In order to develop performance and efficiency the Assistant Dean’s Office for Professional Development in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) recently organized a series of workshops for more than 150 graduating students from a variety of institutions. These workshops were aimed at developing and honing the graduating students’ skills and abilities prior to joining the workforce.

Dr. Suad Al Marzooqi, Assistant Dean for Professional Development in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the supervisor of the workshops, stated that the college provides an excellent training regime that is not only limited to final year students.  However, he added that the present focus on graduating students was because they were on the cusp of entering the world of business and the greater their skill set, the greater the chance of finding a job commensurate with their qualifications and abilities.

Dr. Al Marzooqi further added that the training was conducted by Abeer Ali and Afra Al Muhairi, specialists in hands-on training. The program teaches the students skills to do with job interviews, work ethics and time management. These training programs are not only internal to the university but also include scholarship students from international universities and other academic institutions in order to help them to gain a high standard of training and professional development. Each trainee was appointed a field supervisor for the duration of their program.

Dr. Hamzeh Dodeen conducted a workshop on professional CV writing and prepared the students in personal interview techniques. In addition, Professor Yousef Al Nuaimi delivered a lecture on professional ethics dealing with both the most important ethical principles and foundations. Professor Ahmed Al Mansouri also presented a course in effective communication skills and mechanisms. This stressed a commitment to hard work, while still respecting privacy. Despite this privacy Professor Al Mansouri highlighted the importance of interactions with colleagues that help to raise productivity and professional performance.