On Sept. 7, the Saadiyat Island campus saw its first career fair. Students explored the East and West Forums, exchanging résumés and business cards with the 70 UAE companies that attended the event.

The Career Development Center hosts a career fair every year in order to allow students the opportunity to interact with local businesses in the UAE. Through the Career Fair, students can network with companies, exchange ideas for research and even secure internships. Unilever, Make A Wish UAE, Reed Smith and McKinsey & Company were some of the companies that attended this year’s event.

According to Director of the CDC and Assistant Dean of Students Hazel Raja, the event has grown over the past three years.

“Once [companies] have an experience with our student body, they are chomping at the bit to come back and experience more opportunities to engage with our students,” she said.

Freshman Alens Juns commented on having mixed emotions about the event.

“I found the career fair exciting and frightening at the same time, because you get a vague glimpse of how competitive the labor market can be, and how important it is to present yourself in a professional, competent manner,” Juns said.

“Regardless of whether or not I want to end up in the Middle East, the Career Fair is still a great place to network and learn about different companies, particularly international companies that might have offices in my home country,” said senior Mandy Tan.

Outside of the career fair, the CDC also offered a Career Fair prep sessions where it was explained to students what a career fair is as well as the dos and don’ts of interacting with employers. The CDC also took to social media to spread the word of the Career Fair. Students registered as they entered and upon leaving, they posted pictures using the hashtag #nyuadsuccess.

Many of the internships offered during the event will be posted on NYUAD CareerNet for interested students to apply.