KAUST's Plant Science Program hosted a two-day workshop for early-career researchers, focusing on leadership and career development. The workshop, facilitated by Dr. Paul Dalby, covered grant proposal writing, leadership skills, and career planning. Participants also learned about project management, budget development, and attracting funding from various sources. Why it matters: Such programs enhance the skills of researchers at KAUST, preparing them for leadership roles in academia and industry, and fostering a stronger research ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
The KAUST Graduate Student Council's IBR Committee hosted its first Alumni Panel during the fall 2014 Career Fair, in collaboration with KAUST's Career Development Office, Saudi Initiatives, and the Alumni Affairs Office. Six alumni working in Saudi Arabia, along with three via video, shared their experiences and insights with current students. Panelists emphasized the importance of creativity, passion, and utilizing KAUST's career resources to achieve successful employment. Why it matters: This event facilitated knowledge transfer and networking between KAUST alumni and students, promoting career development and in-Kingdom employment opportunities aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.
MBZUAI hosted its first in-person Opportunities Fair on September 7, connecting graduate students with 38 employers from various industries. Companies like ADNOC, Mubadala, DP World, G42, and McKinsey participated in the event, which included an exhibition and career development workshops. MBZUAI ranks 24th globally in AI, computer vision, machine learning, and NLP. Why it matters: This fair highlights the growing demand for AI talent in the UAE and MBZUAI's role in supplying qualified graduates to meet this demand.
KAUST students and postdoctoral fellows organized the Red Sea Research Center Open Science Conference in late October 2017, featuring international speakers and attendees. The conference included a workshop on job opportunities within Saudi Arabia, with panelists discussing how students can improve their job prospects. Organizers emphasized the importance of formalized hierarchy, leadership, and accountability for future events. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's commitment to student-led initiatives and career development within the Kingdom's growing research and innovation ecosystem.
KAUST held its Eighth Annual Fall Career Fair on October 26, with representatives from the KAUST Discovery Company engaging with students. An alumni panel featured Mona Alsomali (DOW), Hussain Shibli (KAA-CARE), and Mustafa Mousa (Sadeem) offering career insights. Hussain Shibli, director general at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, also participated in the alumni panel. Why it matters: The career fair and alumni engagement highlight KAUST's efforts to connect students with industry opportunities and support career development in Saudi Arabia.