Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
While an exotic summer getaway is tempting this season, some UAE youth are skipping the adventure to invest in themselves instead. Whether it’s discovering a new talent or getting a head start on their careers, university students and fresh graduates are making the most of their break.
Mariam Albalushi, who recently earned her diploma in Applied Media Studies, is spending her summer building the skills she’ll need to break into the industry.
“Learning a new skill helps me improve myself and prepare for future opportunities,” she told Aletihad.
Albalushi is throwing herself into advanced filmmaking and video editing, skills she believes will let her produce higher-calibre work once she’s in the field.
For her, upskilling has become a hobby and a way to grow professionally. “It helps me stay current with the newest trends in the media sector, boosts my confidence, broadens my knowledge, and gets me ready for internships and future employment,” she said.
Kawther Alali, 24, aims to sharpen her artistic skills this season. She is now studying colour theory and experimenting with intuitive painting and other drawing techniques.
Alali, who has always loved painting, believes deepening her craft will bring her closer to launching her own creative company.
“Whether it’s through original artwork or my own apparel and abaya line, I want to build a business around my art. I’m getting closer to that goal with every new technique I learn,” she said.
Aisha Alshaya, 25, a Sorbonne University graduate, is using the break to refine a skill tied directly to her job as a museum tour guide.
“I wanted to make the most of my extra time this summer by honing my storytelling abilities,” she said.
A strong narrative, she said, is what turns a museum tour into a memorable visitor experience. “Becoming an expert storyteller builds my confidence in public speaking and communication, and sharpens my ability to connect with different audiences,” she said. “It will make me a more capable professional, and a more engaging tour guide.”
