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.
KAUST held its 7th annual Career Fair, featuring preparation workshops and an alumni panel. The panel included engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Taibah University, and Dow Chemical. Panelists emphasized pursuing passions, professional conduct, and demonstrating value to prospective employers. Why it matters: Such events help connect KAUST graduates with leading companies in Saudi Arabia, fostering local talent development and contributing to the Kingdom's knowledge economy.
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.
KAUST's Alumni Affairs Office and the 2015 WEP team hosted a lecture series featuring four KAUST alumni. The alumni, from CERN, UC Berkeley, MIT, and a startup in Mexico City, shared their work in physics, robotics, oceanography, and entrepreneurship. Dean Brian Moran and Professor David Keyes highlighted the alumni's achievements and contributions. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's role in fostering global talent and highlights the diverse career paths of its graduates.
KAUST is promoting its alumni who are contributing to computer science and engineering. Alumni Ahmad Showail, Muna Khushaim, Dinorath Olvera Ramos and Jenna Lloyd-Randolfi spoke at the 2017 Winter Enrichment Program Alumni Lecture Series. They discussed topics like the internet of things and their career paths after graduating from KAUST. Why it matters: Showcasing alumni successes can help attract future talent to KAUST and highlight the university's impact on regional development.
KAUST alumni participated in a beach cleaning event in Thuwal as part of the Alumni Reunion Weekend in November 2016. Alumnus Ahmad Showail presented his startup zayer.net at an alumni panel. Gordon McConnell, manager of the Entrepreneurship Center, was a keynote speaker at the event. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's ongoing engagement with its alumni network and its support for entrepreneurship.
KAUST's Saudi Arabia Alumni Chapter held its first reunion on November 27, 2015, featuring seminars, discussions, and recreational activities. The event included a panel discussion on work experiences, a talk on impactful living, and a discussion on volunteer opportunities. KAUST's VP for Academic Affairs, James Calvin, noted the important role of alumni in building the university's global reputation during the dinner reception. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's efforts to maintain strong connections with its alumni network within Saudi Arabia, fostering ongoing engagement and contributions to the Kingdom's development.
The KAUST Saudi Arabian Alumni Chapter met to discuss future plans, with a focus on increasing engagement and creating a 'Community for Life'. The chapter caters to M.S. and Ph.D. graduates living and working in Saudi Arabia, representing around 51% of the total alumni. Key initiatives include leveraging the online network Rapport and organizing on-campus and regional meetings. Why it matters: Strengthening alumni networks is crucial for KAUST's long-term growth and influence within Saudi Arabia's evolving research and technology landscape.