American Univesity of Beirut

This agreement is designed to facilitate and develop a discussion process aimed at launching multiple relationships. It specifically allows us to explore future cooperation including joint academic programs, joint conferences, workshops and seminars; identify funding opportunities and pursue joint submissions of grants; manage student and staff exchanges; and foster exchanges related to publications and teaching materials. Both sides recognize the importance of protecting intellectual property and specific safeguards will be set forth in separate agreements. I would like to thank all the architects of this accord, led by Hala Muhtasib from AUB and Dolla Sarkis from USJ, who have worked tirelessly to bring this dream to reality, and my friend and brother Pere Dr. Salim Daccache for his friendship, his determination, and his commitment that future generations of students may see in this partnership the stirrings of hope for a brighter future for Lebanon and the Arab world.

Enabling career opportunities

Last term, we welcomed a new director of the careers office in the Office of Student Affairs, AUB alumna and ex‐Dubai‐based HR and recruitment professional Melina Harb. This follows the retirement of her long‐serving predecessor, Maryam Ghandour, known to many as an indefatigable champion of employment opportunities for generations of AUB students. First, let us pay tribute to Maryam’s work, especially the extraordinary and enduring effort she put into fostering close links with many different employers, whose effect you can see today in the devotion and respect those employers show towards this university.

In an ever‐changing employment market, ever‐fresh approaches are required—both from job applicants and a careers service tasked with preparing applicants effectively for the world of work. So it is a significant advantage to have an expert of Ms. Harb’s caliber, speaking the language of employers, familiar with systems and best practices of recruitment. As you know, last year AUB was judged to be first in graduate employability in the Arab world and among the top 50 universities globally (in the respected QS rankings). This was without updating our service with current best practice; imagine what we can aspire to giving Ms. Harb and the OSA our collective backing!

The new director envisions a three‐ or four‐year careers engagement plan for all undergraduates. It will help students decide what jobs they are best suited to; familiarize them with the latest recruiting trends and techniques; help them avoid pitfalls such as injudicious social media postings; encourage creative approaches (video resumes, for example, or optimizing one’s LinkedIn profile) and thinking about the benefit of extracurricular engagement. Above all, the approach will address the 11th‐ hour panic, which strikes some of our students as they emerge into the outside world as fresh graduates.

The first phase sees the light in February when students can attend newly‐launched workshops covering how to search for jobs, prepare for the upcoming jobs fair, create an outstanding resume, and “ace that interview.” There is certainly a huge amount to be done, with the director working closely with faculty career officers and a wider range of employers, especially those aligned with AUB’s core values, as well as widening the circle of our alumni prepared to help in this crucial sphere. If you are an alumna or alumnus looking to give back to your alma mater, there can be few better ways than contacting our dynamic new careers office! You don’t even need to have a vacant position to fill—any opportunity to engage your support will be eagerly accepted.