Faculty Perspectives on the Role of Interdisciplinary Education in Enhancing Student Career Preparedness in the UAE

Contemporary job market requires graduates to have comprehensive interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in order to be able to apply different approaches to solving problems in the modern workplace. Interdisciplinary education is believed to have an impact on preparing graduates to view things from different perspectives and apply higher-order thinking and analytical skills in a current and futuristic work environment. The purpose of this study is to explore faculty perspectives on the impact of interdisciplinary education on preparing students for future careers. The study was conducted using a qualitative case study of a federal university in the United Arab Emirates. The paradigmatic position was interpretive. Thirteen faculty members who are currently teaching interdisciplinary courses were purposely selected to take part in semi-structured interviews. It was found that interdisciplinary education provided various work-related graduate attributes and skills that prepared them for the evolving work environment. The study concludes that interdisciplinary education plays an indispensable role in getting graduates ready for work and is also influential in their selection of career choices.