How to choose a university that will increase your employability

Sponsored by Abu Dhabi University  

When choosing a university, there are so many factors to consider. One important aspect of university life that is often overlooked when choosing a university is the career services available to students and graduates. 

From CV help and interview prep to established industry connections, a university with excellent careers services could have a huge impact when starting out your career. 

Alongside the university’s career services, it’s also worth taking note of other factors that could impact your employability prospects after graduation. Consider the school’s proximity to work experience opportunities  

When choosing a university, consider the school’s proximity to work experience opportunities. Evaluate the university’s industry connections and how it prepares students for succeeding in the graduate job market.  

The UAE’s Abu Dhabi University (ADU) prides itself on producing internship-ready students. What does this mean? The university offers a range of workshops to ensure that students are equipped with the skills they need to meet the demands of the workplace.  

Before starting their internship, ADU students are required to complete a zero-credit module that will build the attributes that employers look for in graduates.  

Abu Dhabi University’s careers workshops cover the main aspects that will help students apply for and succeed in a graduate role after university. They focus on the 4Cs – communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.  

ADU graduate Abubakar Ibrahim, is a computer engineering graduate. During his time at ADU, he completed an internship with a digital transformation consulting firm based in Dubai called Arqitek, where he learned to interact with clients and work in a professional environment.  

“ADU’s  Employability and Alumni Relations Office helped me prepare for the interviews and potential interactions with stakeholders within and outside the firm,” said Abubakar. 

Since graduating, Abubakar has been offered a role with Deloitte and will work in electronic discovery, digital forensics and data analytics.  

In his job interviews for both Arqitek and Deloitte, the Employability and Alumni Relations Office (EARO) helped him practice interview questions and prepare for his interview.  

“They encouraged me to just be myself and understand that I have transferable skills from my extra-curricular activities.” 

A university’s careers services can offer help and advice with the next steps of your career. Consider the careers services offered by the university, how they can help develop your skills and understand how to take the next steps in your career. 

Abu Dhabi University’s extensive career services are run by a team of career development professionals and are available to students and alumni. Whether you’re looking for an internship, career guidance, or help with your CV and cover letter, Abu Dhabi University’s career services have the resources and expertise to help you. 

“The Employability and Alumni Relations Office has a range of career development workshops. I attended a few including a CV and cover letter writing workshop, and LinkedIn Profile Optimizing with a career advisor,” said Abubakar.   

The university has organised workshops in the areas such as public relations, media production, advertising, journalism and to shed the spotlight on the current demands of the workplace and to showcase the employment opportunities currently on offer.