AUIS Hosts First US State Department Access Alumni Conference
American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) hosted the first U.S. State Department Access Alumni Conference, titled "Career Advancement Training" for participants from across Iraq on May 15-18, 2023. University President Dr. Bruce Ferguson and VP Academic Advancement Dr. Robert Perrins welcomed the attendees and encouraged them to enjoy and benefit from this opportunity to network, build community, and advance their career development.
The project, led by Academic Preparatory Program (APP) Director Zimkitha Mpatheni, aimed at bringing together Access alumni from across Iraq to get up-to-date training to survive in the modern day job market. Forty-four Access alumni attended the four-day day conference to enhance their professional development to achieve successful careers in the future. Popular and in-demand workshops covered topics such as professional portfolios, successful job interview techniques, management and coping strategies, and technology and computer skills. The workshops were delivered by APP and undergraduate program faculty, as well as staff who shared their experiences and expertise. We are proud of all of our Access alumni for receiving their certificates of completion.
The presenters for the conference included: Dr. Ali-Al Waeli, Mr. Oliver Keels, Ms. Rozhan Saman, Mr. Sardam Akram, Ms. Laura Schlichting, Mr. Berzy Bahzad, Mr. Ahmed Aram, Ms. Halbast Abdullah, and Ms. Kristen Shaffer.