The Global Economy- More Danger Signals

Research conducted by the Emirates Foundation has found that young people in the UAE are avoiding careers in the private sector and plumping instead for Government and other public sector jobs. And it’s not just because they want greater job security. It seems that they fear they will not be able to compete with a global workforce educated at English language institutions.

Of course English language colleges and universities sell themselves on this very point. To compete in the global economy, they claim, one needs to have a Western, English speaking education. But a Western education is expensive and is considered by some to be culturally unsuitable. And although some English language universities are outstanding, many are mediocre, at best. An English language education is not synonymous with a good education.

Globalisation brings both benefits and disadvantages. Those who are excluded from competing because they were educated in their national institutions, or with a particular cultural bias, are in danger of being disadvantaged economically and marginalised socially. Since one of the founding principles of the global economy is equality of opportunity for all, over reliance on one language and a uniform culture may well prove to be counterproductive.

The message of the Tower of Babel is not of a vengeful God punishing those who disobey him. Rather, it is a metaphor for the dangers of homogenisation. A single language may be good for commerce. But successful societies require more than just profitable commerce. The global economy has to do more than just pay lip service to diversity.

Job Creation Initiatives. Should You Raise Your Hopes?

David Cameron has started a tour of the UK with the aim of boosting employment. The Prime Minister says that his government “will be focused relentlessly on supporting growth and driving job creation across our economy.” But public sector jobs are being cut dramtically and Government ministers are on record as saying that they believe the private sector will be the engine for job creation. Which begs the question, how much can governments really do to create jobs in private companies?

Bosses and Their Shortcomings

The head of the Northern Ireland Water company is reported as set to resign following extensive water shortages brought on by the cold weather. The commander of an American aircraft carrier has been fired after showing his crew sexually abusive videos. The one thing both these events have in common is that they are bosses of public organisations.

When Scammers Are Your Only Hope

You must have seen those ads that promise you a fortune for only a few hours of work at home. Like me you have probably been tempted to try them and like me you have probably decided not to get in touch with the advertiser because you suspect it’s some sort of scam. But that doesn’t stop us being curious about them, does it?

Should Students Be Taught Job Search Skills?

Today’s Guardian reports that universities in the UK are considering awarding extra marks to students who have workplace experience and skills in the job market. Although vocational courses have focused on the workplace for a long time this is the first time  that students on courses which are not career-specific will be  encouraged to focus on their job prospects.

Healthy Eating Can Boost Your Job Search

A research paper published by the USA National Bureau of Economic Research suggests that unemployment tends to lead to a less healthy diet. This is not surprising news, when money is tight people tend to live more cheaply and it is very often less expensive to buy ready made junk food than to cook a fresh meal.

4 Ways To Deal With A Cancelled Holiday

So you have been working hard all year and finally holiday time comes round. You are all set to go away, everything is packed. The kids are in the car, the suitcases in the boot, and you are on the way to the airport. But there’s a problem. The airport is closed. All the flights are cancelled. Familiar story? You’ve seen it on TV a hundred times. Now it’s happening to you.