In Dubai’s fast-paced job market, internships are often the golden ticket for fresh graduates looking to get their foot in the door.
Rami Naim, Managing Director at GuildHall, believes that interns should be paid — especially when they’re contributing to revenue-generating roles. That said, he also acknowledges that unpaid internships can still hold value — as long as they provide genuine learning opportunities, practical experience, and meaningful industry connections.
Opening more doors for students
Naim sees major potential in building stronger partnerships between universities and the private sector. By creating more local internship and training opportunities, students can launch their careers right here in the UAE, gaining the skills, mentorship, and networks that give them a competitive edge long term.
He points out that while many institutions focus on helping graduates find jobs abroad, this approach can drain local talent — rather than nurturing it to fuel the UAE’s own economic growth.
Standing out starts with your CV
His biggest red flag? Generic, AI-generated cover letters.
Rami Naim urges applicants to ditch the cookie-cutter CVs, show some personality, and customize every application to fit the role. Want to stand out? Ask smart questions, don’t shy away from negotiating terms, and aim for internships where you can learn, contribute, and make a lasting impact.
