Alumni

The Alumni Unit, in collaboration with the Counselling and Guidance Unit at the College of Languages and Translation, King Khalid University, hosted a webinar titled "Getting Ready for Job Interviews" on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The event, presented by Mr. Javed Ahmed, Campus Coordinator at the English Language Centre, was attended by approximately 40 active participants. The session commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, Supervisor of the Alumni Unit. He touched on the common mix of anticipation and nervousness that candidates often feel when preparing for job interviews. Mr. Khan emphasized that the webinar aimed to offer comprehensive insights into effective interview preparation, guiding attendees through the nuances of presenting themselves confidently to potential employers. Mr. Javed Ahmed, the presenter of the webinar, then proceeded to delve into the presentation, focusing on the essential steps, components, and tips for navigating interviews successfully. He emphasized the significance of dedicating time to crafting a customized resume, cover letter, and conducting thorough company research. These preparations are essential as they culminate in the interviews—an opportunity to showcase one's skills and suitability for the role. Among various considerations, including attire and handling tough questions, Mr. Javed outlined strategies to distinguish oneself from other candidates. The presenter outlined several potential steps to secure a desired position, emphasizing thorough preparation beforehand. This entails researching the interviewing company’s industry, products, mission, and recent developments to demonstrate genuine interest. Additionally, aligning one’s skills and experiences with the job requirements and preparing to discuss relevant examples from past roles is crucial. Dressing slightly more formally, arriving early, and maintaining professionalism throughout the interview process were also recommended. During the 'Question-Answer Session', while replying to a question raised by Mr. Faisal Syed, a student attendee, about the secrets to success in an interview and countering challenges during the interview, Mr. Javed emphasized the significance of highlighting relevant strengths, addressing weaknesses in an honest and straightforward way, and viewing them as opportunities for growth. While responding to a query from Mr. Abdulrahman Ali, another student participating in the webinar, who sought advice on crafting an effective and impressive resume, the presenter emphasized the importance of including clear sections for skills, experiences, strengths, and contact information. While addressing the issue of 'nervousness' during interviews, raised by a student participant of the webinar, Mr. Ma’an Abdulrahman, who was seeking 'coping strategies' for the issue, Mr. Javed Ahmed recommended the 'STOP' method—a mental technique involving pausing, deep breathing, observing thoughts and emotions, and proceeding with intention to be applied by the candidate. Dr. Nisar Ahmad Koka, a faculty member who participated in the webinar, commended the presenter for his exemplary efforts in addressing the participants' questions and queries satisfactorily. Dr. Koka expressed a desire for the regular organization of similar webinars, believing they would effectively tackle the critical issues faced by fresh candidates during job interviews. The webinar concluded with a commitment from the organizers to future 'engaging activities' that are specifically designed to encourage participants to both realize and reach their full potential. Date: 4/29/2024 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

The Alumni Unit, in collaboration with the Counselling and Guidance Unit at the College of Languages and Translation, King Khalid University, hosted a webinar titled "Getting Ready for Job Interviews" on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The event, presented by Mr. Javed Ahmed, Campus Coordinator at the English Language Centre, was attended by approximately 40 active participants. The session commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, Supervisor of the Alumni Unit. He touched on the common mix of anticipation and nervousness that candidates often feel when preparing for job interviews. Mr. Khan emphasized that the webinar aimed to offer comprehensive insights into effective interview preparation, guiding attendees through the nuances of presenting themselves confidently to potential employers. Mr. Javed Ahmed, the presenter of the webinar, then proceeded to delve into the presentation, focusing on the essential steps, components, and tips for navigating interviews successfully. He emphasized the significance of dedicating time to crafting a customized resume, cover letter, and conducting thorough company research. These preparations are essential as they culminate in the interviews—an opportunity to showcase one's skills and suitability for the role. Among various considerations, including attire and handling tough questions, Mr. Javed outlined strategies to distinguish oneself from other candidates. The presenter outlined several potential steps to secure a desired position, emphasizing thorough preparation beforehand. This entails researching the interviewing company’s industry, products, mission, and recent developments to demonstrate genuine interest. Additionally, aligning one’s skills and experiences with the job requirements and preparing to discuss relevant examples from past roles is crucial. Dressing slightly more formally, arriving early, and maintaining professionalism throughout the interview process were also recommended. During the 'Question-Answer Session', while replying to a question raised by Mr. Faisal Syed, a student attendee, about the secrets to success in an interview and countering challenges during the interview, Mr. Javed