Employer Perspectives: Essential Qualities for Business Graduates in the Middle East

Abstract

Employers are shifting their focus from employee technicians to knowledge professionals, requiring new competencies like communication, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, independence, flexibility, and team building. Graduate employability is crucial for success in careers and benefits employers, the neighborhood, and the economy. Universities must improve curricula to close the expectation gap and produce graduates with adaptability, loyalty, self-reliance, and readiness to learn. This study aims to assess the skills gap between Middle Eastern business graduates' aspirations and employers' requirements using qualitative research. Students prioritize communication, foreign language proficiency, and internship participation. To foster social and economic growth, higher education institutions must ensure graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge. Universities should improve major programs, and companies should be reachable through training programs and seminars.