Let’s face it, the job market in the UAE isn’t getting easier. If you’re a fresh graduate, you’re competing against at least 11,000 others. Add to that the tens of thousands of expats coming in every year, and you’ve got the odds heavily stacked against you.
So the big question you’re probably asking yourself is: How do I stand out amongst this sea of job seekers? That superstar status doesn’t come easy. My favorite motivational speaker, Tony Robbins, has one concrete piece of advice for those aiming to get to the top of that metaphorical mountain:
In life, make sure you know exactly what you want to do. Focus on the task at hand, and the energy will flow towards it. But always be specific about it.
Keeping that in mind, besides the traditional degrees, any additional skills you have under your belt can set you apart. We’ve listed the top 4 that helps you stand out in Dubai:
1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Considered the Gold standard of Project management certifications, the PMP certification is a bonafide one that’s sure to help you stand out. A clear indicator of the long hours and discipline achieved in the field, PMP certified managers have a clear edge over non-certified ones.
In addition to this, you’ll have access to a network of your peer from various industries across the world.
2. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Not just in Dubai but anywhere in the world, the CFA certification is one of the most sought after for those looking to target that Elite group of institutions or clientele. It’s not easy though. Preparation is through self-study and requires constant updation.
3. Six Sigma Green Belt
Any business looking to scale up will always need quality control. That’s when Six Sigma comes into play. Improving and fine tuning each process involved in the core business, whether manufacturing or customer service, is an indispensable requirement to any organization. If quality control is your thing, make sure you get certified.
4. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
The government of Dubai is driving all efforts towards making our city the most sustainable one, by 2020. That means if you’re a civil engineer or an architect, now would be a great time to get LEED certified. Almost every major plan being rolled out has a sustainable angle to it. Be proactive about it and get ahead of the game.
Have you done any of the courses above? Do you know any others that you think deserve a shout-out? Tell us in the comments below.
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