emphasized the significance of highlighting relevant strengths, addressing weaknesses in an honest and straightforward way, and viewing them as opportunities for growth. While responding to a query from Mr. Abdulrahman Ali, another student participating in the webinar, who sought advice on crafting an effective and impressive resume, the presenter emphasized the importance of including clear sections for skills, experiences, strengths, and contact information. While addressing the issue of 'nervousness' during interviews, raised by a student participant of the webinar, Mr. Ma’an Abdulrahman, who was seeking 'coping strategies' for the issue, Mr. Javed Ahmed recommended the 'STOP' method—a mental technique involving pausing, deep breathing, observing thoughts and emotions, and proceeding with intention to be applied by the candidate. Dr. Nisar Ahmad Koka, a faculty member who participated in the webinar, commended the presenter for his exemplary efforts in addressing the participants' questions and queries satisfactorily. Dr. Koka expressed a desire for the regular organization of similar webinars, believing they would effectively tackle the critical issues faced by fresh candidates during job interviews. The webinar concluded with a commitment from the organizers to future 'engaging activities' that are specifically designed to encourage participants to both realize and reach their full potential. Date: 4/29/2024 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Ms. Anjum Mishu conducted a presentation titled "Language of the Professionals: How to Write Academic English (International Tests, Research Papers or Journals)" at a webinar organized by the female Alumni Unit on 23 March 2022. She highlighted the problem faced by students when they want to take competency tests and write research papers as a part of MA and Ph.D. programs. She stressed the fact that students find it challenging to jump from the casual day-to-day style to the very high standard expected of them at the tertiary level.   Ms. Anjum offered a solution to this problem by showing them that through the application of strategies at the syntax level, they can transform simple and plain sentences into formal and academic ones. Attitude adverbials, fronting, cleft sentences, quantifying differences, generalizing and distancing, referencing, etc., are to name a few of the strategies.   The presenter also emphasized that academic tone can be improved through the proper use of affixes at the lexical level. She added charts of useful affixes so that they could come in handy for the students. Date: 3/25/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Ms. Anjum Mishu conducted a presentation titled "Language of the Professionals: How to Write Academic English (International Tests, Research Papers or Journals)" at a webinar organized by the female Alumni Unit on 23 March 2022. She highlighted the problem faced by students when they want to take competency tests and write research papers as a part of MA and Ph.D. programs. She stressed the fact that students find it challenging to jump from the casual day-to-day style to the very high standard expected of them at the tertiary level.   Ms. Anjum offered a solution to this problem by showing them that through the application of strategies at the syntax level, they can transform simple and plain sentences into formal and academic ones. Attitude adverbials, fronting, cleft sentences, quantifying differences, generalizing and distancing, referencing, etc., are to name a few of the strategies.   The presenter also emphasized that academic tone can be improved through the proper use of affixes at the lexical level. She added charts of useful affixes so that they could come in handy for the students. Date: 3/25/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On 15 November 2021, Dr. Eisa Al-Eisa Asiri, who recently returned from Macquarie University in Australia, delivered a webinar to 107 participants organized by the Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation under the coordination of Mohsin Raza Khan. The webinar — titled "The transition from a classroom to a workplace: professional skills for translation students" — introduced participants to the most important professional skills in translation (henceforth TRN) and interpreting (henceforth INT). The webinar was developed to provide students and alumni with additional activities for their professional development, consistent with the intended learning outcomes and labor market developments.   Dr. Asiri began by inquiring of the student participants how to gain advanced TRN and INT knowledge. There was a wide variety of interesting responses. One student said that the best way is to study for a degree in TRN or INT. Dr. Asiri agreed but explained that one must be an avid consumer of source text and target text materials. He emphasized that one must be a good writer and have in-depth cultural knowledge.   Dr. Asiri highlighted several practical terms as a starting point, explaining that translation memory is parts of or complete sentences that have been translated before that can be consulted while translating. In addition, tapping into one's translation memory is helpful when using technological tools for translators and interpreters. He related that most professional translators work with computer-assisted translation tools, and they test as many programs as they can.   Then, Dr. Asiri admonished the students to have an entrepreneurial spirit while showing the pros and cons of working with agencies, working with direct clients, and using portals. He noted that resumes should be ready and updated regularly. He concluded that networking and attending events, conferences, and expos, whether related to the translation industry or not, can play a significant role in finding clients and continuing one's professional development.   