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As the UAE makes a visible shift towards a knowledge-based economy, society is increasingly viewing colleges and universities as engines of local and regional economic growth, especially in a post-pandemic era.
Institutions of higher education provide jobs, purchase local goods and services and supply skilled graduates who may settle in the region and contribute to its productivity.
Veteran educationists in the country highlight how higher education is a great way for students to gain in-depth knowledge of a specific subject area, while also contributing to overall career success and progression.
Dr Vikas Nand Kumar Batheja, Co-Founder & Director of Capital University College, opines, “Employers look for professionals who have a natural flair for multi-tasking; more like - jack of all trades. Additionally, companies also want people who are not just well-experienced but also are backed up with relevant and updated knowledge. This is where higher education comes in and supports its corporate journey. With the pandemic, employees are expected to be intellectually sound and have an international perspective to business which is balanced when students opt to pursue part-time or online master’s that are internationally recognized and accredited.”
Experts feel the pandemic has only accelerated the need for professionals to opt for degrees that will potentially future-proof their employment opportunities.
Dr Slim Saidi, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai, says, “Higher education is all the more relevant today as many areas are to be researched, redesigned and rethought. The Education of the future needs to be augmented and adapted to the contexts of the future; where the professional has to still master the analytical and technical skills which will become foundational literacies.”
Academicians underline students also learn discipline, inter-personal skills and time management.
Dr Vajahat Hussain, Amity Education ME CEO, opines, “Mastering skills and understanding new concepts plays a big role in creating an impact in the world. Through internships and research, postgraduate students get the opportunity to understand more about the inner workings of an organization and gain knowledge about different fields. It is a global phenomenon that the cohort stays together and an Alumni network eventually brings great value to the student's career and business.”
Rapid migration to digital technologies will continue into the recovery
Meanwhile, experts note how professionals in traditionally stable industries are finding they have lost, or are in fear of losing their jobs.
Dr Timothy Campbell, Managing Director, Stafford Global, says, “Turbulence in the professional landscape is not new. For example, the global financial crisis was not that long ago. But perhaps the key difference this time for professionals is that the Covid-19 induced uncertainty is not only about keeping your job it is also about how will I do my job? Can I still be effective in the new, virtual work environment? Enforced remote working brings with it a plethora of issues and challenges. Professionals are beginning to understand they need a whole new skill set.”
Educationists concur the effects of Covid-19 are having a significant impact on the technology sector.
More positively, the disruption has caused an acceleration of remote working and a rapid focus on evaluating and de-risking the end-to-end value chain.
Professor RN Saha, Director, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus says, “As the world of technology continues to change relentlessly at a fast pace, spiraling upwards, rapid changes and enhancements in various areas of technology are inevitable. Post Covid-19, employers are looking for Engineers with specific knowledge and skill sets in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, virtual learning and comprehensive managerial abilities.
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