The Career Services Office hosted a virtual Inspirational Talk by Maryam AlHabroosh, Head of Mahali Program at noon, on Wednesday, 4 August.

Maryam AlHabroosh is an Emirati entrepreneur who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Sharjah University and a Master’s degree in Advertising from Boston University. She takes pride in her role in helping small businesses grow online through noon’s Mahali program.

During a virtual ‘Inspirational Talk’ held earlier this month at KU, AlHabroosh introduced the technology company noon, a platform for buying and selling products, and the new services noon is rolling out to fulfill its mission to develop a 360-degree digital ecosystem and to become the go-to e-commerce business in the Arab region.

AlHabroosh discussed the growing trends of the e-commerce industry, highlighting how the Covid-19 pandemic has given the industry a significant boost. She also gave some key pointers to be considered when building a successful e-commerce business, and provided some seller success stories of business owners who worked with noon to boost their sales.

The noon Mahali program, which AlHabroosh heads, aims to help Emirati entrepreneurs to sell their products online.

She concluded her talk with an inspiring message, telling the students that they should never let fear or intimidation hold them back. She advised students to pursue their dreams, whether academically or a business, and to start with one idea at first to give that first idea a chance, so that other ideas can then grow.

With over 200 KU students in attendance, the Inspirational Talk was a tremendous success.��

Erica Solomon
Senior Publication Specialist
17 August 2021

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Etisalat Leadership Offers Insights into Future Careers for Students of AI and Engineering ��

Leaders from Emirates Telecommunication Group (Etisalat), and graduate recruits from the Etisalat AI Centre of Excellence shared their experience and offered insights into the role of artificial intelligence in industry with an emphasis on Etisalat’s AI strategy, and how students at Khalifa University can shape their academic journey to pursue a career in AI.

The seminar, developed jointly by Khalifa University Career Services Office, Etisalat, and the Emirates ICT Innovation Center (EBTIC), was titled ‘Embarking on a Career in AI – How Etisalat supports career ambitions of graduates’. Student participants learnt about changes at the workplace due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and the beneficial impact that artificial intelligence has already had on Etisalat’s business operations. Members from the Etisalat AI Centre of Excellence include more than 20 recently recruited Emiratis.

Dena Ali Al Mansoori, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Etisalat, offered an insightful presentation on the future of work, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on recruitment processes, and how AI has helped the company continue with important recruitment initiatives. Speaking on AI and learning, Joseph Hayes, Director of Learning and Development Planning, discussed the ‘Power Skills’ that companies look for in the individuals that they employ, and how Etisalat uses a new AI-powered training platform to help develop their employees. Three Etisalat AI Team representatives, Hend Al Jasmi, Haifa AlHosani and Alyazia Ahli, also shared their experiences.

Al Mansoori said: “This was a great platform for the next generation of innovators to gain insights into the future of work. We were able to deep-dive into how AI has changed the competitive landscape and customer expectations, ultimately forcing organisations to change and adapt.

“With Etisalat’s vision to ‘Drive the digital future to empower societies’, we have undertaken our own digital transformation within our services, operations and internal capabilities. At a group level, Etisalat is now focused on acquiring, as well as developing and reskilling its existing workforce to meet the evolving and ever-changing requirements of its digital and traditional domains of business.”

Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, Senior Vice-President, Academic and Student Services, and Professor of Practice, Khalifa University, said: “Since Etisalat is looking into boosting its AI workforce, the seminar offered an excellent opportunity for Khalifa University students to learn how to hone their skills and forge a future career in the AI discipline. We believe the event also helped undergraduates and postgraduates gain an understanding of the promising career opportunities available with Etisalat, while hearing first-hand from the AI Team about their experience in business, the projects they have delivered, and the AI training program at Etisalat.”

Dr. Ernesto Damiani, Director, Khalifa University Center for Cyber Physical Systems (C2PS), Director, Information Security Center, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, who works with EBTIC, offered an overview of the current and future artificial intelligence and machine learning program offerings, including a Minor in Artificial Intelligence, at Khalifa University.

