While a degree provides a foundation, true career success is built on human connection, mentorship, and a commitment to personal growth. At the Gulf News Edufair Abu Dhabi 2025, education experts emphasised that networks and an adaptable mindset are what guide students towards fulfilling professional lives.
The Value of Human Networks
In an age of artificial intelligence, personal and professional networks are becoming more critical than ever. Anushka Lydia Issac, Head of Business Programmes and Student Engagement at Demont Institute of Management & Technology, highlighted the limitations of technology in building a career.
“AI can help you formulate your résumé, but it cannot vouch for your reputation,” she stated. “For that, you need a strong human network, people who have walked the journey with you personally or professionally and can stand by your values, principles, and the work you’ve done.”
Dr Akanksha Khanna, Assistant Professor of Management at Symbiosis International University Dubai, supported this view, noting that qualities like trust and credibility are uniquely human. “AI might be able to process data, but it can never replicate human qualities like trust, empathy, opportunity, or credibility,” she explained.
Both educators identified the UAE as an ideal environment for building these connections. Dr Khanna pointed out that students interacting with peers from over 200 nationalities develop “cross-border intelligence, which is one of the most important competencies in the AI era.” This multicultural exposure prepares them for the globalised nature of modern work, where many UAE Businesses must think like tech companies to stay competitive.
Meaningful Mentorship and Collaboration
The panellists stressed that effective networking is about contribution, not just accumulation. “It’s important for students to understand that networking isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about building collaborations,” said Dr Khanna. “Networking should be about what can I give, not what can I get.”
Issac added that depth is more valuable than reach. “You’re chosen because of the value you bring and the reputation you’ve built through real human interactions,” she said.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of this approach. A good mentor, according to Issac, listens and asks probing questions rather than simply recounting their own successes. “Mentorship isn’t about telling you what to do; it’s about helping you think differently, question deeply, and grow through the process,” she said.
Dr Khanna advised students to seek mentors whose journeys and values align with their own aspirations. She also called on institutions to create structured mentoring programmes that connect students with alumni and industry experts, providing practical feedback and building confidence before graduation.
Adaptability as a Core Skill
Beyond networking, the experts highlighted adaptability and a willingness to learn as essential skills for long-term success. “Grades only measure memory, but growth shows adaptability,” Dr Khanna remarked. “To succeed today, students must learn how to connect, stay flexible, and be lifelong learners.”
Issac noted that being receptive to feedback is crucial for improvement. “When you believe you already know it all, you close yourself off from improvement,” she said. “Feedback, even when uncomfortable, is a growth tool.”
This mindset is vital in a world where the traditional career path is disappearing. Dr Khanna explained that professionals must be prepared to pivot, unlearn, and relearn throughout their careers. Issac concluded with a powerful piece of advice for staying relevant: “Every few years, go back to your foundation. Break down what you know, assume you’re starting from scratch, and rebuild yourself. That’s how you stay relevant and resilient in today’s world.”
