In today’s competitive job market, acquiring professional skills has become essential for young individuals looking to increase their chances of securing employment. Rawdha Mohamed, a university student in her early 20s, has recently completed a professional course in media and filmmaking and is now planning to further develop her skills by enrolling in sports journalism courses. She believes that increasing her skill set will make her more attractive to potential employers in the media industry. Similarly, Emirati electrical engineer Maryam Almansoori pursued several professional courses to enhance her skills and remain competitive in the job market.
Natasha Parikh, a career counsellor, emphasized the importance of students becoming future-ready by enrolling in courses that enhance their employability. She noted that students are increasingly enrolling in professional courses to gain real-world skills that make them competitive for both college admissions and job opportunities. Additionally, online learning platform Coursera recently launched a report highlighting the rising use of micro-credentials by academic institutions worldwide. The report found that universities are supplementing traditional degree programs with industry-specific micro-credentials to produce job-ready graduates.
The report, based on a study of over 1,000 higher education leaders, indicated that 88% of surveyed experts believe that students are more likely to enroll in programs offering academic credit for industry-recognized credentials. Furthermore, 92% agree that graduates who earn these credentials are better equipped for the job market. This sentiment is echoed by students in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with 97% stating that earning a professional certificate would help them stand out to employers and secure a job after graduating.
According to Kais Zribi, Coursera’s general manager for the Middle East and Africa, academic institutions need to collaborate with governments and industries to align their curricula with the evolving demands of the job market. By incorporating job-relevant content and micro-credentials into their programs, universities can help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in future careers. Parikh also pointed out that students are enrolling in courses that equip them with real-world skills, making them competitive in both college admissions and the job market.
For Rawdha Mohamed, pursuing both a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and professional courses in media and filmmaking allows her to build a versatile portfolio and position herself for a successful career upon graduation. By combining her passion for media and creativity with a stable academic path in interior design, Rawdha ensures that she is prepared for a future in the media industry. Similarly, Maryam Almansoori’s pursuit of professional courses alongside her engineering studies equipped her with practical skills essential for real-world applications, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
In conclusion, the trend of acquiring professional skills through courses and micro-credentials is on the rise as individuals, like Rawdha Mohamed and Maryam Almansoori, seek to enhance their employability and remain competitive in the job market. Institutions and educators are increasingly recognizing the importance of offering industry-specific credentials to produce job-ready graduates. By collaborating with governments and industries, academic institutions can better align their curricula with the evolving demands of the job market, preparing students for successful careers in the future.