The Etisalat AI Centre of Excellence graduates go through the bespoke development pathway that Etisalat has built, in alliance with its strategic partners, EBTIC, Microsoft and Accenture. EBTIC, a research and innovation center established by Etisalat, BT, and Khalifa University, and supported by ICT Fund, has helped the AI team with developing and upskilling in AI/Machine Learning (ML). Senior EBTIC researchers and innovation specialists supervise and collaborate with the AI team, to develop and deploy projects that deliver real-world business value to Etisalat.

EBTIC, along with Dr. Damiani, have also conducted a series of tailored IEEE-certified AI/Big Data and Data Scientist courses for the AI Team throughout 2020, upskilling them in practitioner skills, helping them to become advanced data scientists.

The three Etisalat AI Team members specifically discussed Etisalat’s AI strategy and objectives. They offered valuable insights and advice, gained from their own experiences, in order to inspire like-minded individuals in the current Khalifa University student body.

Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
9 May 2021

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UAE’s Top-Ranked University Equips Students with Knowledge and Skills to Lead UAE’s Knowledge-Economy of the Future ��

���ճԹ� announced that nearly 30 government institutions and private sector organizations participated in the virtual Internship Fair 2021 to attract and recruit qualified and talented students for internships. Students and organizations view internships as a major first step in the careers of young professionals, capable of contributing to the growth of the UAE’s knowledge economy.��

A total of 457 students attended the virtual Internship Fair that offered more than 120 Internship opportunities in a wide range of industries such as healthcare, biotechnology, clean energy, nuclear engineering, aerospace, oil and gas, as well as other advanced technology sectors such as robotics, artificial intelligence, supply chain logistics, and infrastructure.��

Some organizations that offered internships included Etisalat, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), EDGE Group, Tawazun, du, Microsoft, GE, General Motors, PwC Middle East, Total, Schlumberger, Accenture, and Emirates NBD Bank. Others included Schneider Electric, Lockheed Martin, Boston Consulting Group, Al Masaood Oil and Gas, National Petroleum Construction Company, Strata, Noor Abu Dhabi, National Marine Dredging, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Direct TT.

The virtual Internship Fair 2021 also included five workshops, CV clinics for 23 students, and a session on ‘Build Your Network and Advance Your Career on LinkedIn’ that received 47 participants. More than 100 students attended a session titled ‘An introduction to EDGE Group and Trends that are Shaping the Workplace’.

In keeping with the prevailing extraordinary circumstances, students and alumni were offered a virtual platform to interact with each organization, who had digital booths. Employers were able to meet students in virtual space via chat rooms, sometimes as groups as well as in one-to-one interaction, during which interviews were conducted and internship details offered. Through videos and digital brochures, companies provided virtual visitors details on relevant training programs.

Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, Senior Vice-President, Academic and Student Services, and Associate Professor, Khalifa University, said: “Khalifa University’s comprehensive academic, research and outreach portfolios that are designed to equip the students with the right expertise, provide the participating corporate and government sector entities with the talent they seek for their organizations. Being part of Khalifa University provides the students with 21st century knowledge and skills to prepare them for the jobs of the future. Our students are well-rounded in personal and professional credentials. They are ambitious and bring fresh perspectives to help companies with innovative solutions and ideas. Our alumni have made significant impacts in key industry sectors such as energy, sustainability, space and healthcare among others. We are confident that this new group of student interns will build on that legacy by adding value to their host organizations.”

In order to foster relationship building with the industry and maximize contribution of students and graduates to the UAE economy and the world at large, Khalifa University’s Career and Alumni Services Office organizes a number of events such as the Annual Career Fair, Internship Fair, Employer on-Campus Day and Majors Day. The Career Services Office constantly works to build and maintain meaningful relationships with industry leaders who support Khalifa University students and graduates in their search for internships, job opportunities and other possible types of student-company engagement.

According to the Career Services office, a significant number of Khalifa University students have received employment, training or internship offers in the past during such annual events. Every year, these events provide an opportunity for students to transition into major corporate entities and government sectors as professionals. Moreover, some Khalifa University students successfully secure international internship experiences with multinational corporations and partners, contributing significantly while gaining exceptional practical experience beyond their comfort zone. Internships that are conducted abroad, whether in-person or virtually, contribute to Khalifa University’s commitment towards internationalization and preparing the students to become global citizens.

Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
15 April 2021

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Shama Almazrouei will spend a day with an executive of an established company in the UAE and personally experience the company’s activities.��

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be the CEO of an established company? KU’s Electrical Engineering undergraduate Shama Almazrouei was one of the few chosen to shadow a successful CEO in the UAE and experience first-hand what it could be like to lead a company.��

The CEOx1Day is a program of management and consultancy company Odgers Berndtson that matches 3rd- and 4th-year undergraduates with a regional Chief Executive Officer and their executive team and shadow them for one full day to see how they work and do business. Program finalists will be able to learn about possible career paths, how team members create value in their organization, and the details of how a company functions.��

The Career Services Office introduced and facilitated applications for this initiative to KU students, among others, as part of their career guidance program to prepare students for the job market.

The CEOx1DAY program was first launched in Odgers Berndtson’s office in Germany and has now grown to 12 other countries, including Brazil, Denmark, South Africa, Singapore, Canada, and the UK. To date, the program has received around 17,000 applications from all over the world, and over 400 CEOs from prominent companies such as Google, Twitter, Adidas, and Ikea have participated in the initiative.��

The program is designed to allow promising future leaders to experience and see first-hand what it is like to be a successful CEO. For the CEOs, the program gives them an opportunity to connect with the next generation of leaders, providing them a better understanding of today’s youth, what drives them, and their work ethics.��

Aside from the invaluable opportunity to work with top business leaders, students chosen to participate in the program also have a chance to meet with the Odgers Berndtson team and learn more about the recruitment process, providing them additional skills that they can use during their job search after they graduate. They’ll learn presentation skills and team building skills, as well as strengthen their interview techniques as they undergo one-on-one interview exercises. The student finalists will also receive a Hogan leadership assessment report that evaluates seven well-known characteristics that influence a person’s occupational success.��

Much like any job application, applying to be part of the CEOx1DAY was a process.��

“An email was sent by KU and I applied. I went through application and transcript screening, online leadership assessments, telephone interviews, and a half day of virtual group assessment with semi-finalists from other universities,” Shama explained.��

When asked why she applied to the program, Shama said she wanted to “gain leadership skills and communication skills, get insight on workplaces and how things work, and learn from a successful CEO.”

“KU has always encouraged me to always look for opportunities to gain more knowledge and more experience, and I try to always set myself apart from others by taking part in different competitions and programs,” she said.��

After the program, she explained that she “wants to have an insight on how things work in an actual workplace and learn more about the role of the CEO and what it takes to be a great leader, how they reached this position, and what skills are needed to be a good CEO.”����

Shama is partnered with Mr. Regis Schultz, President of Retail at Al-Futtaim Group, and is scheduled to spend the day in the company next year.����

Ara Maj Cruz
Creative Writer
14 December 2020

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Every year, Khalifa University holds a Majors Day event to provide freshman students an opportunity to know more about the different majors and programs offered at KU, guiding them on what majors they should choose based on their interests and career goals. Around 300 freshmen were expected to participate in the sessions.����

This year’s Majors Day event was different from previous years. For the first time, the annual event was held virtually through a dedicated website specifically developed for Majors Day.

The virtual event, organized by the Career and Alumni Services Office in collaboration with the different Academic Departments of the University, was hosted online from the 26th of October. Pre-recorded sessions of faculty from the different KU Academic Departments talked about the majors, academic requirements, and future career tracks for each of the various academic programs at KU.

After the presentations, dedicated Q&A sessions were scheduled on the 27th and 28th of October to give the students more detailed advice about the different programs and majors available to them. Choosing a major and future career paths can be daunting and KU is dedicated in providing the students with comprehensive guidance and support. KU alumni also participated in the Q&A sessions to support the students as well as share their KU experience and give insights on their professional life after graduation. The KU graduates answered the questions and concerns and gave advice to the students.����

Dr. Syed Salman Ashraf, Associate Dean for Postgraduate Studies, said:

“The event was done very professionally and it was obvious that the Career Services team had put in a lot of hard work! I was especially impressed with the excellent organization and the ease with which we were able to record our message for prospective students.”

