UAE jobs: Do you really need a university degree to secure a high-paying role? Experts weigh in

Employers are considering work experience over education and welcoming applicants with specialised skills or on-the-job training, opening up real career paths for skilled workers across different fields.

This begs the question of whether higher education degrees are really necessary for competitive, highly-paid roles. Do experts still see a university degree as crucial? Does it truly aid professionals? Here’s what experts told Arabian Business.

Experience vs Education: What matters most for UAE employers?

A 2022 report from McKinsey Global Institute found that work experience often outweighs formal education in driving income growth, especially for those in lower-wage jobs.

Key findings, which analysed job histories, revealed that work experience contributes more to lifetime earnings for those without higher education, and changing jobs, particularly to roles that expand skills, can significantly benefit careers.

The research also emphasised that early experience in companies that prioritise employee development can boost future prospects.

Notably, the report highlighted that 80 percent of job changes involve moving to new employers, suggesting companies may be missing opportunities to retain talent through internal development.

The researchers concluded that investing in employee learning and development is crucial for companies to address attrition and labour shortages, even as the workforce becomes more mobile. This research could have significant implications for how businesses approach hiring and retention, as well as how individuals plan their career paths.

“Globally, the evolving job market and economic landscape are driving more companies to consider hiring based on skills and experience rather than educational qualifications, reflecting a broader trend towards valuing practical knowledge,” Samia Hasan, a Dubai-based Career and Leadership Coach, and Founder of Unwind the Grind, told Arabian Business.

“Employers across a range of industries are dropping a job requirement once considered a ticket to a higher paying job: a college degree. Companies that are leading the way in dropping the requirement of a college degree are Apple, Google, IBM, Netflix, Accenture, Hilton, Earnest & Young and Tesla to name a few,” she said adding that skills-based hiring has gained traction.

“Twenty-nine percent of paid job posts on LinkedIn omitting professional degree requirements in 2022, up from 21 percent in 2019,” she said citing a LinkedIn report, adding that employers are “struggling to translate” that into actual hires.

Echoing the sentiment, Zeta Yarwood, another Dubai-based career coach said, that a college degree is “not necessarily” required, and often depends on the “knowledge and training required, the degree of legal and ethical responsibility of the role, and how regulated the field is.”

For instance, jobs in medicine, law, and engineering require a degree as they all rely on extensive knowledge, are highly regulated and carry significant legal and ethical responsibility, she explained.

“Other jobs that are more skills-based than knowledge-based or can be trained on the job may not require a degree. Some companies used to stipulate a degree was required for all entry-level roles. Perhaps under the assumption that this automatically meant the applicant had the required levels of e.g. language, reasoning and numerical skills. But more and more companies have slowly started to change this for the graduate/entry-level roles, replacing the need for a degree with assessments and tests instead,” she added.

According to Yarwood, numerous positions offer substantial compensation without requiring a university degree, provided one works for a company rather than being self-employed.

Roles in sales, technology, construction, logistics often don’t require a college degree

Sales roles frequently provide high earnings, particularly when commission is not capped, she said, adding that positions in technology often accept shorter certifications or qualifications instead of formal degrees.

“Some companies will even accept applications from people who are self-taught at certain levels, based on practical assessments. Jobs in construction and logistics can also pay well and don’t require a degree. With most of these jobs, the more senior you become, the more you will earn. If you’re self-employed there’s more freedom in what you can charge,” she added.

Adding to this, Hasan said that other industries that “offer significant opportunities” for non-degree holders include retail, hospitality, entertainment, media, food service, and financial services.

“Examples of well-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree are web developers, designers, coders, tech support, real estate agents and brokers, sales and customer service, logisticians, facilities managers, administration, accounting, taxation, insurance underwriters, cybersecurity, digital content creators and tour guides,” she said.

Hasan further explained that firms looking to hire based on skills must make purposeful changes to practices, not just alter job adverts, adding that many roles, particularly in healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, consulting and law commonly require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

UAE government, public sector jobs have strict education demands

She added by saying that employers in these industries typically prefer applicants with formal education and applicable qualifications. Positions in government and the public sector in the UAE often have strict education demands, commonly a bachelor’s degree for senior posts.

“The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has defined 3 categories to obtain a work visa in the UAE. Anyone 18 years old and under the below-mentioned categories is eligible to apply for a UAE employment visa,” she said, adding that the categories include:

• Category 1: Bachelor’s degree holders.
• Category 2: Post-secondary diploma holders.
• Category 3: High school diploma holders.

