On the forum's first day, Sharjah Public Library held lectures that presented practical examples of best practices used in the labor markets, whether for employees or fresh graduates hunting for jobs that suit them best or for those wishing to seek entrepreneurship.
Sumaya Al Marzouqi, Co-founders of Barakah Studio, shared her experience in entrepreneurship, which is Sharjah's First Ladies-only yoga and pilates studio, Conveying her experience to university students and fresh graduates who seek entrepreneurship while providing them with helpful advice and the best ways in applying creative ideas and facing difficulties.
After that, Dr. Imad Abdul Aziz Jaballah, Professional Programs and Awards Officer at Sharjah Public Libraries, gave a workshop in which he delivered critical tips on work, focusing on the persona and charisma to break into the field of work. He advised the participants to use all their knowledge and non-academic life experiences to improve their performance, with the importance of listening and learning from more experienced colleagues and getting an idea or two about other departments at the organization they are working for to create a comprehensive image of the working system.
Alia Al Hussein, CEO of the Arab Readers Forum, presented an applied workshop in which she introduced the participants, who are job hunting, to the importance of using their talents and skills and finding the right jobs for them regardless of their academic background to enhance their position in the job market. She explained the fundamental differences between talent, skill, and knowledge, emphasising that talent is what employers and managers are looking for.
Dr. Rawhi Abdat, a psychologist and educator, gave a lecture introducing the participants to the misconceptions in searching for the right job, such as believing that success is a genetic factor or that academic level is the only criterion for measuring intelligence. He described academic excellence as an intelligence compass yet not the only indicator. It is also essential for graduates to possess other skills such as solving problems, understanding the surrounding circumstances, analysis, and logical conclusions. He Pointed out that staying successful is more important than reaching success.
The activities of the interactive forum included various sessions across all of Sharjah Public Libraries' branches where Al Dhaid Public Library presented a workshop on increasing the efficiency of employment and how someone can “market” him/herself.
Wadi Al Helou Public Library focused on professional success in interviews and the best use of the "LinkedIn" platform for electronic recruitment.
Khorfakkan Public Library presented an event for the human library, hosting Dr. Safaa Al Naqbi, to talk about writing her autobiography and the essential experiences she went through in her life.
Dibba Al Hisn Public Library hired specialised trainers to deliver two lectures on future professions, employment trends, and the best ways to market oneself.