Nawwaf Al Harmi, delivered a motivational speech for students, in which he urged them to work hard for a better future and grasp every opportunity offered. “Forget the helping hand norm, or what we call “Wasta” it will get you in, but it won’t make you grow within the entity. You have to earn the position as a valid candidate, not through relations,” he said.
Al Harmi, who currently serves as a Senior Executive for Tourism Industry Development Committees at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, said that “Nothing is easy these days, no job is secured unless you prove yourself worthy. The key to success is to follow your passion, work on developing, and believing in yourself. University is just a preparation stage, and your real value comes after you graduate and start a career,” he said.
