In the UAE, many university students are choosing to spend their summer gaining practical work experience instead of taking a break. These students believe that having internships on their resumes will make them more appealing to future employers.
Karl Makahamadze, a Finance student at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, has decided to stay in the UAE this summer instead of visiting his home in Zimbabwe. He secured an internship with Philip Morris International, a prestigious global organization. “I think the experience would look great on my resume,” said Makahamadze. He described the selection process as extremely competitive, with 900 applicants vying for eight positions.
“Dubai is a global hub. I do not see myself going back home over the summer ever again. I think I’m just going to make sure I secure internships over the summer and dedicate all my summers to work experience and internships because the moment you’ve got an internship on your resume, especially in a good company, it sets you ahead of the competition in the job market,” he added. Makahamadze noted that his internship has exceeded his expectations, offering hands-on experience and active involvement.
Similarly, Keiraa Kaur Khurana, a Computer Science Engineering student, started her internship at Adex International. Despite initial resistance from her family, she decided to stay in Dubai. “I want to work in Dubai for a few years before I head for my Master’s elsewhere,” she said. Keiraa believes that internships provide clarity about future career paths and are crucial for understanding corporate life.
“I turned 21 recently, and I feel with age a certain amount of seriousness kicks in. I also wanted to do something that would help me have clarity in mind about the future course of action in my life. This would also help me comprehend what corporate life is all about,” she said. Her internship has taught her valuable lessons about discipline, financial independence, and maintaining a consistent routine.
John Joshua Vargas Abanador, another student, is actively seeking internship opportunities. He checks his college portal regularly for openings. “I’d prefer to spend my vacation doing an internship instead of the usual vacation activities because I want to stay busy and view university as a continuous journey,” said Abanador. Despite his parents living in Abu Dhabi, he remains in the college dormitory, hoping to secure an internship soon.
These students’ dedication to gaining practical experience highlights the importance of internships in today’s job market. By choosing work over leisure, they aim to set themselves apart from their peers and build a strong foundation for their future careers.