Ernst & Young promoting Emiratisation in private sector

The firm's move up in ranking this year further demonstrates a continued commitment to its People First strategy, which takes into consideration all aspects of its employees' lives across all regions.

In Dubai, Ernst & Young is an active recruiter and trainer of UAE nationals with programs run in collaboration with Zayed University and Higher Colleges of Technology that offer hands-on work experience in a real-world environment. The firm is constantly looking to improve the professional lives of its employees and trainees, positioning people as one of three key drivers, along with quality and growth, and continues to assist many professionals studying to obtain professional accreditations, as was the case with Mohammed Sharaf, a young UAE national.

As a fresh graduate in 2003, Mohammed started working at Ernst & Young as a staff accountant but was soon recognized for his talent and self-motivation. It was recommended that, to support his career, he pursue higher professional development and was actually encouraged to leave the firm and study in the US and Canada. Due to this advice and support, after becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Mohammed chose to return to and is currently working as a full time professional accountant at Ernst & Young.

"The experience has opened new doors of opportunities for me," says Mohammed. "With my newly attained qualifications, I can now continue to grow professionally, acquire more skills and contribute something back to the UAE. More organizations should provide the same kind of flexibility and support for their employees", he added.

Ernst & Young's training programs for UAE national students of both Zayed University and Higher Colleges of Technology, are run twice a year for a period of three months. The firm accommodates trainees from these universities, offering them hands-on experience in a real world environment. Guided by supervisors, trainees get the opportunity to communicate and interact with clients by engaging in client interviews and discussions and assist in planning transactions.

"As a global learning organization, we offer the practical experience that is increasingly needed and demanded by employers," says Edward Quinlan - Ernst & Young UAE Country Partner. "We provide training opportunities for nationals, helping them obtain the right skill sets to develop professionally and choose a path through which they will be most satisfied and productive. We are very proud of the quality of UAE nationals that we have trained over the years."

A strong supporter of Emiratisation initiatives, Ernst & Young participates in the annual Careers-UAE Exhibition. This event provides the ideal platform to meet and interact with a large number of young and talented UAE nationals to help them make the right career choices and offer employment opportunities to select graduates. This year, Ernst & Young was also one of the sponsors of the fourth annual AUS Career Fair at the American University of Sharjah.
All such opportunities offer employees and interns the right experience, knowledge and support, while working on some of the most interesting business projects, for the most prestigious brands in the world.