Islam Abu Jabr’s Post

Big thanks to the team for the shoutout on the recent presentation I delivered for the consulting project we're offering at Work-Learn Institute with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation . It's a real honor to be part of this #team! The presentation focused on #supporting students in WIL (Work Integrated Learning), and I'm thrilled to continue advocating for both student support and #WIL. These areas are close to my heart! Having the opportunity to work and reconnect again with colleagues from #UAE universities has been a highlight! Excited for what's ahead and making a difference together! 

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Educational Developer at Work-Learn Institute- University of Waterloo!

Are you involved in supervising co-op students or working with co-op employers and students? If so, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. Join the Work-Learn institute to know more about the role of supervisors in co-op education experiences and uncover the unique opportunities they possess when guiding student staff. This series is backed by the latest research, ensuring you gain valuable insights. Registration is open to all and completely free of charge! Together we can make coop experiences more impactful!

Skills-based hiring requires skills-based learning, and here’s some promising news: the Carnegie foundation and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) are teaming up to reshape education assessments in the U.S! Shifting from time-based to skills-based assessment. This means a more holistic approach to education that considers skills developed inside and outside the classroom. Because learning is happening everywhere! This collaboration marks a huge step toward preparing students for the modern workforce. To know more: https://lnkd.in/gwgV7zRd

I really think that when it comes to looking for a job, your mindset is everything. Your self-perception shapes how employers, recruiters, and interviewers perceive you, surpassing what's on your resume or cover letter. Once, I guided a student exploring a new career path, concerned about their inexperience and lack of related education. Initially, I advised against applying if they felt unqualified. You can imagine the awkward silence and their disappointment. I clarified my role to the student: to echo their beliefs. If they saw themselves as unfit, that's how I'd respond. I recommended the student to shift focus from lacking to having. They should explore job descriptions, identify matches, refine their resume, and improve their self-introduction. And I emphasized not to overlook the crucial aspect of required skills – skills truly matter! The outcome? Same student, same skills, same education – but a different mindset. They got the opportunity they wanted in 2 months. Simple, yet impactful!

I'm a new fan of the Harvard After Hours podcast. Just heard this episode about life portfolio and importance of career diversification. Found it really interesting. The life portfolio concept goes beyond our traditional boundaries and linear thinking, helping us find purpose and fulfillment in a whole new way. If you're into career stuff and life hacks, you might like it too. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gYDjUEXB

In today's world of changing jobs and uncertainty, people are focusing more on hiring based on skills. That's where the idea of a "career portfolio" comes in. It's about showing who we are beyond just our jobs. A career portfolio isn't something you can hold; it's a new way to plan our future by being flexible and purposeful, and it includes all the different things we've done. If you're interested in learning more about career portfolios, how they can help you, and how to create one, take a look at this article! Why You Should Build a Career Portfolio, not a Career Path: https://lnkd.in/g_YMhfjm #Career #Skills #portfolio #adaptability

Have you ever heard of T-shaped skills? It's an interesting concept that's becoming more and more relevant in today's job market Being a T-shaped person means you've got deep expertise in one area (that's the vertical part of the "T"), and you also have a broad understanding of various fields (the horizontal part). Ok Interesting part?! Employers are absolutely loving T-shaped people because they bring the best of both worlds. They're like specialists with a twist of adaptability. Individuals with T-shaped skills can think holistically, solve complex problems, and work collaboratively with diverse teams. This makes them valuable assets in today's dynamic and interconnected work environment. If you're interested in learning more about T-shaped skills, check out this article that sheds light on the topic. https://lnkd.in/gb9XHKTQ