The New Skills Arab Business Graduates Need
Al-Fanar Media has been speaking to experts about the new skills Arab business graduates need in today’s job market.
With the rapid economic and digital transformation in the world, business school graduates now have career opportunities beyond the traditional roles of accounting and financial auditing. Relying solely on theoretical knowledge is no longer enough—technical and analytical skills and professional certificates have become essential in an increasingly demanding job market.
Jobs for Business School Graduates
Business school graduates have a broad spectrum of career options, from accounting, finance and consulting to marketing and human resources. Education specialists in industry and academia say the most usual jobs for business graduates are:
Actuary. An actuary evaluates the financial impact of risk and uncertainty by applying mathematics and statistics. Actuaries typically work in insurance companies, banks, investment firms, and government institutions.
Financial Analyst. A financial analyst offers investment advice and insights based on market trends and portfolio performance. They are commonly employed by banks, investment funds, brokerage firms, and insurance companies.
Management Consultant. Management consultants assist organisations in improving performance by examining operational problems. They often work with major consulting firms or as independent advisors.
Accountant. Accountants examine financial records, prepare financial reports, and ensure compliance with tax regulations. They are employed across all sectors—large corporations, government agencies, and private companies.
Marketing Specialist. A marketing or market research specialist analyses market trends and consumer behaviour to shape effective marketing strategies. The role demands analytical and critical thinking.
Human Resources. Human resources departments deal with recruitment, training, and employee relations. Employees in this field typically work in medium and large companies, as well as the public sector.
Skills for Business School Graduates
Foremost among the training that business and management schools need to provide today are information and communications technology (ICT) skills, which underpin digital communication and modern business operations. Innovation and creativity are also important, so graduates can turn ideas into tangible projects.
Leadership skills are crucial for motivating teams and decision making, while marketing skills help graduates understand customer needs and build lasting relationships. Interpersonal skills are indispensable for communication, emotional intelligence, and trust.
To cultivate these capabilities, experts stress the importance of practical experience and collaboration between universities and the business sector. Such xperience will prepare graduates and boost their competitiveness.
Pathways for Business Graduates
Professor Ahmed Al-Ajlouni, a Jordanian academic and financial expert, says that although current university curricula align with market demands “to some extent”, a noticeable gap remains between theoretical instruction and the practical skills graduates need.
Al-Ajlouni told Al-Fanar Media that proficiency with software tools like Excel and in statistical analysis are essential for business students for understanding data and supporting financial and administrative decision-making. He is in favour of mandatory training programmes at financial institutions like banks and accounting firms that can offer summer internships, and establishing long-term academic–industry collaboration.
Al-Ajlouni also thinks professional certificates are “highly important” and give graduates a competitive edge in the job market, and that business school graduates should pursue emerging fields such as financial technology and e-commerce, which are witnessing rapid growth. Al-Ajlouni also advises students to improvetheir English-language proficiency, hone their presentation and communication skills, and stay up-to-date with digital technology.
Al-Ajlouni says advances in digital technology mean that artificial intelligence will inevitably replace some traditional roles, such as manual accounting, so today’s graduates must prepare for careers more focused on data analysis and management.
Training and Technical Expertise
Alaa Farag, an Egyptian chartered accountant and financial controller, has also observed the gap between the theoretical knowledge provided at universities and the practical skills employers want. Nonetheless, he stresses that a strong academic foundation remains crucial, as it equips students with the essential accounting principles and concepts needed for their profession, complemented by the practical experience gained after graduation.
Farag says training courses are a valuable addition to a graduate’s qualifications, but he notes that especially for recent graduates, most companies prioritise entrance exams over certificates and training courses when hiring. He advises graduates to start their careers immediately after graduation and gain experience by working for as many companies as possible to develop technical expertise and adapt to different work environments.
Farag told Al-Fanar Media that while technology has improved the efficiency and accuracy of accounting, it cannot yet replace human accountants’ core responsibilities. “There are still subtle details that require evaluation and understanding rooted in human experience and a deep grasp of the nature of the work,” he said.