Dr. Kinda Khalaf, Associate Chair, Biomedical Engineering, commented:

“Our first BME virtual Majors Day at KU was a huge success. While initially I was somewhat skeptical about being able to virtually connect with students in a meaningful manner, I was very happily surprised to see that the virtual mode added a new flavor and perhaps some advantages over the personal meeting. For example, the length of our BME event was double the one scheduled. Many students were engaged, especially because the platform allowed typing which some less verbal students prefer. The majority of the students opted to stay with us online after the event formally finished to chat and ask questions. Many reached out in the following weeks. The team at the Career Office did a wonderful job facilitating and allowing for our customized version of the event.”

Dr. Emad Walid Al Shalabi, Assistant Professor, Petroleum Engineering, said:

“The virtual Majors Day event at Khalifa University was a real success! Although it is the first time this event is conducted virtually, the collaborative efforts of KU’s Career Services Office and the Communications department members ensured a smooth flow of the event! For our Petroleum Engineering (PE) virtual booth, we shared different flyers, leaflets, and videos to familiarize undergraduate students with the department activities and the nature of PE major. Also, we successfully uploaded a virtual reality (VR) application on PE where students were engaged and the live Q& session was so interactive! I am glad to be part of this activity and we look forward to welcoming students to our beloved PE department!”

There have already been almost 2,500 visits on the Majors Day site since it was made available. Students continue to view the sessions to know as much as possible about the majors they plan to take. The students found the videos, brochures, and other collaterals very useful to help them make their decision.��

Shamma Kahoor, Interested in Biomedical Engineering:

“It was well organized. I learned a lot about my interests. It helped me set a path for what I would like to study.”

Yousef Mohammed Balbahaith, Interested in Biomedical Engineering:

“It was enlightening and I have made a clear decision about what major I want to pursue at KU, and I hope that everything goes well and special thanks go to all the team who worked on this event.”

Hamda Alhameli, Interested in Electrical Engineering:

“I really enjoyed this Majors Day because it was different from all previous Majors Day. Instead of students answering our questions it was professors and doctors. Also, all my questions were answered and everything was available and easy to access.”

Ara Cruz
Creative Writer
25 November 2020

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New council members to focus on creating a platform where KU alumni can stay connected with their alma mater

���ճԹ� has established the KU Alumni Association, which is being led by a council of five highly accomplished KU alumni.

The alumni leaders represent all Khalifa University legacy institutes (KUSTAR, MI and PI), and a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The council hopes to nurture a platform where KU alumni are supported, given growth and networking opportunities, and importantly, stay connected to one another.��

Here we introduce the new Council Members with some Q&As that reveal who they are, why they joined the council, and what their plans are for the KU Alumni Association.

Meera Al Mehairi, President, KU Alumni Association

Class of 2015, BSc in Mechanical Engineering

• What is your current position?��

I work as a Senior Inspection Engineer in the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, where my main task is to inspect nuclear power plants. In addition, I was recently given a more strategic role by being appointed as a board member for the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.��KU taught me how to manage time, work under pressure, and get things done no matter what, which are skills��that have been essential to my professional development and growth.����

• Why is a KU Alumni Association important?��

It will help facilitate and sustain a mutually advantageous network for KU Alumni and KU community as a whole.

• Why did you want to be a member in the KU Alumni Association Council?��

To give back and enable Alumni to benefit from and contribute to the University community.��

• How will you help and encourage KU alumni to stay connected with their alma mater?

By creating specific initiatives for them, consulting them in our upcoming projects, and��engaging them more in the KU community.

Hamad Alaydaroos, Vice President, KU Alumni Association

Class of 2016, BSc in Mechanical Engineering

• What is your profession?

Reactor Operator – Not Licensed / Barakah Youth Council Member in Nawah Energy Company. My job will enable me to be part of achieving the UAE 2021 Vision, Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision.��

• How did KU help you be prepared for this position?

Through taking a minor in Nuclear Engineering, it was a great foundation to prepare me to start my career in the nuclear industry.��

• How will you help and encourage KU alumni to stay connected with their alma mater?

Through developing online and on-campus services that meet the alumni needs.��

Shefaa Mansour, Secretary/Treasurer, KU Alumni Association

Class of 2016, MSc in Water and Environmental

• What do you do for a living?

