The First Graduates' Forum

As part of the efforts of the Training and Career Guidance Center, represented by the Graduate Follow-up Section, the Center organized its first meeting with a selected group of graduates from various batches, and this was on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

The meeting was attended by the Vice Chancellor’s Assistants, Center Directors, Heads of Administrative and Academic Departments, in addition to 57 male and female graduates from various specializations.

The meeting began with verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a visual presentation to introduce the Graduate Follow-up Section and its role in supporting graduates. Then, a speech was delivered by Dr. Moza Al-Shahiya on behalf of the event's sponsor, Dr. Ahmed Al-Balushi, the Vice Chancellor of the University Branch in Shinas.

Graduate Ibtisam Al-Za'abi also led a discussion session with the attendees, focusing on several key topics:

1. Understanding the Alumni Association Concept:
Ibtisam presented the concept of the alumni association and discussed the roles and responsibilities of its members.

2. What can Graduates Offer the University?
The graduates shared various initiatives, expressing a clear willingness to contribute their experience and skills to the university. This could include delivering lectures, workshops, participating in sports/cultural activities, as well as engaging in entrepreneurship, research, and innovation.

3. Expected Outcomes of the Forum:
The graduates shared their hopes for this forum, such as continued communication and support from the university. They also sought to explore wider avenues of collaboration with the Partnership & Entrepreneurship, and Innovation & Technology departments to further develop their skills in these areas.

4. Types of Support Desired from the University:
The graduates highlighted their need for the following:

* Adequately rehabilitating the graduates through specialized workshops on résumés, job interviews, and all aspects of employment * Providing graduates with training opportunities at the university, along with financial incentives * Granting graduates access and facilitated use of the university's facilities * Maintaining continuous communication with the graduates to keep them informed of all the latest developments at the university * Expanding collaboration with the Partnership and Entrepreneurship Dept. to clarify all that can assist graduate entrepreneurs

5.Regarding the plans for the second graduates' forum: *The graduates expressed a desire for a more informal and friendly format, rather than a formal event. *The forum could be held at a central location, such as Sohar, that is accessible to all.
*It could coincide with the participation of industry experts, especially from the HR department, to provide guidance to unemployed graduates on effective job-seeking strategies.
*The forum could include job placement opportunities, a dedicated space for successful graduates to share their stories, and interactive discussion sessions between students and graduates.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for the graduates to attend the first training and career guidance forum, where they could benefit from the opportunities offered by the participating public and private institutions. This was followed by an appreciation and recognition of the graduates and student organizers.

The graduates expressed their great satisfaction and appreciation for this meeting.