December 29, 2023
Employment Pathways or Empty Promises? Student Perceptions of University and Career Center Support in Facilitating Employment in the UAE
This paper examines the role and value of universities and career development centers (CDCs) in facilitating education-to-employment pathways for national and non-national students based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reflecting on interviews with students across 20 higher education institutions in the UAE, this qualitative study provides insights into student perceptions of career resources and opportunities provided by their universities and illuminates which networks and resources students and recent graduates utilize to support their employment endeavors. Findings suggest that while university and CDC resources proved helpful, university courses and CDC activities generally do not provide sufficient “real-world” experience to support a smooth transition into the labor market. Key issues identified include lack of alignment with existing career opportunities and more general or non-tailored counselling offered by CDCs. The most helpful resources identified by students include supportive faculty, helpful older peers, and alumni who served as informal mentors. The study further provides recommendations to universities and CDCs, including formalizing mentorship networks, establishing stronger collaborations with industries, and establishing feedback mechanisms to support interventions aimed to support youths’ education-to-employment transition.
Recommended citation: Lee, S., Farhat, J., & Mandapat, B. (2024). Employment Pathways or Empty Promises? Student Perceptions of University and Career Center Support in Facilitating Employment in the UAE (Policy Paper No. 74). Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.
