Masdar has been named as the most attractive employer for Emirati engineering students, beating out international names such as Google and Apple.
A survey of the career aspirations of 7,600 students at 30 UAE universities, conducted by the employer branding specialist Universum, found that Emirati engineering and information technology (IT)students considered the Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company as the most attractive employer to work for, ahead of the international favourite Google.
“We are honoured to be trusted by Emirati youth,” said Ahmed Baghoum, Masdar’s executive director for Human Capital and Services.
“We are also proud that our mission to advance the clean energy industry in Abu Dhabi and around the world resonates well with their future ambitions.”
Google is the most attractive employer by far for engineering and business students in the UAE, in line with their global peers, with Apple following in second place.
“Graduates all around the world are clear with the fact that if they have Google on their résumé they will be able to land any job they wish going forward,” said Claudia Tattanelli, the chairwoman of the strategic advisory board at Universum.
Emaar Properties is regarded as the most attractive Emirati company to work for, ranking third for business and commerce students, and fourth for engineering and IT students.
Meanwhile, the long-standing local favourite Emirates is no longer the first choice for UAE-based students looking for careers with an airline, having been leapfrogged by Etihad Airways.
The Abu Dhabi carrier ranked as the fifth-most attractive employer among UAE-based business and commerce students, and the eighth most attractive employer among engineering and IT students, with Emirates seventh for business and commerce, 12th for engineering and IT.
“To be voted by students as the top employer in the airline industry within the UAE is a wonderful recognition that reflects Etihad Airways’ commitment to attracting and developing Emirati talent to build the nation’s future aviation leaders,” said Ray Gammell, Etihad Aviation Group’s chief people and performance officer.
jeverington@thenational.ae
Follow The National's Business section on Twitter
