“What next?”
New graduates are asked this question time and again as they prepare to transition from students to members of the workforce. But even as many youngsters are entering the job market with the hopes of starting their careers off right, they lack the clarity they need to successfully move forward.
In a survey conducted by Expo 2020 Dubai and market research firm YouGov to gather insights into the youth in Saudi Arabia, UAE and other Gulf countries, it was revealed that young people today are looking for opportunities to turn their passion into a sustainable career. But passion alone is insufficient; you also need an arsenal of fundamental skills to succeed.
Given the job market is constantly evolving, how do you match your unique interests and talents with up-and-coming jobs and industries that you just don’t know enough about today? We’re here to help. Match your interests and skills with these five future careers that are expected to take off in the GCC countries.
DATA ANALYSIS
What it involves: Compiling and analyzing information and statistics for businesses in order to identify problems and suggest possible solutions.
Why it’s hot: While the UAE is positioning itself to become a smart hub, Saudi Arabia’s big data analytics market is expected to grow to $1.85 billion by 2018.
Skills you’ll need: A degree in data science or statistics along with critical and analytical thinking and highly developed organizational skills.
Best choice if you’re passionate about: Numbers, learning new things and solving complex tasks.
Find Data Analysis jobs here.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
What it involves: Design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance of clean energy generation sources.
Why it’s hot: The UAE plans to generate almost 50% of its power needs from renewable sources by 2050.
Skills you’ll need: A degree in science or engineering, and teamwork and communication skills.
Best choice if you’re passionate about: Creating a sustainable society, conserving our natural resources and making the world a better place.
Find Renewable Energy jobs here
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
What it involves: Developing solutions to biological and medical problems by applying the principles of engineering to create a device, procedure or system that will aid in healthcare. Training in the field can open the way to diverse professions like medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, education or research.
Why it’s hot: A report by Alpen Capital shows that the healthcare market in the GCC is expected to grow by 12% from an estimated value of $40.3 billion in 2015 to about $71.3 billion in 2020. The development of sophisticated biomedical devices will revolutionize healthcare in the future.
Skills you’ll need: A degree in biomedical engineering along with good analytical skills and an awareness of design principles.
Best choice if you’re passionate about: Human health, discovery and knowledge.
Find Biomedical Engineering jobs here
DRONE OPERATIONS
What it involves: Remotely controlling UAVs from bases on the ground to achieve different tasks.
Why it’s hot: Drones will soon be assisting us in everything from agriculture to news coverage. Analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers have predicted that the global market for commercial applications of drone technology could reach $127 million by 2020.
Skills you’ll need: A professional drone licence, judgment and decision-making skills, communication skills.
Best choice if you’re passionate about: Making things fly, gaming and remote control planes.
URBAN FARMING
What it involves: Cultivating crops in an urban setting—usually in backyards, rooftops, balconies and vacant lots.
Why it’s hot: With noticeable climate changes and other environmental factors, cities are now forced to find innovative solutions to become self-sustainable. In the Gulf countries especially, food insecurity is a growing concern as 78% of food is imported, as reported by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. The biggest benefit urban farming offers in this region is that you can grow high volumes of vegetables using less water.
Skills you’ll need: A degree in urban agriculture is available but not necessary. The ability to work hands-on and strong organizing skills are crucial.
Best choice if you’re passionate about: Working with your hands, growing your own food, nutrition, self-sustenance and agriculture.
