Youths put skills ahead of money

A day before the Emiratisation summit 50 students participated in a live voting session; 30 per cent said growth and opportunity is the most important factor when considering a job offer; 20 per cent said learning new skills; while 18 per cent said work environment and culture and only 10 per cent said they would consider salary first.

INJAZ UAE is an organization that aims to build bridges between colleges, universities and the private sector. An employer says we can’t hire Emirates because we can’t give them the salaries and the working hours they demand. So INJAZ takes this opportunity to prove them wrong.

Voting outcomes also showed that students believed working in the private sector would present more demand than government; the main reason about working in the private sector was competition for recognition and promotion; in the government, jobs are dealing with a routine.

Job fairs, career guidance and workshop are ways to help create new perceptions about working in the private sector.

Regrettably, Emirati youth are unaware of the development and opportunities in private sector companies. Then again, private sector employers misguidedly believe that Emirati youth place more importance on the salary, benefits and working hours.

The private sector work environment does not encourage or motivate many youths to work in it but it benefits the youth from the work experience it offers.