Rabat, September 13th, 2024 – The Employability & Entrepreneurship Office of Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) successfully concluded a dynamic and insightful visit to some of Rabat’s most renowned organizations as part of the 6th edition of the GenZ Careers Program. This visit aimed to connect 20 AUI students from the university’s three schools (School of Business Administration, School of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and School Science and Engineering) offering them an inside look at innovative career paths and leadership in various fields.
Deborah Bartlett, Chief Employability & Entrepreneurship Officer, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:
"Our goal with the GenZ Careers Program is simple: connect our students with the leaders shaping Morocco’s future. These visits help them see how they can be a part of that change and make real connections with real people doing amazing work in their own field."
The visit began at the Policy Center of the New South, where they had the opportunity to engage with leading experts in policy, research, and international relations. Students were welcomed by Mohiedine Bentahar, Head of Governance & General Support, Hamza Saoudi, Senior Economist, Oussama Tayebi, International Relations Specialist from the Strategic Monitoring & Analysis Unit, Sofia Achetouane, Manager of Events, Fadila Filali, Manager of Youth Leadership Initiatives, and Imane Lahrich, Head of Research Valorization & Audience Development. The Policy Center provided valuable insights into how strategic research and policy development influence the global role of the African continent.
Next, the group visited Fondation Hiba, a key player in promoting arts and culture in Morocco. Marwane Fachane, Director General of Fondation Hiba, gave an overview of the foundation’s efforts to foster creativity and support artistic initiatives. Students learned how the organization plays a crucial role in empowering Morocco’s creative community.
At the Moroccan Center for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (MCISE), students had an interactive session that challenged them to think about social entrepreneurship and how their business ideas could contribute to social impact. The group was warmly received by the Media and Communications Manager, Kaoutar Elhamdi, and other staff members, who facilitated discussions on how innovative projects can drive change in society.
The final visit was to Villa des Arts, where the students had a unique and inspiring experience. They attended an art exhibition by Malak, a young artist with Down syndrome, whose work highlights the power of art in fostering inclusion and expression. They also met with Nabil Bahya, Cultural Manager at Fondation Al Mada, as well as the president of the NGO “Trésors 21”, Dr. Nezha Iraqi. The session also delved into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), exploring how art can promote social responsibility in the corporate world.
This visit was part of AUI's continuous effort to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional world, empowering students with practical knowledge and networking opportunities.
About the Employability & Entrepreneurship Office
The Employability & Entrepreneurship Office at Al Akhawayn University believes that students have multiple futures. The office’s goal is for every student to have multiple job or investment offers before graduation. Throughout a student's life at AUI, the E&E Office connects them to the Moroccan and MENA markets. Whether students aim to work remotely, start a business, or launch their careers, the E&E Office provides the vital connections needed to succeed.