Graduates are not just ready for the workforce, but also capable of driving progress
Education is no longer just about landing a job after graduation – it is about advancing in a career by embracing change and staying relevant at every stage. Today, success hinges on the ability to adapt and continuously build new skills.
Universities are responding to this shift by redesigning curricula that emphasise practical knowledge, industry trends, and hands-on experience. Courses are tailored to equip students with the tools needed to stay ahead of emerging technologies and workplace shifts.
Gulf Medical University (GMU), the UAE’s leading medical education institution, is at the forefront of integrating innovation and technology into healthcare education.
“GMU continually updates its curriculum to include the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and data science as they apply to healthcare. This ensures that students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge in emerging areas,” says Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor Academics at GMU.
In addition to a forward-thinking curriculum, GMU’s partnerships with global institutions provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects.
“Through its research centres and collaboration with global institutions, GMU offers students the chance to work on innovative projects in AI-driven diagnostics, healthcare analytics, and sustainability initiatives,” says Prof. Venkatramana.
By adopting a multidisciplinary approach to education, GMU enables students to explore the intersection of technology and healthcare.
This includes working with AI-based predictive tools, developing sustainable medical practices, and contributing to the advancement of digital health solutions.
Apart from regularly updating their curricula, universities are continuously introducing new courses and modules to align with the demands of the workplace. As industries change, there is an increasing demand for courses that equip students with a diverse skill set to meet the needs of future careers.
“Business and finance courses continue to be in high demand, with students and their parents understanding the benefits of courses that can be practically applied and support a range of future careers. We are seeing a trend of students choosing courses such as data analytics, and as industries continue to develop, courses such as digital mrketing are becoming popular,” says Prof. Fiona Robson, Head of the School of Social Sciences & Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
In addition to established fields, there is growing interest in more specialised and emerging areas. “With ambitious students who are keeping an eye on what is going on in the business world, we can see interest in our innovative new programmes, such as sustainable finance and fintech. I predict that courses in artificial intelligence are likely to see increased demand,” Prof. Robson adds.
Many of these courses are developed through close collaboration with employers, ensuring students have the skills needed to solve contemporary challenges in their respective fields. Universities also continuously evaluate the effectiveness of their offerings, using feedback from a wide range of stakeholders to keep courses relevant.
“A number of key stakeholders, including our industry advisory board, inform the development of our courses. As a practice-focused business school, we constantly engage with employers to understand their changing and emerging needs. We also integrate feedback from students and alumni to update our curriculum. It is very helpful to receive feedback from the organisations that employ our graduates,” says Robson.
This ongoing dialogue with industry ensures university courses remain practical, forward-thinking, and aligned with the job market, giving students an edge in future careers.
Educators agree that strong industry outreach is crucial for enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of academic programmes. Internships, collaborative projects, and mentorship initiatives serve as vital tools for bridging the gap between industry needs and academic learning.
At DeMont Institute of Management and Technology, this approach is firmly embedded into the curriculum, with continuous engagement with industry partners serving as a key strategy.
“We arrange student visits to leading companies and invite industry experts to deliver guest lectures. This helps the students in gaining practical insights into current and future trends and also helps to identify the skills that are in demand. The students also get opportunities to participate in conferences, and we also conduct workshops for students that help them get practical insights into how the companies operate,” says Dr Bindu Nair, Academic Head.
Such initiatives provide students with the hands-on experiences necessary to bridge theory with practice, giving them a deeper understanding of industry dynamics and the skills employers seek.
In the medical field, industry connections are particularly crucial, enhancing students’ learning and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector.
“GMU’s collaborations with leading healthcare providers and government organisations create abundant networking, internship, and employment opportunities for students,
ensuring they transition seamlessly into the workforce,” says Prof. Venkatramana.
For GMU, this connection goes beyond networking. “GMU emphasises hands-on learning through clinical training at its affiliated hospitals, research projects, and industry internships, providing students with real-world exposure to workplace environments,” says Prof. Venkatramana.
Skill development beyond subject knowledge is crucial, and universities are increasingly focusing on preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce. Technical expertise alone is no longer enough and graduates must also possess critical power skills, including leadership, communication, and adaptability.
“Graduates need to imbibe critical thinking and analytical skills that help solve the problems and navigate complex situations at work. Also important are communication skills, both written and verbal, especially since the workforce is getting so dynamic and multi-cultural,” says Dr Nair, adding, “Adaptability, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness also contribute to a graduate’s ability to work effectively in varied workplace settings.”
By focusing on both technical and soft skill development, universities like American University of Sharjah (AUS) are preparing graduates for success in the professional environment.
“At American University of Sharjah (AUS), we take pride in our academic excellence while prioritising a well-rounded student experience that goes beyond academics to ensure our graduates are prepared for the workforce. Student learning extends beyond the classroom, with opportunities for growth and development available throughout the entire campus. Encouraging an understanding of and respect for diversity, recognising the worth of individuals, and supporting students in their development are core aspects of the student experience,” says Shaima Bin Taliah, Acting Vice Chancellor for Student Experience, AUS.
AUS offers various extracurricular activities, such as community service projects, leadership programmes, and athletic teams, which help students develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
These experiences ensure that students graduate not only with technical knowledge but also with the interpersonal and leadership abilities necessary for today’s competitive job market.
By staying connected with industry needs, integrating cutting-edge technology, and fostering both technical and interpersonal skills, academic institutions are ensuring that students not only meet today’s challenges but also actively contribute to shaping tomorrow’s solutions.
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