For 19-year-old Veda Fernandes, an internship at just 16 years old did more than fill a summer holiday; it set the course for her entire university career. While shadowing doctors at Aster Hospital in Dubai in 2022, she observed that many parents missed their children’s vaccination appointments due to busy schedules. This insight, combined with a later stint in the hospital’s digital department, inspired her to develop VAXTrack, an app launched in 2023 that now has over 4,500 downloads. The experience solidified her interest in healthcare technology and led her to pursue a computer science degree in the United States.
The Lasting Impact of Early Work Experience
Educational experts say that experiences like Fernandes’ highlight the profound influence internships can have on a student’s development. Varun Jain, founder of educational consultancy Unihawk, believes these placements are about more than just resume building. “Their true value lies in helping students explore who they are, what they enjoy and how their classroom learning connects to the real world,” he said.
This view is shared by Kinga Malec, founder of career consultancy Thrive Transitions, who described internships as the “first glimpse” into a professional industry. “Beyond career clarity, internships also introduce important experiences like working in a team or learning to give and receive feedback,” she explained. “All of this helps young people make choices with far more confidence and self-awareness.”
Gaining a Competitive Edge in University Applications
Beyond personal growth, internships provide a significant advantage in the competitive university admissions process. Junaid N., head of Quality Assurance at Cromwell UK University College, stated that practical experience signals a student’s initiative. “When reviewing applications, an internship signals to our admission team that the student has taken the initiative to explore their field beyond the classroom,” he noted.
This practical exposure often results in a more focused and motivated student. Jain added that top global universities actively seek applicants with this kind of real-world engagement. “From the Ivy League to Oxbridge, colleges want students who have explored, experimented, and engaged with the real world,” he said.
Defining a Meaningful Internship Experience
For an internship to be truly beneficial, it must be well-designed. According to Junaid N., a valuable placement should be structured, supervised, motivating, and technologically relevant, providing a clear framework for students to interact with senior professionals.
Jacob Jacob, group chief Human Resources officer of Aster DM Healthcare, explained that their programmes are structured as a launchpad for young people. “The program allows students to step into a real-world environment, develop crucial soft and professional skills, and most importantly, discover their passion,” he said. He added that working in healthcare allows students to see how they can make a difference in people’s lives, a commitment to community care shared by other institutions like the Saudi German Hospital Dubai.
Overcoming Hurdles to Secure Placements
Despite the clear benefits, experts acknowledge that securing internships in the UAE can be difficult. Many students rely on family or personal connections, which Junaid N. says “can disadvantage a lot of students.” He also pointed to the prevalence of unpaid internships, which create financial barriers for those who cannot afford to work without pay.
Kinga Malec highlighted other obstacles, including conflicts with school schedules, commuting difficulties, and a lack of professional networks. On the corporate side, companies may lack the resources to properly mentor teenagers or provide them with meaningful tasks.
To ensure internships can fulfil their potential, Malec concluded that a joint effort is needed. Collaboration between schools, companies, and the government is essential to make these experiences more accessible, structured, and aligned with students’ personal and professional growth.
