DAMMAM: The computer industry has edged out engineering and manufacturing as the most sought after sector for job seekers in Saudi Arabia, a leading survey has shown.
Thousands of university students were part of a survey conducted by the international employment research company Universum; the majority chose computer services as a favored field in which to seek careers.
The findings reveal a shift, especially among women, away from traditionally favored sectors, which include energy, construction and engineering, toward high-tech careers.
The oil and gas firm Saudi Aramco was the single most desirable company to work for among respondents, but multinational tech firms including Google, Apple, Microsoft, IBM and Oracle ranked in the top 10 Universum poll.
Claudia Tattanelli, chairperson of the Strategic Advisory Board at Universum, said: “Our findings reveal a clear shift in the employment sectors most favored by students in Saudi Arabia.
“In our survey last year, engineering and manufacturing were the overwhelming favorite sectors to work in among engineering and IT students, who make up the majority of our KSA respondents. This year, there has been a big swing toward software and computer services, especially among female students we questioned.
“These findings reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing diversification away from the engineering and oil and gas sectors. Students are increasingly acknowledging that the future of the country’s economy lies in modern high-tech industries and are seeking careers in line with this shift.”
Universum is a global leader in employer attractiveness research and insights.
The company delivers a range of services to empower employers to better attract, recruit and retain talent.
Its KSA survey was conducted on a sample of 4,999 male and female students from 13 universities throughout the country.
More than 3,200 respondents were studying subjects related to engineering and IT.
In Universum’s 2015 survey, 36 percent of engineering/IT students chose engineering and manufacturing as the most desirable industry, but this year, only 24 percent of respondents selected these traditional powerhouses of the Saudi economy, which trailed behind computer services, technology hardware and equipment, and the telecommunications industry, especially among women.
Saudi Aramco was the most desirable company to work for among engineering/IT students, followed by Google, Microsoft, SABIC, Apple, Schlumberger, IBM and Oracle.
Most noteworthy, this year’s ideal employer was home-grown rising star Abdul Latif Jameel who climbed two places from last year to 13th on the 2016 list.
This 70-year-old Saudi company has a diversified portfolio of interests and represents some of the world’s leading brands in the Kingdom and beyond.
Thousands of university students were part of a survey conducted by the international employment research company Universum; the majority chose computer services as a favored field in which to seek careers.
The findings reveal a shift, especially among women, away from traditionally favored sectors, which include energy, construction and engineering, toward high-tech careers.
The oil and gas firm Saudi Aramco was the single most desirable company to work for among respondents, but multinational tech firms including Google, Apple, Microsoft, IBM and Oracle ranked in the top 10 Universum poll.
Claudia Tattanelli, chairperson of the Strategic Advisory Board at Universum, said: “Our findings reveal a clear shift in the employment sectors most favored by students in Saudi Arabia.
“In our survey last year, engineering and manufacturing were the overwhelming favorite sectors to work in among engineering and IT students, who make up the majority of our KSA respondents. This year, there has been a big swing toward software and computer services, especially among female students we questioned.
“These findings reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing diversification away from the engineering and oil and gas sectors. Students are increasingly acknowledging that the future of the country’s economy lies in modern high-tech industries and are seeking careers in line with this shift.”
Universum is a global leader in employer attractiveness research and insights.
The company delivers a range of services to empower employers to better attract, recruit and retain talent.
Its KSA survey was conducted on a sample of 4,999 male and female students from 13 universities throughout the country.
More than 3,200 respondents were studying subjects related to engineering and IT.
In Universum’s 2015 survey, 36 percent of engineering/IT students chose engineering and manufacturing as the most desirable industry, but this year, only 24 percent of respondents selected these traditional powerhouses of the Saudi economy, which trailed behind computer services, technology hardware and equipment, and the telecommunications industry, especially among women.
Saudi Aramco was the most desirable company to work for among engineering/IT students, followed by Google, Microsoft, SABIC, Apple, Schlumberger, IBM and Oracle.
Most noteworthy, this year’s ideal employer was home-grown rising star Abdul Latif Jameel who climbed two places from last year to 13th on the 2016 list.
This 70-year-old Saudi company has a diversified portfolio of interests and represents some of the world’s leading brands in the Kingdom and beyond.
