Alumni Unit

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

  On January 18th, the Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted a webinar on "Navigating the Job Market: Insights for Undergrad and Grad Students in Language-related Programs in Saudi Arabia." The webinar was held from 8 pm to 9 pm and had a diverse group of participants, including international and graduate students from the Faculty. The speaker for the event was Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Quality, and the meeting was hosted by the Alumni Unit Supervisor, Mohsin Raza Khan.   The webinar aimed to inform students about the challenges and opportunities in the job market for graduates of English programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Almosa discussed the importance of soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability for success in the job market and how students from the Faculty of Languages and Translation are well-positioned to develop these skills. He also emphasized the importance of being competitive by adding professional certificates such as project management, data analysis, or digital marketing. This not only enhances their CV and makes them stand out but also allows them to work in different fields and industries. It also gives them a competitive advantage and increases their employability. Additionally, it shows that they have practical skills, knowledge and experience in a specific field, and can bring value to the organization.   Dr. Almosa advised students to follow their passion and plan for their future career path. He highlighted that the Human Capability Development Program, a newly refreshed Vision 2030 program, is an excellent opportunity for students to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the job market. He also encouraged students to consider job opportunities in areas where there is a lack of workers and to capitalize on these vacancies.   Mohsin Raza Khan, the Alumni Unit Supervisor, followed up on Dr. Almosa's points by emphasizing the importance of English language skills as the crux of everything, especially in the job market. He explained that students from the Faculty of Languages and Translation have a strong foundation in the language due to their coursework and training in areas such as phonetics, grammar, and literature. He provided examples of how these skills can be applied in the job market, such as in business communication, technical writing, and interpreting.   The Q&A session was lively, and students asked about the possibility of obtaining career guidance and help from the college in securing internships. The response was positive, and students were directed to The Forage, a virtual internship platform. The Faculty of Languages and Translation has formed a partnership with The Forage, which gives students access to a wide range of opportunities and resources to help them secure internships and start building their professional network. The Forage is a platform that offers students the opportunity to connect with companies and organizations for virtual internships. The platform is designed to help students gain real-world experience and skills, build their professional network and prepare for the job market. It offers a variety of internships in different fields, remote working opportunities, and mentorship programs, and also it enables students to include the virtual internship experience on their CV, under specific conditions and language, as well as the ability to add badges to their LinkedIn profile, highlighting their skills and accomplishments. The Forage has a set of rules and regulations that the students must adhere to, such as meeting deadlines, attending online meetings, and submitting assignments.   Dr. Almosa also mentioned that the college is working on other opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and develop their skills. He said that the college is dedicated to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed in the job market and secure their desired career path.   The webinar concluded with Dr. Almosa thanking all of the students and staff who participated, noting that the Alumni Unit is a valuable resource to our students. Mohsin Raza Khan thanked on behalf of the Alumni Unit all of the faculty who participated and mentioned he looked forward to more opportunities for students to gain insight and knowledge about the job market. Date: 1/19/2023 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On January 18th, the Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted a webinar on "Navigating the Job Market: Insights for Undergrad and Grad Students in Language-related Programs in Saudi Arabia." The webinar was held from 8 pm to 9 pm and had a diverse group of participants, including international and graduate students from the Faculty. The speaker for the event was Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Quality, and the meeting was hosted by the Alumni Unit Supervisor, Mohsin Raza Khan.   The webinar aimed to inform students about the challenges and opportunities in the job market for graduates of English programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Almosa discussed the importance of soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability for success in the job market and how students from the Faculty of Languages and Translation are well-positioned to develop these skills. He also emphasized the importance of being competitive by adding professional certificates such as project management, data analysis, or digital marketing. This not only enhances their CV and makes them stand out but also allows them to work in different fields and industries. It also gives them a competitive advantage and increases their employability. Additionally, it shows that they have practical skills, knowledge and experience in a specific field, and can bring value to the organization.   Dr. Almosa advised students to follow their passion and plan for their future career path. He highlighted that the Human Capability Development Program, a newly refreshed Vision 2030 program, is an excellent opportunity for students to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the job market. He also encouraged students to consider job opportunities in areas where there is a lack of workers and to capitalize on these vacancies.   Mohsin Raza Khan, the Alumni Unit Supervisor, followed up on Dr. Almosa's points by emphasizing the importance of English language skills as the crux of everything, especially in the job market. He explained that students from the Faculty of Languages and Translation have a strong foundation in the language due to their coursework and training in areas such as phonetics, grammar, and literature. He provided examples of how these skills can be applied in the job market, such as in business communication, technical writing, and interpreting.   The Q&A session was lively, and students asked about the possibility of obtaining career guidance and help from the college in securing internships. The response was positive, and students were directed to The Forage, a virtual internship platform. The Faculty of Languages and Translation has formed a partnership with The Forage, which gives students access to a wide range of opportunities and resources to help them secure internships and start building their professional network. The Forage is a platform that offers students the opportunity to connect with companies and organizations for virtual internships. The platform is designed to help students gain real-world experience and skills, build their professional network and prepare for the job market. It offers a variety of internships in different fields, remote working opportunities, and mentorship programs, and also it enables students to include the virtual internship experience on their CV, under specific conditions and language, as well as the ability to add badges to their LinkedIn profile, highlighting their skills and accomplishments. The Forage has a set of rules and regulations that the students must adhere to, such as meeting deadlines, attending online meetings, and submitting assignments.   