UAE students foresee clear shift in education routes
dubai — The growth of technology, creative and service industry, and technology parks in the UAE have started to influence students’ decisions about the courses and programmes they choose.
This change, when seen within the context of the focus on knowledge economy in the country, makes sense as students foresee a clear shift in their education routes and career pathways to stay relevant and employable.
But at a time of phenomenal changes in technology, student expectations and industry requirement, university leaders are constantly under the microscope.
Here, Fazal Malik, programme leader for journalism and mass communication at Amity University Dubai, gives Khaleej Times his view on this paradigm shift. How is the changing job market influencing course enrolment at universities? New courses are being offered to respond to the demands of the market such as Artificial Intelligence, and 3-D Animation. Although the Business and Management courses still attract a large number of students here, there is a marked shift in the students’ interest in opting for more technologycentric programmes. At the same time, we are also seeing a growth in service-industry related programmes like tourism, hospitality, and education. How are the changes in demand affecting student mindsets? Diversity in course choices and career paths has not reached the critical mass as yet. But looking at the overall focus of the UAE economy and the dynamics of the job market here, students are willing to upskill and widen their competencies to fit into a changed job market. The Expo 2020 is one big thing on the minds of the new student when it comes to choosing courses. How receptive are parents with this change in attitudes towards traditional education routes? We need to keep in mind the fact that for many students, especially of South Asian origin, it is their parents who have a big influence on what their children study and which career they follow. This factor, at times, becomes a bigger factor than the courses/programmes available to students. However, there is a gradual change in the mindset of parents as they see the jobs they did vanishing from the job market. To ensure employability for their children, they are more willing to discuss alternative education routes and pathways. How is this impacting university budgets? Most of the new courses are technology-intensive, which demand huge investment in infrastructure like labs, studios, equipment and software. The universities have no options but to invest in order to stay relevant and respond to the changing demands of the job market in the region. The UAE government with a focus on research, innovation and entrepreneurship, has given higher education a high priority, which is reflected in various policy documents including the UAE vision 2021. The budget allocations for the higher education also show the UAE leadership’s commitment to enhance this sector. What are the biggest concerns for universities leaders? These are exciting times for university leaders, but in a highly competitive and closely monitored environment, the pace and scope of change, at times, can be challenging. For any leader managing changes is critical, but for the leaders in education, changing management while maintaining quality and consistency is one of the key concerns. For leaders to stay ahead in the game, they have to respond confidently and quickly to the market demands to offer new programmes, courses and training.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com