Students who want to get a head start in their careers from an early age can now do so officially. Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, Minister of Labour, recently issued a decision that permits students from the age of 16 to work part-time under the sponsorship of their parents or universities.

Earning a little pocket money and gaining some experience in the real world would do no harm, but would undertaking a part-time job mean compromising a student's focus on more important matters such as their education? Notes spoke to students, officials, professionals and parents concerning the issue.

Reasons behind the decision

A number of factors came into play when amending this labour law including increasing student opportunities for experience and regulating safety in the work atmosphere. Al Ka'abi earlier explained to Gulf News, some of the considerations that were taken while making this decision.

"The decision aims to protect young people's rights and give them the opportunity to acquire labour market experience at an early age," he said. "Legalising their employment will help the ministry to monitor violations closely and will ensure that teenagers work in a healthy atmosphere and under the supervision of their parents."

Students in demand

With the tremendous growth of the industrial sector, companies require marketing and customer support in order to survive. The continuous events and promotions require outgoing, energetic and open minds, which could only be satisfied by youngsters.

"We prefer students because they can work on a flexible basis and are ready to adapt to new circumstances," said Alistar Howieson, Chief Operating Officer of CPD, a full-service ad and marketing agency which specialises in promotions.

"People from various parts of the world live in the country and in order to reach out, we prefer those who know different languages and speak fluent English," Howieson said. "We look for people who are outgoing, presentable, and enjoy meeting new people. Before an event, all the accepted applicants undergo training in their areas of work. For example, a person who has to promote a particular brand of laptop is taught its specifications before the event."

The benefits — personality development

One important benefit of a part-time job at a young age is the effect it has on one's personality.

"Part-time work tends to build students' maturity and confidence levels," said Sue Hunter, Career Services Manager at the American University in Dubai. "Students also get a much better idea of what is expected of them in the workplace such as punctuality, attention to detail and meeting deadlines."

The benefits — Enhancing the classroom experience

Malcolm Richards, dean of the School of Business and Management at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), also described how a part-time job in the real world could improve a student's personality.

"Part-time jobs teach youngsters important values that should be incorporated at an early age," he said. "For example it teaches them responsibility, gives them social skills and self confidence and overall helps them to mature faster."

However, personality development is not the only benefit of joining the working world at a younger age. Another, and probably a key advantage, is the potential such an experience provides.

"The more experience students gain in the work force, the better off and more prepared they are for later," Richards said. "In terms of school students, their studies will become more meaningful when combined with practical application outside the classroom."

As for the golden question, does part-time work increase the chances for better employment opportunities in the future? According to experts, if the job sought is appropriately related, then definitely yes.

The benefits — increasing the odds

Notes spoke to some representatives from major corporations to get an insight into what a candidate with job experience truly means.

Anish R., project manager at an engineering company, feels that the move to allow students to work part-time by the authorities would help students gain exposure to the work environment. As a student he recalls having done part-time jobs that have benefited his career.

"If you work while studying, once you are done with graduation, you are not just a graduate, you have an edge over the others in terms of work experience and confidence," he said. As far as the selection of part-time jobs is concerned, he feels that if students worked part-time in the field they pursue, it would not only give them some income but lots of practical knowledge. "Part-time jobs force you to organise your time wisely, give you real-world experiences and look great on your resume."

Asking if part-time work experience made a difference while hiring an employee, Nilanjana Javed, personnel officer of Gulf News, replied that it does.

"Individuals who have previously worked even as part-time understand the work environment, the system, the client needs and adapt better than the others," she said. "It saves a lot of time and effort from our part that goes into training the new employee. It also depends on where they have done the part-time job and if its relevant to the position they're seeking."

From 16?

With regards to the new rule permitting students from the age of 16 to work part-time, Syeda commented: "Students at the age of 16 are too young to start working in an organisation. They could do promotional jobs for pocket money if it is necessary."

There is a slight difference in opinion among academic professionals who claimed that at 16 students should concentrate more on education unless it is absolutely necessary for the student to support the family financially.

"Students shouldn't get over-consumed with their jobs," Richards said. "They should not come at the expense of their studies. Rather their jobs should add value to what they are learning."

Many parents also shared the same view, claiming that 16 is a vulnerable and impressionable age where students do not yet have the capacity to balance work, study and the other transitions of life.

