​​The KAUST Industry Engagement Office, Graduate Affairs and Saudi Initiatives welcomed representatives from a variety of Saudi and international companies to the University’s campus on March 16 and 17 for the Seventh Annual KAUST Industry Collaboration Program (KICP) Career Day.

Activities on March 16 featured company presentations, an employer discussion panel and a meet-and-greet networking opportunity for students and employers.

On March 17, students heard further company presentations; attended a KAUST alumni panel featuring alumni working in industry; and met with company representatives to discuss summer 2016 internship possibilities and full-time employment opportunities during an afternoon career fair. Companies on-hand to talk to students included Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), the Dow Chemical Company, Total, Siemens, 3M, Mars, Schlumberger, Huawei and others.

At the opening of the career fair, Mark Crowell, KAUST vice president of Innovation and Economic Development, noted, “I think we truly have unique opportunities here for the University to connect the intellectual and research assets of KAUST to create new jobs and opportunities for the region. I encourage our students to take advantage of this opportunity to find a place in the growing knowledge economy.”



Crowell also noted that the Seventh Annual KICP Career Day featured for the first time representatives from KAUST startups like FalconViz, a company that conducts 3-D aerial scanning and modeling using multi-rotor copters and 3-D modeling software, recruiting for positions.

“Activities like this suggest that the University is really starting to hit its stride,” he said.

Students were encouraged by supportive words from company representatives, including the Saudi Aramco representative, who stated, “Saudi Aramco is a very inclusive environment where everyone collaborates, which is similar to KAUST. We look for individuals who can fit well into this environment and continue to learn and show their passion for in their careers in research. We feel you have the skills, ambition and drive to succeed in the future.”

- By Caitlin Clark, KAUST News