University of Dubai holds third year of Alumni Student Mentoring Program

The University of Dubai (UD) recently embarked on its third year of the Alumni-Student Mentoring Program (ASMP). The Internship and Career Development Center (ICDC) collaborated with the UD Alumni Association (UDAA) to initiate the program in 2009. Since then, the number of participants has tripled, growing to a total of 60 mentors and students this year.

The ASMP was created to benefit both the mentor and the students. The mentor can take satisfaction in realizing his or her knowledge is going to benefit a student of their alma mater. In addition, mentors learn leadership skills and are given a chance to reconnect with UD students on a personal level.

Dr. M. Omar Hefni, President of UD said, “We would like to congratulate the participants to this year’s Alumni-Student Mentoring Program. Our students receive myriad benefits and are able to learn a great deal about their careers. Through real-world business experience, mentors teach students things they can’t learn in a textbook – from different career options in a particular job market, to challenges facing that market and even things like what salary expectations the new professional should have.”

Alumni attending this year’s introductory event came from a range of business backgrounds including HSBC, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), the Dubai Police Department, ArabTec, Emirates Airlines, Arab Bank, Oracle, Ruler’s Court, Empower, Economic Zones World (JAFZA), Dubai Chamber, Citibank and Commercial International Bank. The students and the alumni pairs are encouraged to meet at least once a month to discuss whatever may be on their minds, and are also invited to several events put on by the ICDC and UDAA throughout the year. 

The ASMP offers invaluable knowledge from professionals who have been through the difficult transition from class to office. “In a world where preparation is becoming increasingly important and networking is essential to successful business practices,” Director of Student and Alumni Affairs, Amina El Marzak said, “this program is sure to grow every year.”