The Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai campus, (RIT Dubai) a leading American University that is based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, opened its annual Career Day, on Sunday, March 20, 2016. The event, which was organized by the university’s Outreach & Cooperative Education Office, brought together more than 20 companies and organizations, including international as well as local partners.
The theme of the Career Day was “Experiential Learning”, and for the first time RIT Dubai introduced the “Student Bootcamp” for students going on their first cooperative education this summer. During the “bootcamp” students engaged in round table discussions on topics pertaining workplace skills. Industry partners facilitated the discussions and coached the students through case studies on workplace life. A panel discussion followed during the second part of the activity, where students had the opportunity of an open Q&A session with the panelists giving advice on careers and job search. The “Student Bootcamp” brought together professionals from various industries, such as airlines, energy, logistics and consulting. The activity was highly regarded by both students and facilitators.
Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, addressed the students and facilitators during the “Bootcamp”, encouraging the students to take advantage of the life opportunities coming their way now that they enter employment. “You are the ambassadors of RIT in the industry and our partners. Your good example sets the way for the next generations of RIT students” said President Al-Assaf, during his speech.
With a new concept this year, the Career Day was a full day event, combining the Career Fair with the Alumni Gathering, giving employers the opportunity to meet interns, fresh graduates as well as experienced professionals. RIT Alumni from NY and Croatia RIT campuses attended.
His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the RIT Dubai Board of Directors visited the Career Fair and was updated on RIT Dubai’s new partnerships and ongoing projects with the industry. H.E. later addressed the Alumni and Corporate Partners Gathering and Dinner, where he highlighted the importance of industry and academics integration and expressed his trust to RIT Dubai’s growth and continuation of strong partnerships in the years to come.
Tony Ghanime, senior student in Management major said, "RIT Dubai’s career fair gave me the opportunity to get some valuable face to face time with professionals from some of the top companies in their industries. I'm grateful to my university for giving my peers and me that sought after edge to succeed in the competitive working environment."
Hazel Gamboa senior student in Electrical Engineering said: “The Career Fair was a great event! I got the opportunity to introduce myself to several companies and get to know what they are looking for. As a graduating student, I think it was a really helpful event”
Participating companies and organizations included, GE, Emerson, United Technologies, McKinsey & Co, UN WFP, GECO, EY, SAP, IHG, QIS, Novo Nordisk, Fujitsu and many others.
The event was attended by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), senior RIT Dubai officials and faculty as well as the visiting E-MBA team from RIT NY.
This event was also covered by Al-Bayan Newspaper. For detailed news please visit: www.albayan.ae/across-the-uae/education/2016-03-22-1.2600799