A Job Needs Experience … and Experience Needs a Job
As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) solidifies its position as a regional and global business hub, the demand for qualified and experienced talent continues to grow. However, fresh UAE national graduates often face unique challenges when entering the job market, primarily due to limited work experience. Husain Al Ahbabi, a recent graduate, shares his employment journey in a conversation with Ahmed Hamdan, a professional development coach at the College of Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS).Their dialogue explores common challenges new graduates face and provides practical tips for overcoming them.
Husain: “Salam Alekum, Coach Ahmed. How are you?”
Ahmed: “Alekum Alslam. Alhamdulilah, I am doing well, thank you.”
Husain: “I would like to share my experience of applying for jobs after graduation.”
Ahmed: “I know you did not have any work experience when you graduated, which makes it tough to find a job. How did it go for you?”
Husain: “That is true. But alhamdulilah, I was hired by a government entity and successfully completed my probation period.”
Ahmed: “That is good news. How did you overcome the challenge of lacking work experience?”
Husain: “I showcased my achievements and extracurricular activities during my studies to promote myself.”
Ahmed: “So, you worked on enhancing your personal brand.”
Husain: “Personal brand? What do you mean?”
Ahmed: “It is the intentional reputation you create—what comes to mind when people hear your name. It helps differentiate you from others.”
Husain: “I also updated my resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight my achievements and strategically targeted HR departments which led to several interview opportunities.”
Ahmed: “Excellent approach. How do female students manage their LinkedIn profile pictures if they prefer not to share personal images?”
Husain: “Some female students use stylish avatars or images featuring their initials with a background that represents them, like a cityscape of Abu Dhabi. This allows them to maintain an online presence without using their actual photos.”
Ahmed: “That is a creative solution. How has your first year at the job been?”
Husain: “It has been great, though not without its challenges. I now understand why it is difficult for fresh graduates to find jobs. Companies often prefer candidates with work experience to save time and resources on training.”
Ahmed: “Absolutely, training new hires can be expensive, which is why companies prioritize candidates with experience.”
Husain: “Fresh graduates need more than just a degree—internships, involvement in student clubs, and earning professional certificates are crucial. These activities provide fresh graduates with practical experience, relevant skills, and professional networks, making them more competitive in the job market despite lacking formal work experience. These activities provide fresh graduates with practical experience, relevant skills, and professional networks, making them more competitive in the job market despite lacking formal work experience.”
Ahmed: “Indeed, as new government job openings have become more selective, many graduates turn to the private sector, where work experience is crucial.”
Husain: “Actions like leaving jobs too soon after being hired can create the impression of one being unreliable.”
Ahmed: “It is true that such behaviours can damage the reputation of UAE national graduates and make companies hesitant to invest in their development.”
Husain: “Additionally, some graduates are overly selective about jobs aligning with their major, leading to a stereotype of inflexibility.”
Ahmed: “Fresh graduates need to understand that their major does not define their career, except in specialized fields. Adaptability is key in today's job market. Here are my recommendations for fresh graduates with no work experience to find jobs after graduation:
- Seek Internships: Gain experience and build your resume, even if it means taking unpaid roles. Make a strong impression during internships, as some companies offer full-time positions through these programs.
- Enhance Your Personal Brand: Start promoting yourself on LinkedIn before you graduate to stand out.
- Be Open-Minded: Your major does not define your career—focus on developing your portfolio and skills.
- Build a Strong Network: Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with alumni.
- Continuously Improve Skills: Take online courses, attend workshops, and earn relevant certifications.
- Seek Mentorship: Seek out mentors for guidance and support.
- Demonstrate Cultural Awareness: Embrace the UAE’s diverse workplace culture.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: Stay positive during your job search and interviews.
- Analyze and Adapt: Regularly review your job search strategy and adjust your approach as needed.
- Develop Communication Skills: Work on improving your interpersonal and communication skills.
- Commit to Your Job: Stay in your first job for at least a year to avoid limiting future opportunities.
- Leverage Personal Connections: Use family business contacts for training, internships, or mentorships.
In summary, navigating the job market as a fresh graduate can be challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset, overcoming these obstacles is possible.
Husain’s story illustrates that persistence, personal branding, and leveraging available resources can significantly impact a fresh graduate’s employability. By embracing adaptability, building a strong network, and continuously improving their skills, fresh graduates can successfully transition into the workforce and pave the way for a promising career. Remember, every step you take is valuable to your professional journey. Keep moving forward with confidence and determination.”
Ahmed Hamdan is a Professional Development Coach at the College of Interdisciplinary Studies on the Zayed University Abu Dhabi campus. You can reach out to him at +971-2-599-3765 / e-mail