​I am currently working as a climate change & sustainability consultant at Ernst & Young (EY). Being a consultant is very exciting. My day at the office is never standard. I am constantly working on sustainability projects across different fields and sectors. This includes but is not limited to strategy planning and support, due diligence and scoring of prestigious UAE Awards, sustainability reporting and assurance, and social and environmental impact assessments.��

• Why did you want to be a member of the KU Alumni Association Council?��​

To give back to KU as an institute, demonstrate change and support the students & Alumni by creating a safe space that they can always come back to and guarantee they will be supported.��

• Why is a KU Alumni Association important?��

​It’s important to establish a designated committee that will carry on the legacy of our three institutes, maintaining continuity and building a strong global network.��

• What kind of social events or activities do you have planned for KU Alumni?��​

My focus will be on the social impact of KU, Alumni trainings, networking events, and connecting minds so as to build a global network with all our Alumni everywhere.��

Amna AlHosani, Special Interest Chair, KU Alumni Association

Class of 2014, BSc in Electrical Engineering

• What is your occupation?

I work in ADNOC Onshore as a Reservoir Engineer. It is a branch of petroleum��engineering. Basically what I do is to monitor the fluid flow of the hydrocarbon (Oil/ Gas) in our reservoirs during the development��and production, in order to obtain the highest economic recovery.��

• Why did you want to be a member in the KU Alumni Association Council?

I consider this as an opportunity to create a platform that rejoins our big family. I wanted to be part of that. As a member of the council, I would like to make that platform reachable for our fellow alumni to seek any help or service, or just to make it simple to rejoin them with their��fellow alumni.������

• How will you help and encourage KU alumni to stay connected with their alma mater?

Being in a big family, the alumni association is here to make sure that our fellow alumni who seek help, get the right help and support. We are here to increase their sense of belonging and to provide a digital platform where they can check all our services (technical support, professional��support, mentoring support, etc.), social events and annual gatherings.��

• What kind of events or activities do you have planned for KU Alumni?

As we are here to reconnect our fellow alumni, the KU Alumni Association Council has considered options which are applicable with the current situation��of Covid-19. We are pleased to work on a couple of initiatives that place KU alumni at the forefront of the local and global community focusing on facilitating a robust and collaborative network.��

Mohamed Al Ghalani, Special Interest Chair, KU Alumni Association

Class of 2017, MSc in Chemical Engineering

• What is your current position at your company and how would you describe what you do?

I currently work as a Sustainability Strategy Specialist for Boeing. My work focuses on achieving the long term goals set by the aviation industry to make aviation more sustainable. This includes sustainable aviation fuels, carbon offsets, operational efficiency and improvise the fuel efficiency of the aircraft through design.����

• How did KU help you be prepared for this position?

My master’s thesis in KU focused on sustainable aviation fuels produced in the UAE from salt tolerant plants that grow in non-arable land. This paved the way for me to make connections with Boeing and eventually land my dream job.��

• Why did you want to be a member in the KU Alumni Association Council?

This is a great opportunity for me to give back my alma mater. KU has provided me with so many opportunities as a student and also as a graduate and I am thankful for that. During my time as a student I also served on the student council as president.��

• Why is a KU Alumni Association important and what are your plans for the Association?

It’s crucial for alumni to stay connected with their colleagues and university after graduation. The alumni association aims to make the voice of alumni heard and to keep them engaged.��We have already come up with many plans on what we would like to achieve during our time as council members. Personally I’m looking forward to organizing an alumni dinner event in the near future once circumstances allow.��

