Students explore career choices at 3-day event

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

SHARJAH: Scores of students from different schools across the Emirate of Sharjah have attended the second edition of the three-day Academic Discipline Exhibition, organised by Sharjah Public Library (SPL), in collaboration with Al Dhaid Library that began yesterday at the SPL building.

The aim is to provide great opportunities for high-school students and graduates to learn about academic majors that best match their interest, potential and career ambitions. The event is offering students the latest on job market trends and projections, and scientific and market research data to help them make informed decisions.

The exhibition offers an integrated access point for these students, who can learn about the various majors offered by universities across the UAE. There are representatives at the event who are taking up student queries about the nature and scope of these courses and furnishing them with essential information about the same.

The exhibition offers valuable access to knowledge and information from vocational and academic guidance experts from UAE universities and is a great opportunity to learn about the services that SPL can provide to each one during their teaching and learning journeys.

Eman Bushlaibi, Director of SPL, said: “The event aims to raise community awareness, be it fresh school graduates, their parents or even academics about the current expectations of the job market. We are offering them an insight into latest trends and projections to help them make informed decisions about choosing their field of study after graduating from school.”

“In doing so, we are trying to paint a practical picture for our future workforce, so they can avoid falling prey to some of the job market problems we face today. More importantly, we want them to really know about new opportunities, outside the conventional ambit of job roles, which are on the rise as these have introduced plenty new avenues for students to explore their talent and pursue them professionally,” she added.

Ali Al Naqbi, Public Relations Officer at Al Qasimia University, said: “Al Qasimia University’s participation in the Academic Discipline Exhibition is aimed at educating the students on all of its academic programmes and helping them to select the right one. The students will have a better and clearer perception of their academic and professional future through briefs delivered by experts. Those exhibitions help the students to choose their fields of study, as well as elevate their creativity and academic education in the future.”

“His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, envisioned the university as a renowned institution of higher education and research. It comprises five different colleges that meet the market’s needs; the College of Arts & Humanities, College of Communication, College of Economics & Management, College of Holy Quran, and College of Sharia & Islamic Studies. It has 1,500 students from 70 countries, promoting diversity, cross-cultural communication and civilised dialogue among all students,” he added.

The exhibition’s programme features many side-events, such as the ‘Human Library’ – an experimentative round table featuring people who faced difficulties in choosing their academic paths and careers, who will share real-life experiences and challenges with young participants preparing to take these steps in future.  

In this year’s event, the University of Sharjah will participate alongside Ajman University, Ministry of Education – Scholarships, Higher Colleges of Technology, Skyline University College, Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies, University College for Mother and Family Science, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, AlFalah University, College of Islamic & Arabic studies, and Al Qasimia University.