WATCH: Zayed University’s interdisciplinary program designed for the UAE’s future job market

“We have launched an exciting new interdisciplinary program and we look forward to seeing its success. We have committed faculty and academic leaders who believe this is a program that is much needed in the future job market in the UAE and globally,” said Allan.

Established in 1998, Zayed University has a total of 9,473 students at its Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses. The student-faculty ratio at the university is 1:12.

In an interview with Gulf News, Allen said employers are looking for employees who are willing to learn more. “Many of the skills needed to be successful in today’s job market will be obsolete in five years. So there is an immediate need for universities to offer a diverse curriculum that equips students with the latest skills,” he said.

Professor Paul Hopkinson, Dean of the New School of Interdisciplinary Studies, said that the fundamental reason why interdisciplinary learning is important is that many of the problems facing our world today require interdisciplinary solutions.

“Many of the challenges and opportunities we face in society today are complex and multifaceted and thus require novel approaches. Climate change, digital and social exclusion, and more, opportunities and challenges posed by disruptive technologies such as conversational artificial intelligence [artificial intelligence] cannot be addressed from a single-disciplinary perspective: they require new ways of thinking and working across traditional disciplines. We cannot address such complex issues with a single approach,” he added.

He continued: “Our approach is to create programs that combine an interdisciplinary major focused on topics such as business transformation and social innovation with 16 majors, enabling students to also gain subject-specific expertise. We seek to equip students with the skills and knowledge that enables them to integrate insights from different disciplines to solve problems, work with students from different backgrounds – and, equally importantly, develop a mindset that recognizes and values ​​insights from different disciplines – rather than just dismissing, Because they think differently.

“We have also transformed the entire first year to focus on developing fundamental employability skills, encouraging students to become effective thinkers, problem solvers and communicators. This transformation coupled with a fundamental shift in the way we teach and assess, Helps create an environment that is more in line with the demands of the modern workplace and ensures that graduates are better prepared for career success.”

Sherif Mousa, Chief Transformation Officer at Zayed University, agrees.

“Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are the skills employers value most in their employees. Student expectations are changing too. When students graduate, it is reasonable for them to expect their university to provide a foundation for their careers. However, the data shows , higher education does not meet the needs of students nor employers. 65% of employers believe that graduates enter the job market underprepared in some way. In another survey, 52% of respondents believed that Their universities don’t focus enough on employability. At Zayed University, we try to turn this around and prepare our students,” he said.

“Over the past 25 years since Zayed University was founded, our approach to educating students has changed more than once. We pay attention to what is happening externally and adjust our programs as needed.” For example, the growing role of technology in education Bigger has become critical during a pandemic. For example, meta-learning is popular among students. It is fundamental to unleashing the ability to pursue lifelong learning opportunities, and students are eager to learn about it. “

He added that a new model of education was needed in a highly competitive global and local context.

Moussa outlined the four “pillars” of Zayed University. “These pillars will shape everything we do at the University for years to come.”

1. Interdisciplinary Education: Provides an integrated model that empowers a generation of lifelong learners who can shape the future of work.

2. Interdisciplinary research in action: Research is the foundation of innovation. Advance research that contributes to society and the knowledge economy.

3. Partnerships that create value: As we take a more interdisciplinary approach to education, it is natural to consider making as many connections as possible with others to enrich our offerings, knowledge and capabilities

4. Operational Excellence: Rapid technological advancements, especially in the field of data science, have created numerous opportunities for optimization and better decision-making processes.

Jane Tatterton, Acting Assistant Provost for Student Affairs, said: “Last year, more than 60 per cent of ZU graduates found employment in the private sector. This is a significant increase and reflects the strength of the UAE job market. changes and support for ZU students and graduates through student careers and alumni sector support, recruiting days and career fairs. Employers are looking for graduates with a range of soft, transferable skills as well as qualifications to ensure a smooth transition in the workplace ,”she says.

Providing support for students is “critical to promoting student success through active, innovative and impactful services, programs and activities that foster a sense of belonging, engagement, well-being and skill development,” Tatterton said.

The Student Affairs department and units, through its Student Leadership Department, Student Careers and Alumni Department, Student Accessibility Services, Student Advising Services, Student Support and Students, provide social, personal, A life of professional, cultural and sporting opportunities.

The University offers support to students and alumni to develop their employability skills, including opportunities for part-time and full-time work. Dedicated students are offered one-on-one personal and wellbeing support through personal and career guidance and counselling, and through Student Access Services. Other programs and activities include sports and recreation, leadership events, student clubs and organizations, and more.

Naveed Ejaz, consultant in outreach and student recruitment, said: “Zayed University’s outreach team participated in and organized on-campus and virtual events. Question-and-answer opportunity for staff.”

“We accept any student who meets all our criteria and passes the Zayed University internal application. However, like any university with ambitions to be globally elite and competitive, we do have a ‘student’ when it comes to marketing and partnering with schools role’,” Ejaz explained.

“At Zayed University, we do offer a limited number of merit scholarships to expatriates residing in the UAE and international students attending high school outside the UAE. These scholarships are tuition fee awards that cover all or part of a student’s tuition fees and are highly Competitiveness. We also provide financial assistance that typically covers technical resources.”