Emirati jobseekers put career growth ahead of money

That was the message from young people attending the Emirati Youth Forum yesterday who said the opportunity to grow was the deciding factor in accepting a job – four places ahead of pay.

About 50 students and recent graduates took part in the forum held a day before the Emiratisation Summit. In a live voting session, 30 per cent of participants said the opportunity for growth and promotion was the most important factor when considering a job offer; 20 per cent said learning new skills was the top factor; while 18 per cent said work environment and culture was the main factor. Only 10 per cent said they would consider salary first. A mere 2 per cent said working hours were the most important criterion.

“Everyone is always saying that Emiratis [only consider] working hours and salary,” said Sulaf Saleh Al Zu’bi, the chief executive of INJAZ UAE, an organisation that aims to build bridges between schools and colleges and the private sector.

“Employers tell me they can’t hire Emiratis because they can’t give them the salaries and working hours they demand. Hopefully this will prove them wrong.”

To read this article in full, please click here:

About the author

Kazim Ladimeji is the Director of thecareercafe.co.uk—a resource for start-ups, small business and job seekers. It includes a blog with career and small business advice articles. Kazim is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and has been a practising HR professional for 14 years.

You can be published on this website as well. Click here to submit your article.