At the end of the webinar, Dr. Asiri thanked all alumni, undergrads, and grads who participated, noting that learning doesn't stop on graduation day. Please click here to view a recording of the event. Date: 11/16/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On 15 November 2021, Dr. Eisa Al-Eisa Asiri, who recently returned from Macquarie University in Australia, delivered a webinar to 107 participants organized by the Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation under the coordination of Mohsin Raza Khan. The webinar — titled "The transition from a classroom to a workplace: professional skills for translation students" — introduced participants to the most important professional skills in translation (henceforth TRN) and interpreting (henceforth INT). The webinar was developed to provide students and alumni with additional activities for their professional development, consistent with the intended learning outcomes and labor market developments.   Dr. Asiri began by inquiring of the student participants how to gain advanced TRN and INT knowledge. There was a wide variety of interesting responses. One student said that the best way is to study for a degree in TRN or INT. Dr. Asiri agreed but explained that one must be an avid consumer of source text and target text materials. He emphasized that one must be a good writer and have in-depth cultural knowledge.   Dr. Asiri highlighted several practical terms as a starting point, explaining that translation memory is parts of or complete sentences that have been translated before that can be consulted while translating. In addition, tapping into one's translation memory is helpful when using technological tools for translators and interpreters. He related that most professional translators work with computer-assisted translation tools, and they test as many programs as they can.   Then, Dr. Asiri admonished the students to have an entrepreneurial spirit while showing the pros and cons of working with agencies, working with direct clients, and using portals. He noted that resumes should be ready and updated regularly. He concluded that networking and attending events, conferences, and expos, whether related to the translation industry or not, can play a significant role in finding clients and continuing one's professional development.   At the end of the webinar, Dr. Asiri thanked all alumni, undergrads, and grads who participated, noting that learning doesn't stop on graduation day. Please click here to view a recording of the event. Date: 11/16/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On 27 October 2021, Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, delivered a webinar to 60 participants organized by the Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation under the coordination of Mohsin Raza Khan. The webinar — titled "Future Job Prospects for English Graduates" — addressed the importance of durable skills. The webinar was developed to provide Bachelor of Arts in English program students and alumni with additional activities for their professional development, consistent with the intended learning outcomes and labor market developments.   "There are ten major competencies also known as durable skills that will ensure a successful career. They are leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. A great way to build those durable skills is volunteering. Volunteering will introduce you to both private industry and non-profit organizations. For example, you can learn more about project management by organizing events, which will also develop your leadership abilities and sales skills because you will recruit other volunteers to help you," began Dr. Almosa. He then pointed out that the new economy is skills-based, highlighting that we have entered the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Although having strong technical skills will always help, Dr. Almosa continued to reinforce that soft skills mean a lot. "You will need to be able to solve problems and work in teams. Actually, you will have to solve problems that do not exist yet, and you need to be comfortable continually learning new skills to solve problems," he said.   "I want to draw your attention to the Aseer Region Development Strategy. The strategy was launched by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and aims to create the conditions necessary for sustainable growth. Our region will be an all-year-round world destination, and students from the Bachelor of Arts in English program will have many job opportunities," said Dr. Almosa.   Of noteworthy mention, Dr. Almosa is well-positioned to guide our students on how their skills match the region's workforce needs, as he was the recipient of an award in October 2021 from His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Aseer, for his outstanding contribution to the region's strategic planning.   The Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to communicating with its alumni and involving them in events and activities. Please click here to view a recording of the event. Date: 10/27/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On 27 October 2021, Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, delivered a webinar to 60 participants organized by the Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation under the coordination of Mohsin Raza Khan. The webinar — titled "Future Job Prospects for English Graduates" — addressed the importance of durable skills. The webinar was developed to provide Bachelor of Arts in English program students and alumni with additional activities for their professional development, consistent with the intended learning outcomes and labor market developments.   "There are ten major competencies also known as durable skills that will ensure a successful career. They are leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. A great way to build those durable skills is volunteering. Volunteering will introduce you to both private industry and non-profit organizations. For example, you can learn more about project management by organizing events, which will also develop your leadership abilities and sales skills because you will recruit other volunteers to help you," began Dr. Almosa. He then pointed out that the new economy is skills-based, highlighting that we have entered the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Although having strong technical skills will always help, Dr. Almosa continued to reinforce that soft skills mean a lot. "You will need to be able to solve problems and work in teams. Actually, you will have to solve problems that do not exist yet, and you need to be comfortable continually learning new skills to solve problems," he said.   "I want to draw your attention to the Aseer Region Development Strategy. The strategy was launched by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and aims to create the conditions necessary for sustainable growth. Our region will be an all-year-round world destination, and students from the Bachelor of Arts in English program will have many job opportunities," said Dr. Almosa.   Of noteworthy mention, Dr. Almosa is well-positioned to guide our students on how their skills match the region's workforce needs, as he was the recipient of an award in October 2021 from His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Aseer, for his outstanding contribution to the region's strategic planning.   The Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to communicating with its alumni and involving them in events and activities. Please click here to view a recording of the event. Date: 10/27/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Mubarak Saeed Al-Qahtani, class of 2021 graduate, has wanted to own a business since his freshman year in the Bachelor of Arts in English program, and that dream has become a reality. Al-Qahtani has brought an Al-Qassim touch to the Asir region with several drive-through coffee shops.   "College and coffee are a perfect match, and Kyan Cafe is no exception," said Al-Qahtani. While sitting in the King Khalid University parking lot before an exam, Al-Qahtani began to notice several rearview mirror air fresheners with the Kyan Cafe logo on it written English and the rest is history. He immediately began to research the brand and asked a few of his instructors in the Bachelor of Arts in English program what they thought about him becoming an entrepreneur. After receiving words of encouragement, he immediately formulated his idea, which revolved around quality, speed and convenience. Al-Qahtani credited much of his success in the operational side of the business to being able to use the language skills he picked up in the Bachelor of Arts in English program, which improved his ability to understand when to speak or write, who to deliver the message to, and what to say and how to say it. "I can honestly say that graduating with a degree in English has helped to use Foodics, which is the point of sales system we use. My dream is to launch new innovative ideas in cooperation with international companies and become a franchisor. I encourage all of the students from our program to contact some of the startup accelerators we have in Saudi Arabia to pitch their business ideas and obtain funding. There are some in Riyadh, Jeddah, and we have one in Asir," he said   The Bachelor of Arts in English program is dedicating to fulfilling its role in developing entrepreneurial leaders with the language competence necessary to take advantage of the new economic realities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by inculcating creativity and innovation in the learning process. Date: 6/28/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Mubarak Saeed Al-Qahtani, class of 2021 graduate, has wanted to own a business since his freshman year in the Bachelor of Arts in English program, and that dream has become a reality. Al-Qahtani has brought an Al-Qassim touch to the Asir region with several drive-through coffee shops.   "College and coffee are a perfect match, and Kyan Cafe is no exception," said Al-Qahtani. While sitting in the King Khalid University parking lot before an exam, Al-Qahtani began to notice several rearview mirror air fresheners with the Kyan Cafe logo on it written English and the rest is history. He immediately began to research the brand and asked a few of his instructors in the Bachelor of Arts in English program what they thought about him becoming an entrepreneur. After receiving words of encouragement, he immediately formulated his idea, which revolved around quality, speed and convenience. Al-Qahtani credited much of his success in the operational side of the business to being able to use the language skills he picked up in the Bachelor of Arts in English program, which improved his ability to understand when to speak or write, who to deliver the message to, and what to say and how to say it. "I can honestly say that graduating with a degree in English has helped to use Foodics, which is the point of sales system we use. My dream is to launch new innovative ideas in cooperation with international companies and become a franchisor. I encourage all of the students from our program to contact some of the startup accelerators we have in Saudi Arabia to pitch their business ideas and obtain funding. There are some in Riyadh, Jeddah, and we have one in Asir," he said   The Bachelor of Arts in English program is dedicating to fulfilling its role in developing entrepreneurial leaders with the language competence necessary to take advantage of the new economic realities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by inculcating creativity and innovation in the learning process. Date: 6/28/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation