Most UAE students plan career goals in schools, says survey

The KPMG-GEMS Education report on student career aspirations and the future of work also found that students gave communication, critical thinking, creativity and innovation, social skills, and leadership high marks for the skills they considered most important for future job success.

They also recognised the merits of collaboration, flexibility and initiative, but most did not consider technology, information and media literacy as key to their future success.

“Today’s youth are already thinking about their professional futures, with 90 percent already considering their career goals in high school, and with 72 percent having a clear idea of their job aspirations,” the report, titled ‘Mind the Gap’ said.

Survey unveils UAE students’ career ambitions

The report, unveiled on Thursday, surveyed more than 800 high school students in the UAE about their career goals, influences and perceived obstacles.

It said the UAE government sees young people as its greatest asset. To achieve the country’s future vision, the UAE needs the skills, energy, enthusiasm and commitment of the country‘s young people.

The Internet was the students’ primary source of information for academic guidance and career development, ahead of their teachers, families and peers, the report noted.

According to the report, most students said they planned to pursue business (21 percent), followed by healthcare (20 percent), engineering (12 percent) and creative arts 6 percent).

Business was the top choice for male students (29 percent) and healthcare dominated among female students (24 percent).

Less than one percent of respondents planned to study computer science or artificial intelligence, and only about five percent planned to study natural sciences.

Female students in particular showed strong interest in science, but not in computers or technology.