"At 16 youngsters are already experiencing all sorts of emotional and psychological changes while trying to manage their studies," said Elham Khatib, mother of two teenage daughters. "Adding a job to the mix would only make things worse."

Nevertheless, with costs of living in the UAE on the rise, students are eager to seek a path to independence.

"Not only does this decision give us the rights and opportunities that will help us in the future, it will also teach us the value of money," Nithin Joshi, management student from the University of Wollongong in Dubai said. "Spending money given to you by your parents and then spending money you have earned yourself is a completely different feeling."

Jobs students should seek

This decision opens a door of endless opportunities for students. However, flipping burgers and serving fries may not be one of the most favoured options. According to experts, a student's decision on what part-time jobs to pursue should be based on their career ambitions.

Richards provided his input on the matter: "A student should aim to get a job in an area that relates to their field of interest so that they can understand what people do in that area," he said.

Richards described a few examples of how certain jobs would be applicable to certain fields.

"Working at a fast food restaurant wouldn't provide as much value. But then again if a student wishes to open his or her own chain of restaurants it may not be such a bad idea," he said. "Working in retail could be useful for a student who would like to pursue a career in marketing and may give them an appreciation for everything that goes into marketing a product. Someone who sees his or herself in accounting can pursue an accounting firm, in finance they can perhaps work in a bank, etc…"

Working students speak

Sometimes balancing the time between work and studies seems nearly impossible.

Danyal Chalan, a business student at AUS who worked as a promoter for several months, described some of the obstacles he faced while trying to earn some extra cash.

"You have classes from eight in the morning to maybe three or four in the afternoon," he said. "Then from five to eleven you're working. By the time you get back home you barely have the energy to shower and get into bed. Opening a book seems out of the question."

The key to such situations, experts said, is seeking the right job that doesn't require you to sacrifice your studies.

"My work was four days a week, and the days would alternate," said Ahmad Rustom, business student at AUS. "So if I learn how to manage my time between my working and non-working days, I can achieve a balance."

If students learn to manage their time, they can make the most out of their working experience and learn how to cope with various circumstances that may come up in their future careers.

"Working part-time has brought a change in the way I deal with people and situations," said Syeda Zainub, student at Mahatma Gandhi University who is also working as a part-time telesales executive at First Gulf Bank. "You are trained how and what to speak in certain situations and that is one of the most important elements one has to know wherever you are placed."

What kind of a part-time job would you take?

"I would prefer office work. Something to do with computers, that would enhance my practical knowledge."
— Benson Thomas, B-Com, Mahatma Gandhi University(MGU)

"I work part-time in telesales. It helps me to learn how to deal with people better."
— Syeda Zainub, BTS, MGU

"I would like to work in cafes, where I can interact with different people. Working part-time gives a sense of confidence, helps to face people and of course to make some pocket money!"
— Yaseem Baig, B-Com, MGU

"A part-time pilot! Otherwise I would like to do something interesting like sales, where I get to meet new people."
— Mubashar Satti, Internet Science, University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)

"Being at promotions, at events such as GITEX and so on, which are interesting and fun."
— Mohammad Divasali, BBA, UOWD

"I do part-time jobs, and usually at promotions and events. It gives me the extra cash to spend on recreation."
— Shelton Rego, BBA, UOWD

Do you believe part-time jobs are beneficial?

"Yes, of course. It gives us an idea of what it's like to work in the real world and prepares us for later."
— Rumaiya Kamal, B-COM, Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU)

"Definitely. It provides you with experience most companies look for, exposes you to the work environment and allows you to develop contacts."
— Nithin Thomas, B-COM, MGU

"I have a part-time job myself, and I would definitely say it's beneficial. It exposes you to the world and strengthens your personality – two very important elements to consider in Dubai."
— Jaspreet Kaur, B-COM, MGU

"Part time jobs make you more responsible and teach you time management, as in how to balance your job and your course work."
— Jesna Salim, B-COM, MGU

"Yes they are but only if the student is smart enough to juggle both studies and work."
— Jihan Jasem, BBM, MGU

"They are very useful. They teach you independence and prevent you from asking your parents for money for regular daily expenses."
— Nithin Joshi, management, University of Wollongon in Dubai

Have your say
Do you think taking up a part-time job is important and why? Would you take-up a part time job at 16 and what kind? Write to us and tell us your opinions on education@gulfnews.com or fill in the comments form below.

By Manal Ismail and Brijilin Ninan, Staff Reporters

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