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Despite the global lockdown caused by coronavirus, Khalifa University’s Career Services Office has successfully placed 330 of its undergraduate students into a virtual internship program this summer.��
The students will be interning at major public and private organizations that reflect the critical sectors of the UAE economy, including, but not limited to, local organization such as ADNOC, the Dubai Police, DEWA, Tawazun, Du, Ministry of Education, Halcon, General Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, AD Municipality, DP World, and Ankabut, and international organizations such as Children’s National, Diehl Group of Companies, CAE, Lockheed Martin, Thales, Solarship Ins, Ureka, and TOKA.
The internship experience is a core part of Khalifa University’s curriculum, and it is also a requirement for graduation. Internships offer students a unique opportunity to acquire critical skills and knowledge that they wouldn’t realize inside a classroom, while giving them the chance to put theory to practice.
The traditional internship had to go through a major conceptual change to be transformed into a virtual internship program. Industries, hosting companies, eligible students and faculty had to be introduced to the new concept. However, the resulting virtual internship program that has been developed seems to have paved the way for deeper partnership opportunities with new industries and companies at both the local and international levels.
The dedication of the Career Services team has ensured that each eligible student was placed in a high-quality virtual internship, where they will experience a well-rounded, memorable and inclusive work experience that will provide them with lifelong skills. Student internships are a cornerstone of the KU student experience, and Career Services oversees this activity to increase employment rates of KU graduates. Other initiatives of the Career Services Office include Majors Day, Career Development�� Course, CV Clinic, Career Fair, Internship Fair and Alumni engagement.��
Erica Solomon
Senior Editor
5 August 2020

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Over 60 Local and International Organizations Offer Students an Opportunity to Chart their Future Professional Careers

More than 200 students from Khalifa University of Science and Technology successfully interned within the UAE at various government organizations, private sector enterprises, and leading multinational corporations, as well as across the world at renowned scientific research institutions, universities, and major companies as part of Khalifa University’s 2019 Summer Internship program. A few students also interned within some of the 18 research centers at Khalifa University campuses.

Over 40 organizations located in the UAE and 20 international organizations across the world, as well as some of the Khalifa University research centers and facilities hosted these interns throughout the summer for the internship program.

Among these interns were six students who completed their programs at prestigious organizations including the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and its group entities, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (YahSat), Collins Aerospace and Dassault Aviation in France, as well as Italy’s Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (The Biorobotics Institute) at Pontedera, and the Don Carlo Gnocchi Rehabilitation Center in Florence.

Additionally, a Material Science and Engineering graduate completed her internship in Antarctica, while two Khalifa University alumni interned at The Boeing Company for more than 18 weeks. The range of internships strongly illustrates Khalifa University’s commitment to offer students an opportunity to chart their future.

Interning at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Drilling Company, Electrical Engineering student Sumaya Zaid Saeed Ali Alzubaidi realized the marked difference between the campus life of a student and an engineer’s schedule in a professional setting. During the internship, she was responsible for completing daily tasks for a project allotted by her mentor.

Alzubaidi, who chose ADNOC Drilling because of her special interests in ‘power systems’ and ‘instruments’ sectors, said: “During my internship at ADNOC Drilling, I learnt a lot about the electrical and mechanical components of the drilling rigs, and the different tasks of an electrical engineer.”

Chemical Engineering student Azza Mohamedbara Mohamedfaisal Ragheb Adi interned with the Gas Processing Pipeline Network Division at ADNOC. Site visiting was one of Azza’s main tasks which helped her to closely observe operations and equipment, thus relating theory to practice. She was also was involved in a project that updated the alarm system to ensure safety of operations at the ADNOC Division.

Adi, who emphasized the integral role of internship in a student’s life, said: “I learnt a lot about the oil and gas industry and was introduced to ADNOC’s essential values, which include 100% HSE (health, safety and environment) commitment. I also learnt about the nature of office and site work, which, I believe, will help me decide on my future plans, including my postgraduate studies.”

Communication Engineering student Khuloud Khaled Al Hamdi chose Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (YahSat), a global provider of reliable, innovative and affordable satellite connectivity solutions, for her internship because she felt the world is moving towards satellite communications. Besides, she wanted to do her internship at a place that would offer her the best opportunity to connect the theories she has learnt with the right work environment.

Al Hamdi said: “I was assigned to work with the Systems Engineering team from whom I learned about areas related to communications engineering and satellites such as link budget, channel coding, and digital communications. I also learned about various satellite components and the functioning of each component. Apart from this, I interacted with other teams to learn more about the company and how each team coordinates with the other.” Al Hamdi is now keen to do her Master’s after gaining a few years of work experience.

For Computer Engineering student Omar Abdulla Hasan Ali Almansoori, who completed his internship at Collins Aerospace in Toulouse, France, the experience was significantly different. Collins Aerospace’s Toulouse plant mostly deals with aviation electronics and Almansoori worked with the team responsible for communication devices.

