Preparing Students for Life, Careers and University

In a world that is changing faster than ever, it's natural for both students and parents to feel a sense of uncertainty about the future. Many of the careers our students will go on to pursue may not yet exist, while more traditional pathways are evolving rapidly. This can make decisions about subject choices, university courses and long-term careers feel overwhelming. Not having a fixed plan at age 16 or 17 is not only normal, it is appropriate. Rather than trying to guide students towards a specific career, our shared focus should be on helping them develop the skills, experiences and confidence they need to navigate an unpredictable future.

Shifting the Focus: Career Readiness

Rather than focusing solely on the perfect job, we should encourage students to think about developing a strong foundation of transferable skills. Preparing students for the future is less about identifying a single “perfect” job or career and more about building a strong foundation of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and digital literacy. These skills will remain valuable regardless of how industries evolve. 

Equally important is fostering curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas. Students who are adaptable, reflective, and open to learning are far better prepared to respond to new opportunities and challenges as they arise.

Choosing the Right University Course

For many families, choosing a university course to study can feel like a momentous decision. However, the “right” course is not always one that leads directly to a clearly defined job title. Many degrees open doors to a wide range of careers and increasingly include opportunities for internships or placements. 

Students may wish to consider courses that allow them to develop important transferable skills, gain some practical experience and keep their options open. We encourage students to focus on subjects they genuinely enjoy and in which they can achieve, as motivation and engagement are strong indicators of long-term success. 

Practical Ways to Prepare for the Future

There are several simple but effective ways students can begin preparing for an unknown future:

• Keeping options open through thoughtful subject choices
• Reflecting regularly on what they enjoy and what they find challenging
• Engaging in trips, clubs and competitions to build a portfolio of co- and extra-curricular opportunities
• Seeking internships, job shadowing or volunteering opportunities
• Exploring interests through online or residential courses and wider reading

How We Support Students at BIS Abu Dhabi

Every student’s journey is different. At BIS Abu Dhabi, we are committed to supporting each student as an individual through personalised guidance meetings, visiting speakers, and a wide range of resources that help students make well-informed and confident decisions. 

Access to Unifrog, our comprehensive and student-friendly platform, is a significant advantage for our Secondary students. Unifrog brings together university research, careers exploration, application tools and skills development in one place, allowing students to explore a wide range of pathways and reflect on what suits them best. 

In addition, various enrichment activities such as webinars, essay competitions, virtual internships, and summer courses are shared with students via Managebac and with parents through our UCGC Opportunities and Events Padlet. Over time, these experiences help students gain clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of their next steps. 

Families may also find it helpful to explore our BIS Abu Dhabi University Destination page, which highlights the global pathways our graduates pursue beyond school.

How Can Parents Help?

Parents play a vital role in supporting this journey. Open, ongoing conversations at home can really help students reflect on their interests, strengths and values. The most impactful support often comes from guiding rather than directing, asking thoughtful questions, listening carefully, and helping your child weigh their options without undue pressure. 

By working in partnership with the school, parents can help ensure decisions are well-informed, balanced and centred on what is right for each individual student.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

While it’s impossible to predict exactly what the future will look like, we can be confident in our ability to prepare students for it. Our aim is not for students to have everything mapped out, but for them to leave school with the confidence, resilience and curiosity to navigate whichever path they choose. 

By prioritising transferable skills, adaptability, and rich, varied learning experiences, we are not limiting students’ options, we are empowering them to shape their future with confidence. With the right support, they will find their path.

Rachel Batty
University and Careers Guidance Counsellor