Dr. Almosa also mentioned that the college is working on other opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and develop their skills. He said that the college is dedicated to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed in the job market and secure their desired career path.   The webinar concluded with Dr. Almosa thanking all of the students and staff who participated, noting that the Alumni Unit is a valuable resource to our students. Mohsin Raza Khan thanked on behalf of the Alumni Unit all of the faculty who participated and mentioned he looked forward to more opportunities for students to gain insight and knowledge about the job market. Date: 1/19/2023 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted a webinar on a new virtual internship-based learning project on October 25, 2022, with the goal of integrating employability into all undergraduate and graduate programs. The objective is for all undergraduate and graduate students to acquire employability skills that are aligned with learning outcomes and help them prepare for a competitive job market.   In response to the increased demand for digital skills programs post-Covid-19, the Faculty of Languages and Translation worked to find innovative and expedient means for our students to acquire essential employability skills. After an initial agreement with Forage to become a university partner in July 2022 and further correspondence to officially integrate the Faculty of Languages and Translation platform onto Forage, it became clear that our goals were the same: to let students access online virtual internships from anywhere, at any time, with no restrictions.   Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Development, kicked off the webinar moderated by Mohsin Reza Khan by introducing the Forage and explaining that students will be able to develop their skills and try out different roles and industries by working through self-paced modules, noting that students and alumni will gain a better understanding of the diverse and exciting career paths available. He emphasized the importance of students and alumni having the skills and confidence necessary for success as they transition from the classroom to the professional world. Following after, Hassan Costello continued to provide additional background information on the Forage. He emphasized that companies on Forage believe talent is more important than connections and mentioned that it is a great way to demonstrate an initial interest or passion for a specific organization and the type of work they do, which will be advantageous in any future recruitment process. He explained that after completing a program, students and alumni would receive a personalized certificate and a digital certificate that serves as evidence of acquired skills. He then highlighted that those who complete an online internship program could update their LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV under the "Certifications" section with their new skills to boost their credentials and kickstart their career growth. "Employers are twice as likely to interview a Forage candidate and four times as likely to offer them a position," he concluded.   Abdussalam Tahir Abdulmajid, a senior, described his experience completing virtual internships on the Forage, emphasizing that signing up is user-friendly and the courses are self-paced. He highlighted that one program requires five to six hours to complete and that you can complete as many as you like. With over 190+ courses to choose from, Abdussalam encouraged his fellow students to sample what real-life work at leading companies would be like and to fully explore their interests.   The webinar participants were then able to pose questions directly to Abdussalam and Dr. Almosa during a lively Q&A session. Date: 10/26/2022 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Alumni Unit of the Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted a webinar on a new virtual internship-based learning project on October 25, 2022, with the goal of integrating employability into all undergraduate and graduate programs. The objective is for all undergraduate and graduate students to acquire employability skills that are aligned with learning outcomes and help them prepare for a competitive job market.   In response to the increased demand for digital skills programs post-Covid-19, the Faculty of Languages and Translation worked to find innovative and expedient means for our students to acquire essential employability skills. After an initial agreement with Forage to become a university partner in July 2022 and further correspondence to officially integrate the Faculty of Languages and Translation platform onto Forage, it became clear that our goals were the same: to let students access online virtual internships from anywhere, at any time, with no restrictions.   Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Development, kicked off the webinar moderated by Mohsin Reza Khan by introducing the Forage and explaining that students will be able to develop their skills and try out different roles and industries by working through self-paced modules, noting that students and alumni will gain a better understanding of the diverse and exciting career paths available. He emphasized the importance of students and alumni having the skills and confidence necessary for success as they transition from the classroom to the professional world. Following after, Hassan Costello continued to provide additional background information on the Forage. He emphasized that companies on Forage believe talent is more important than connections and mentioned that it is a great way to demonstrate an initial interest or passion for a specific organization and the type of work they do, which will be advantageous in any future recruitment process. He explained that after completing a program, students and alumni would receive a personalized certificate and a digital certificate that serves as evidence of acquired skills. He then highlighted that those who complete an online internship program could update their LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV under the "Certifications" section with their new skills to boost their credentials and kickstart their career growth. "Employers are twice as likely to interview a Forage candidate and four times as likely to offer them a position," he concluded.   Abdussalam Tahir Abdulmajid, a senior, described his experience completing virtual internships on the Forage, emphasizing that signing up is user-friendly and the courses are self-paced. He highlighted that one program requires five to six hours to complete and that you can complete as many as you like. With over 190+ courses to choose from, Abdussalam encouraged his fellow students to sample what real-life work at leading companies would be like and to fully explore their interests.   The webinar participants were then able to pose questions directly to Abdussalam and Dr. Almosa during a lively Q&A session. Date: 10/26/2022 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

  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