Influences on the career intentions of millennials; a view from the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to discover influences on the career intentions of millennials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data about career intentions were collected from a sample group (#50) of students at an international university in the UAE. Participant's responses were recorded in five groups, composed of undergraduates, males and females, expatriates and citizens. Transcripts were formed of these data, which were thematically analysed to identify influences on career intentions.

Findings

Four emergent themes were identified of influences on career intentions: (1) influenced by societal obligations, (2) influenced by a traditional approach to career plans; (3) influenced by own aspirations; (4) influenced by country considerations. Findings recognised career intentions for this sample group resulted from cultural orientation and millennial's characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by the one country/one university context and a direction is to replicate for an expanded sample group and/or to extend this research scope to other countries.

Practical implications

These findings have implications for university career advising, and the recruitment and retention of millennials in the UAE by international companies.

Originality/value

This is an original study in its exploration of influences on millennial's career intentions in the UAE. Research value lies in the addition of academic knowledge about those millennials' future career intentions.

Citation

Kemp, L.J. and McLoughlin, L. (2022), "Influences on the career intentions of millennials; a view from the United Arab Emirates", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 193-209. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-06-2020-0131