International internships that offer UAE graduates a broader global perspective will be highlighted at an upcoming education and career event in Al Ain.

Now in its third year, the Al Ain Education & Career Fair at the Al Khabisi Wedding Celebration Hall from May 2 to 4.

“International internships offer young Emiratis a challenging opportunity to live, work and socialise in foreign countries while learning skills in management, technology and education, for instance,” said Hamad Taher, president of Aiesec UAE, part of the global youth organisation that develops leadership capabilities.

“Graduates and students can maximise their potential to create opportunities for development of defined leadership competencies.  When they return back to the UAE, we can see a tangible change in their confidence and a clearer understanding of their goals and how to achieve them.”

The Aiesec assessment centre at the Al Ain Education & Careers Fair will analyse students’ personalities based on psychometric testing, identifying areas of strengths which can be suited to particular work environments and organisations.

The centre’s career experts will also advise students on what competencies can be further developed to help improve their employment prospects.

“Typically, we have found that young Emiratis are more developed in competencies such as self awareness, awareness of others, flexible thinking and innovation,” added Taher.

“Competencies that can be further developed include adaptability, leadership, communication, and results orientation.”

According to the Abu Dhabi Education Council there are currently more than 23,000 UAE national students enrolled in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain federal universities, and a further 6,000 in private universities.  Unemployment of Emiratis between15 and 23 years old remains constant at 23.1 per cent.

“Al Ain is home to some 400,000 people, and has the largest UAE national population of all the emirates, providing the ideal platform for organisations and educational institutions to spotlight different career opportunities for UAE national job-seekers and students”, said Khurram Saeed, exhibition manager for the Al Ain Education and Career Fair.

A number of multinational businesses are already signed up to come face to face with bright graduates and fulfill Emiratisation quotas, a statement said.

School leavers exploring higher education opportunities will be able to meet several major universities and training institutions, it added. – TradeArabia News Service