Almansoori said: “This was the first time I had to actively think about the task at hand and use all my knowledge. I also noticed how software engineers work at a typical engineering job. The sort of real-life implementation of the theories I learned at the university was truly an enriching experience.”

Almansoori added that he gained more insight into the functions of an aircraft’s communication software and devices. Though he never considered a career in the aerospace industry earlier, after the internship experience at Collins Aerospace in Toulouse he felt “it was not entirely impossible”. He believes he was lucky to find an internship program in a place full of software engineers who all had a lot of experience in areas where he is only a novice.

Aerospace Engineering student Ali Mustafa Abdulla Mohamed Almusawa chose aerospace pioneer Dassault Aviation in Bordeaux, France, for his summer internship because of its long history in designing and manufacturing civil and military aircrafts. During the program, he was responsible for improving the standards of the Rafale (fighter jet) slats assembly. The ‘slats’ are control devices in an aircraft’s wing.

Almusawa, who believes internship is the perfect opportunity for students to experience the workplace environment, said: “The internship at Dassault Aviation in Bordeaux gave me an excellent overview of the aircraft production processes and techniques, in addition to the latest technology used in military aircraft. I would like to use the knowledge I gained from this internship to improve and enhance the local aerospace industry.”

For Mechanical Engineering Student Abdulaziz Ali Abdulla Abdulaziz Alzurahi with Individual Biomechanics Concentration, it was a joint undergraduate research internship in Italy – at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (The Biorobotics Institute, Pontedera, Italy) and at Don Carlo Gnocchi Rehabilitation Center, Florence, Italy.

Alzurahi’s internship program mainly focused on building a complex MATLAB algorithm for patients’ experimental methodologies to measure gait initiation parameters. His research focused on a novel study of children’s motion behaviors, in addition to children’s lower limb muscle study analysis, using the BTS Gait Lab systems.

He said: “I have learnt how an engineer can play a vital role in healthcare research and believe that initiating collaborations between doctors and engineers would dramatically change the medical research industry.” Alzurahi will present his research outcome at the International Biomedical Engineering Conference to be held in Dubai in October 2019.

Earlier in the year, Material Science and Engineering graduate Tawaddod Alkindi became the first student to complete her internship at the Casey research station that is part of the Australian Antarctic station, located on Vincennes Bay in the Windmill Islands, just outside the Antarctic Circle. Also, two alumni – BSc in Mechanical Engineering graduate Sara Almahri and BSc in Aerospace Engineering graduate Hind Saeed Ahmad Mohd Amin – successfully completed their internships with The Boeing Company.

The Khalifa University research centers and facilities that hosted some of the interns during summer include the Center for Biotechnology (BTC), the Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), the Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems (KU-CARS), the Math Research Lab, Technology Management and Innovation Center, the Petroleum Engineering Department, the Emirates ICT Innovation Center (EBTIC), the Khalifa Innovation Center (KIC), and the Masdar Institute Solar Platform (MISP). The Emirates Advanced National Research and Education Network (Ankabut) also hosted some interns.

Some of the UAE organizations that offered students the internship opportunity include Abu Dhabi Airports, Abu Dhabi General Services Company-Musanada, Abu Dhabi Police, UAE Armed Forces, Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities, Dolphin Energy, Dubai Civil Aviation, Dubai Police, Emirates airlines, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), Etihad Airways, Etisalat, Fujairah Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), UAE Ministry of Education, Mubadala Petroleum, Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, Strata Manufacturing, UAE Space Agency, and Al Yah Satellite Communications.

Some of the international partners that provided workplace experience to the interns include Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy, Brain Science Institute (BSI) Riken, Diehl Group of Companies, GAL, GamaLearn, Halcon Systems, Hitachi Central Research Lab in Japan, Honeywell, Huawei, IBM, Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Liverpool University, Protiviti Global, Rockwell Collins, Schlumberger, Schneider Electric, Siemens, St George’s University London, The BioRobotics Institute Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, The University of Tokyo, University of Applied Sciences, and Yokogawa Middle East & Africa.

In addition to the summer internship program, Khalifa University also hosts an annual Internship Fair during which a large number of local and international organizations also participate and identify talented students for potential internships and possible future employment.

Clarence Michael
News Writer
11 September 2019

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