Analyzing the Fresh Graduates Survey by Bayt.com and YouGov
Dubai:June 22, 2024
The job market for fresh graduates in the MENA region is a dynamic and evolving landscape, shaped by various factors including industry demand, skill requirements, and the economic climate. The 2024 Fresh Graduates in the MENA Survey, conducted by Bayt.com in collaboration with YouGov, provides critical insights into which industries are most appealing to new graduates and the challenges they face in securing employment. This article delves into the key findings of the survey, highlighting the top hiring industries, the skills in demand, and the strategies graduates can adopt to navigate the job market effectively.
Top Hiring Industries
According to the survey, several industries have emerged as top employers for fresh graduates in 2024. The leading sectors include:
- Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations (25%)
- Healthcare/Medical Services (14%)
- Military/Defence/Police (13%)
- Banking/Finance (13%)
These industries are thriving and offer numerous opportunities for new entrants, driven by their expansive growth and the need for innovative talent. Fresh graduates are particularly drawn to Advertising and Marketing, not only for the creative challenges but also for the potential to make a significant impact.
Most Appealing Industries
When considering long-term career prospects, fresh graduates show a marked preference for specific industries. The most appealing sectors from a career point of view are:
- Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations (22%)
- IT/Internet/e-commerce (19%)
- Business Consultancy (17%)
These industries are favored for their dynamic work environments and the potential for professional growth. The IT and e-commerce sectors, in particular, are appealing due to the rapid technological advancements and the increasing integration of digital solutions in business operations.
Skills in Demand
The survey highlights the top skills that employers are seeking in fresh graduates:
- Computer Skills (53%)
- Interpersonal/Team Skills (39%)
- Communication Skills (39%)
Graduates rate themselves highly in these areas, with a significant majority considering their interpersonal and communication skills as either ‘good’ or ‘very good’. This alignment between self-perceived competencies and market demand underscores the importance of these skills in the contemporary workplace.
Challenges in Job Search
Despite the availability of opportunities, many graduates face substantial challenges in their job search. The survey identifies the primary obstacles as:
- Not knowing how to approach the job search effectively (43%)
- Difficulty in finding relevant job openings (43%)
These challenges highlight the need for better career guidance and resources to help graduates navigate the job market. Bayt.com addresses this by offering tools to build CVs, improve skills, and broaden professional expertise.
Expectations and Career Choices
The nature of the job or passion for the job emerges as the most crucial factor for graduates when selecting a job (46%). Furthermore, fresh graduates have specific expectations from their first job, with 74% expecting a basic salary and 45% anticipating personal medical insurance.
When faced with the difficulty of finding a job in their target industry, more than half of the graduates (54%) would continue searching until they secure a position, while 28% would consider roles in other industries.
Insights from Industry Experts
Ola Haddad, General Manager at Bayt.com, states, “Our latest Fresh Graduates Survey reveals how young job seekers and recent graduates view the job market and identify the most attractive industries from their perspective. Bayt.com offers a range of tools to help fresh graduates build their CVs, improve their skills, and broaden their professional expertise.”
Zafar Shah, Account Director at YouGov, adds, “The Fresh Graduates Survey offers valuable insights into aligning recruitment efforts with the aspirations of recent graduates in the MENA region. The findings reveal an increasing openness among employers to hire fresh graduates, reflecting a significant change in the skills demanded in our digital age.”
The 2024 Fresh Graduates in the MENA Survey by Bayt.com and YouGov provides a comprehensive overview of the job market for new graduates. By identifying the top hiring industries, the skills in demand, and the challenges in job search, this survey offers valuable guidance for both job seekers and employers. Fresh graduates are encouraged to leverage these insights to enhance their employability and align their career aspirations with market opportunities.