“For freelancers and self-employed individuals, proof of education is required that may include an attested Bachelor’s degree or a specialised diploma,” she explained.

The UAE job market, she said, is “extremely cutthroat and competitive,” making it even more crucial to have a relevant degree as a bare minimum to qualify for several positions and organisations.

“This can be offset in case of relevant diplomas, certifications, credible work experience in fields where having a college degree is not mandatory,” she added.

Alternative options to a college degree

However, for those considering entering the workforce without a university degree, there are alternative options, Yarwood explained.

Certifications, apprenticeships, and vocational training can provide valuable skills and experience. Industries such as technology, healthcare, banking, retail, marketing, and hospitality offer relevant certifications for specific roles.

She said, the disadvantage would be “dependent” on an employer’s preferences and the job type.

“I’d also say culture might play a role here too. I have seen people prioritise a degree over other skills because of their personal background and beliefs, perhaps coming from a culture that prioritises education. I’ve also seen people be much more open and flexible in the selection process because they didn’t have a degree and that had no bearing on their success at all. It will come down to the company or hiring manager,” she said.

In addition, Hasan explained that sectors such as tech, healthcare, banking, retail, marketing, hospitality and others have roles-specific certifications, and apprenticeships.

“Higher education is failing to keep up with broadening globalisation and a rapidly evolving technological landscape. There’s a gap between what companies need and what recent college graduates bring to the table,” she said, adding that companies are investing in “on-the-job training and hiring from the gig economy, where many workers are continuously educating themselves.

“Vocational schools and online degree programmes provide practical and affordable alternatives to traditional college degrees, catering to those seeking career advancement without the high costs of a four-year degree. They offer shorter programme durations, focused curriculums, and hands-on experience that directly prepare students for specific careers,” she added.

Skills in ‘high demand’

To compensate for the lack of a degree, Hasan advised job seekers to gain hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities.

“Focus on building skills that are in high demand through online courses, bootcamps, and workshops. Create a portfolio showcasing your work, especially important in creative fields like graphic design, writing, and web development,” she said.

Yarwood added that employers want to know two things: “You’re willing to learn and willing to take responsibility for your growth.”

“You might not have a degree but taking courses, certifications and qualifications in your chosen field shows you’re taking your development and career seriously. Yes, they keep your knowledge and skills up to date, but taking certifications etc., also shows you have drive, maturity and a growth mindset. These are three attractive qualities to potential employers,” she said.

Yarwood advised job seekers to acquire hands-on experience through apprenticeships, shadowing and volunteering to gain entry-level skills and knowledge, bolstering your application.

“Research and learn as much as you can about your chosen field, either through self-learning, certifications and qualifications. Show you understand how your role fits into the bigger picture of the company. Start building your network as early as possible and find a mentor (or mentors) who can support you while you navigate your career path,” she said.

When asked if the prestige or ranking of the university matter when it comes to finding a job, Hasan said, it varies by industry.

In fields such as consulting, law, and academia, the reputation of the institution can carry “significant weight,” she said, adding that some organisations still exclusively hire from Ivy League universities or other top-ranked institutions.

“University brand name and ranking might have a more substantial impact on your first job out of college. Once you gain professional experience, your job performance and work history become more important,” she said.

However, the trend of focusing on university credibility and ranking when hiring is subsiding in favour of relevant skillsets and experience. This shift is particularly evident in the tech industry and start-up world, Hasan added.

For those considering skipping university and entering the workforce directly, Hasan said:

1. Have a clear career vision: Identify the fields/industries you’re interested in and research the specific skills and qualifications required for those careers. This will help you focus your efforts on gaining relevant experience and training. e.g. According to the latest job trends and hiring data in the UAE, careers in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and digital transformation are expected to be highly sought after in 2024 and beyond.
2. Gain practical skills: Enroll in vocational training programs or certification courses that are recognised in your desired industry.
3. Maximise hands-on experience: Gain hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities. Be open to starting in entry-level roles and working your way up.
4. Create a strong portfolio: Create a compelling portfolio that showcases your work and skills. Focus on your accomplishments and how they demonstrate your skills and abilities.
5. Build a solid professional network: Connect, engage, and nurture relevant contacts in your desired field and industry who can open doors for you.
6. Seek mentorship: Find an industry mentor who can provide guidance, support, and insights into your chosen industry. A mentor can help you navigate your career path and avoid common pitfalls.
7. Harness your leadership skills: Master key leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
8. Always-on learning: Most importantly, stay updated with industry trends and continue learning.