Tech aside, fresh grads also need people skills, say UAE educators

dubai — Technology will continue to disrupt the job market next year as businesses further adapt to digitalisation. Besides tech knowhow, employers are also looking at job-seekers’ people skills, educators have said.

Fadi Abdul Khalek, general manager at SAE Institute, said the nature of the job market for fresh graduates will be affected by technological changes.

“As a result of new technologies that have been developed, a new set of skills is in demand today. It is not unheard of for businesses to recruit talent in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, cloud architecture, social media and more. We expect this trend to continue in 2019 and graduates will see more and more jobs that demand newer skills,” Khalek said, adding that soft skills are becoming more in demand.

“Studies indicate that approximately 57 per cent of business leaders say soft skills are critical. Hard skills are job-specific skills and the knowledge you need to perform a job. They can be gained through education, training programmes, certifications, and real-life experience. Soft skills, on the other hand, are people skills that are much harder to define and evaluate. Soft skills include communication skills, listening skills, empathy and creativity.”

Roy Strik, head of business development at Pearson Professional Middle East, said people with a digital background are more likely to be hired.

“As more businesses are beginning to harness the power of technology, it is only natural that the demand for talent with digital skills is spiking. In today’s world, people like to consume content, complete banking transactions, and do other stuff on the go. We, expect that 2019 will see more people with digital backgrounds being hired,” Strik said.

We will see a growth in the student interest in emerging and specialised subject areas that align with the growth vision and plan of the UAE.”

Dr Cody Morris Paris, deputy director, Middlesex University Dubai

By the time some of our first-year students graduate, there will be jobs that we aren’t yet aware of. I would advise towards finance and IT.” Andy Pacino, training and learning coordinator, Murdoch University Dubai

As more and more businesses are beginning to harness the power of digital technology, it is natural the demand for talent with digital skills is spiking.”

Roy Strik, head of business development, Pearson Professional Middle East