Today’s story is about a ‘Powerhouse’. She often refers to the phrase which is now edged into our memory, “Running on a treadmill and not getting anywhere is not the lifestyle one should sign up for”. She is one of the most hard-working individuals we have come across and a person who truly believes in making her destiny. ‘Kriti Dhamija’, an MBA in marketing from Amity University, Dubai. Let us see what this experience has in store for us all.
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“I applied for universities abroad, but Dubai was never my top priority, Soon, I realized I wanted a successful career and not a safe jacket. Other countries like Australia, USA, Canada, New Zealand have specific security attached to them due to visa flexibility. However, the job market in Dubai is highly challenging. I have never been satisfied with the consistency but have always aimed for growth. Hence, I made it my priority and landed up in Amity University, Dubai, with an additional scholarship offered by the University that made the education quite pocket friendly.
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Being a Delhi University student, I thought that the University would have a relaxing environment. However, they always kept us on toes from one project to another. Moreover, I wanted to make the best utilization of time to strive to think outside the box. The best part about Amity University, Dubai is they offer evening college too, which later allows you to look forward to part-time work opportunities. If one is considering Dubai, they should efficiently know how to deal with time management skills. Here, you are always running. My day practically starts at 7:00 AM rushing to work and later in the evening towards the classes till 10:00 PM. Your energy is drained by the end of the day. So one has to be quick, efficient and smart to be able to handle the education and culture in Dubai. In my opinion, it grooms you the best by giving you practical and theoretical experience at all times. Like any other country, attendance is compulsory and up to 75%. The curriculum of the University is pretty much similar to Amity University in India. However, it has that International curriculum attached to it. The course is more practical than theoretical, and apart from this, we do have various guest lectures to keep our spirits uplifted at all times.
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I was kind of disappointed after college got over. However, soon I started looking for a second job because I did not wish to waste the time that I used to dedicate to the University. I found a freelance Digital Marketing role with a company based in New York, apart from my regular job. Also, let me tell you, even for the primary job I held, I took the initiative on my own to hunt down the job in the relevant sector. I did not wait for my college to organize a career fair which they usually do. I intend to say that you create the opportunities for yourself and don’t wait for them to knock at your door. Create your destiny and utilize your time. Make proper utilization of time and Internet. My schedule includes working at least 16 to 17 hours continuously from Sunday to Thursdays (Fridays are Dubai’s Sunday). It merely gives me the thrill to strive to excel and learn new skills. This aspect is significant for me, and I cannot even sit idle for half an hour. I have to do something. The country has undoubtedly made me a workaholic person. People often complain that I overdose myself with work, but I enjoy it. Currently, I am employed at ‘StreamPort Media’ as an ‘Assistant Marketing Manager’ in Dubai.
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Dubai has many jobs to offer for different fields, but from the past few years, there has been an influx of skilled immigrants, which has increased the competition. However, it is highly advisable not to fluctuate between jobs. If you do have the talent, you do not have to worry about employment in Dubai. The best part of living here is that it’s safe, and there are no conditions attached to it. The rents are pretty high in Dubai, which makes it an expensive place to live. According to the Business Insider, Dubai is the 18th Ranked most expensive city around the world to rent a two-bedroom apartment. If you select to live in a posh area, you might exhaust your 60% to 70% of salary on accommodation. So, if you find a good neighbourhood with budget-friendly accommodation, grab it. On an average estimate, you need about AED 3,000 to live a good life in UAE. Food and daily use items are cheap and readily available here. You can visit Carrefour, Al Adil, Choithrams and Lulu to purchase the same.
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If I talk about ethnicity, Dubai does not belong to anyone. It may be known as the city of sheikhs, but you will witness different ethnicity and background living in Dubai. Dubai gives you international exposure on a large scale. Unfortunately, the government does not offer citizenship even after you have lived here for 4 to 5 decades. Once you are out of a job, you will have to leave the country but try and absorb as much as you can. The place has a lot to offer if you want to learn how to live, earn and enjoy. Also, who says money can’t buy happiness? Habibi, come to Dubai”.
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