Beyond degrees: What Skills Do Employers Expect From Young Talents Before Entering Workforce?

AI redefining the workplace, employers are seeking individuals equipped with proactive skills and a mindset for continuous learning.

OPINION PIECE

Ru''ya

10/20/20263 min read

For decades, a university degree has been seen as a golden ticket to a promising career. Earning a qualification lays the groundwork for a professional journey and may help graduates secure their first job. However, what determines long-term career success increasingly extends beyond the walls of a classroom.

With advanced technologies reshaping industries, automation changing how organisations operate and AI redefining the workplace, employers are seeking individuals equipped with proactive skills and a mindset for continuous learning. For graduates and young jobseekers, this changes the traditional "get a degree, get a job" equation. Beyond academic credentials, employers are asking a different question: What can an employee do with the knowledge and skills they have acquired?

The need for these capabilities is becoming increasingly urgent. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, around 39% of workers' existing skills are expected to change or become outdated by 2030, while analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, technological literacy and lifelong learning are among the skills employers value most.

From qualification to capability

Formal education provides the technical foundation for a professional career. However, it may not always provide students with enough opportunities to develop some of the workplace capabilities employers value most. When candidates demonstrate strong academic credentials and relevant technical knowledge, what often distinguishes them is how well they communicate, solve problems, adapt to change and collaborate with colleagues.

Graduates may have innovative ideas with real-world potential, but their ability to present those ideas confidently, ask thoughtful questions, listen to different perspectives and respond constructively to feedback often makes the difference during recruitment.

May AlMansoori, Executive Director - Head of Group Emiratisation at Emirates NBD said “Academic qualifications remain an important foundation, but the candidates who stand out are those who demonstrate curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to keep learning. As technology continues to transform the financial sector, we are increasingly looking for graduates who can combine technical knowledge with strong communication, problem-solving and digital skills. These capabilities help young professionals thrive in a fast-changing workplace and build successful long-term careers.”

As industries continue to evolve rapidly, employers increasingly value people who can identify challenges independently rather than waiting to be given every answer. Graduates are not expected to know everything on day one, but they are expected to demonstrate the willingness to learn, adapt and continuously improve.

From computer literacy to digital fluency

Digital technologies have become central to almost every profession, making digital fluency an essential workplace capability. Young professionals do not need to become technology specialists, but they should be comfortable using collaboration platforms, analysing information, communicating digitally and working alongside emerging technologies.

AI is also changing expectations around productivity and problem-solving. Graduates entering today's workforce have a unique opportunity to become early adopters, using AI responsibly to research, analyse information, generate ideas and improve efficiency. Equally important is understanding where human judgement remains essential and recognising the limitations of AI-generated content.

Research from the Microsoft and LinkedIn Work Trend Index shows that AI aptitude is becoming an increasingly valuable capability, with many business leaders saying they would prioritise candidates who demonstrate AI skills and the willingness to learn alongside traditional experience.

Problem-solving: A top-ranked skill

One of the biggest adjustments graduates face when entering employment is moving from answering clearly defined questions to identifying problems that may not yet be fully understood.

Unlike a classroom environment, workplace challenges are often ambiguous. Employees need to gather information, define the problem and work collaboratively to develop practical solutions.

Employers increasingly value critical thinking over passive task execution. Before jumping to a solution, young professionals should understand the purpose behind their work and consider different perspectives. These capabilities are often developed through internships, volunteering, student societies and practical experiences outside the classroom.

Faisal AlMadhoob, Emiratisation Leader at Ernst & Young, MENA stated, “The future of work presents unprecedented opportunities for the next generation of Emirati talent. Beyond academic and technical qualifications, organizations are looking for individuals who can embrace change, leverage technology, collaborate effectively and solve complex problems with confidence. As industries continue to transform, continuous learning and a growth mindset are becoming essential capabilities for those seeking to build impactful careers and contribute to the UAE's long-term vision for economic and social development.”

Preparing for a changing market

Today's career journey begins long before a first job application. Young people can strengthen their employability while studying by building practical experience through internships, volunteering and extracurricular activities that demonstrate initiative and leadership.

Developing a portfolio of work, mastering industry-specific digital tools, learning to use AI responsibly and strengthening communication skills through writing, presenting and active listening all contribute to long-term career success. Equally important is the ability to seek constructive feedback, identify opportunities for improvement and remain curious about evolving industry trends.

In today's labour market, career readiness is no longer defined solely by qualifications. Employers are looking for graduates who are willing to learn, solve problems, embrace new technologies and create value from day one.

These themes were explored further at Ru'ya 2026, where government leaders, educators and employers shared their perspectives through keynote sessions, workshops and the new Ru'ya Conversations Podcast Studio, helping young Emiratis better understand the skills and opportunities shaping the future of work.

Faisal’s profile linkedin.com/in/faisalalmadhoob

May’s profile: linkedin.com/in/mayalmansoori