Emiratis recount successful job hunt from Careers UAE

Next month, Careers UAE will open its doors to welcome 1000s of Emirati students, fresh graduates and young professionals seeking full-time positions in some of the region’s most influential and successful private and public organisations.

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 13-15 March 2018, some of Careers UAE’s past successes have shared their stories and experiences from the three-day career exhibition to encourage Emiratis to take part in an event that provides a unique opportunity to have meaningful face-to-face conversations with decision makers.

Monther Mohamad Alhashimi, Equipment Maintenance Engineer at ENOC (attended in 2016)

“I attended the Careers UAE to look for an organization that was keen on investing in me during the start of my career. I quickly filtered out the companies that were only attempting to fill in a job position, but rather recognize new talent and help build someone’s career. Having all companies in one place, it was very convenient for me to find out which company was a best fit for me, and at the same time where I was a best fit for them.

“In many of the company stands that I visited, a large range of decision makers were present and were willing to answer my questions. This fast tracked the process of questioning, interacting, discussing and allowed me to immediately apply for jobs that best suited myself and the organization.

“Some companies offered for me to have a discussion with an engineer in a similar position that I was applying for.  Afterward, I was often interviewed by an HR representative and submitted my CV.

“After the event, ENOC was one of the companies that recognized my potential and followed up on my application, requesting a follow up interview, and finally offering me a job. After reviewing the job description and offer, I decided to accept and join ENOC.

“It was an excellent platform for job seekers to find recruiters that are looking for talent. It acted as the perfect platform where there was a mutual benefit for the job seekers and the recruiters. Having attended UAE careers fair 2017 as a representative of ENOC for recruitment of engineers, I had discussions with large numbers of candidates and I was able to help select the best fit candidates for ENOC.”

Noura Ahmed, Internship Officer for Zayed University (attended in 2016)

“I attended Careers UAE to gain knowledge and experience of the current job market to see what was available for current skills and experience. Of course, I was keen on developing the skills I had learnt at university so I was definitely looking for a position that challenge me. As well as being a great place to network and meet individuals who were involved in the hiring process, the event allowed me to learn so much more about a multitude of different organisations and how they operate.

“During my time in this position I’ve received a lot of training to help excel as well encouragement to participate in events allowing me to express myself on behalf of the university by brining my own ideas to the table. I’ve also used my own initiative to look for additional training which eventually led me to the position I am in now. I think this is a great way to supplement your university studies and helps you to continually develop your skillset.

“On top of this, I am frequently challenged in the workplace and I am able to develop my skills. I am on a rotation in different departments which allows me to learn constantly.

“I feel that Careers UAE, other than providing the opportunity for Emiratis to earn positions in prospective companies, serves for deeper learning process, especially for fresh graduates. It allows UAE Nationals to see the skills they have learnt and to know what skills are needed for the jobs they want. These may not match up either, and can help inspire people to continue their personal development to attain these positions.”

Pamela Creedon, Acting Dean, College of Communication and Media Sciences said, “Noura is an exemplary employee in our College of Communication and Media Sciences.  She continually endeavours to take advantage of opportunities to enhance her background.  As our Internship Officer, she shares all she learns and experiences with our Zayed University students to help them build their ambitions for future careers. She benefitted greatly from her experience at Careers UAE, which she is using to help move our students to their next level in career ambitions.”

Rashed Mohammed Essa, HR Officer for the Supreme Legislation Committee (attended in 2015)

“I attended Careers UAE when I was in my senior year at university as I was seeking a new and challenging opportunity and to discover job prospects that were available for me in both private and governmental positions.

“The event facilitated my need to discuss job opportunities and roles with key decision makers from companies at their stands. What was extremely useful was that a majority of the exhibitors held on the spot interviews allowing me to make an impression almost immediately.

“I considered myself quite lucky as the hiring process for the Supreme Legislation Committee was extremely smooth. Additionally they provided me with all the helping and training I needed to operate and feel comfortable in the position of an HR Officer.

“Careers UAE should be a must-attend for Emiratis, even for those who are still students, because it can help them find and decide what their next step should be. It is very important to find out the market demands, how you measure up to them and to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

“As well as giving me an amazing opportunity and helping me secure a long-term position, I was also able to network with a range of different professionals across different sectors.”

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 18th edition of Careers UAE is set to empower UAE nationals seeking to enter the workforce backed by a variety of local and international companies offering job opportunities and career development.

Careers UAE returns with support from Strategic Government Partner: Dubai Government Human Resources Department; Partners: the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation, Zayed University and the Higher Colleges of Technology; and Academic Partner: United Arab Emirates University