Many schools in Dubai are focusing on preparing their senior year students for the future by training them to document their experiences in ‘brag sheets’. This process helps students create impressive resumes to use when applying for various opportunities such as internships, scholarships, or college. By organizing their activities, achievements, and skills early on, students can have an advantage when it comes time to apply for higher education or employment opportunities.
One school that is actively involved in this process is GEMS Wellington Academy — Silicon Oasis (WSO). The vice principal and head of Post-16, Matthew James, highlighted the importance of guiding students in CV writing, career exploration, and university applications. The school offers workshops and individual guidance to help students create well-crafted resumes, personal statements, and applications. Two guidance counselors work with students to refine their CVs and provide support throughout the application process.
The exercise of crafting ‘brag sheets’ begins in Year 12 during students’ Post-16 induction. Students are shown examples of good CVs and encouraged to start drafting their own. As students progress and gain more experiences, their resumes naturally grow fuller. Keeping track of achievements and successes throughout their time at school helps students build strong CV content and provides valuable information for teachers when writing references. By documenting their experiences early on, students ensure the accuracy and completeness of their CVs, making their applications more robust.
Educators emphasize the importance of helping students recognize their strengths and interests through documenting their skills and experiences. By encouraging students to log their achievements, internships, sports accomplishments, and work experiences, schools like Swiss International School Dubai (SISD) aim to prepare students for the evolving job market. With the increasing reliance on AI filters in recruitment processes, it is crucial for students to strategically incorporate job titles and keywords into their CVs to stand out to potential employers.
Head teachers note that a CV for a 17-year-old student may look lighter compared to that of someone with more experience. However, schools like Greenfield International School-Dubai provide support from a pastoral team to help guide students’ career choices and activities throughout their secondary school journey. By starting with psychometric testing in the lower secondary years, students can explore future career paths that align with their interests and strengths, ensuring a successful transition to higher education and beyond. Making informed career choices early on can set students up for success in the competitive job market.
In conclusion, the practice of creating ‘brag sheets’ and documenting experiences early on plays a crucial role in preparing students for their future endeavors. By guiding students in CV writing, career exploration, and university applications, schools are equipping students with the necessary skills and tools to succeed in the competitive job market. Through strategic planning, students can build strong resumes that showcase their achievements and skills, increasing their chances of securing internships, scholarships, and college placements. By instilling the importance of documenting experiences and recognizing strengths, educators are shaping the future of their students and preparing them for success in the professional world.
