Gulf Medical University Career Fair 2024 Connects Students with Employers

The Gulf Medical University (GMU) Career Fair 2024, held at the university's Al Jurf campus on November 13, was attended by 60 leading companies from the healthcare sector. As an opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals to connect with potential employers as students, alumni, exhibitors, and industry experts on a dynamic platform for networking and career advisories, the event captures extensive recruitment opportunities.

Organized by GMU's Alumni Office, the career fair catered to students and graduates from all six colleges of the university for their exploration of various career opportunities in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biomedical sciences, and public health. With UAE's top hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and medical research institutions participating, this fair has connected academic learning with career advancement through the ideal skill-matching place for future leaders in the healthcare sector.

The inauguration ceremony was led by the Chancellor, the Deans from the six colleges at GMU, the esteemed academic team, and dedicated supporting partners. Speaking at the event, Professor Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, said, “The Gulf Medical University Career Fair 2024 represents our ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and the professional world. It is an exceptional opportunity for our students and alumni to engage directly with industry leaders and healthcare employers. By providing a platform for networking, career development, and recruitment, we are empowering our future healthcare professionals to take the next step in their careers with confidence. We are proud to see GMU students actively shaping the future of healthcare, and this career fair is a testament to our dedication to their success”.

The event also featured two engaging panel discussions. The first, Future of Healthcare Careers: Navigating Trends and Opportunities, included notable industry experts such as Mr. Pankaj Sohaney, Founder of Q Labs; Dr. Fozi Abozaid Dakilah, Medical Director at Thumbay University Hospital; Dr. Asma AlNabateh, Head of Medical Education and Research at Appolonia World Group; Dr. Zakieh Abuelkhair, Pharmacy Operations Manager at Althiqa Pharmacy; and Mr. Austin Shaju, Chief Operations Manager at 360 Medicare Healthcare Staffing & Recruitment. This panel provided insights into the evolving healthcare landscape and the expanding opportunities available for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The second panel, From Classroom to Career: Transitioning Successfully into the Medical Workforce, featured prominent leaders such as Dr. Shihad Khader, COO of Thumbay University Hospital & Thumbay Hospital Ajman; Hala Abu El-Haj, Head of Therapy; Ms. Tracey Lee Hendricks, Director of Nursing Education and Research at King’s College Hospital London (UAE); Mr. Burhanuddeen Shibli, HR Manager at Tabuk Pharmaceuticals; Dr. Salahudeen Aboobacker, Medical Director at Pearl Dental Clinic; and Dr. Dalia Kokash, Medical Director at Medicure Polyclinic. The discussion focused on guiding students through the critical transition from academic studies to professional careers, offering practical advice on career planning, networking, and the essential skills needed to succeed in the healthcare workforce.

In addition to the panel discussions, the event provided students and alumni with some very important career guidance through workshops like "Crafting Your Path: Essential CV Writing Skills for Career Success". Such interactive sessions were good places in which to learn practical advice on the building of an impactful CV as well as a presentation of oneself to potential employers, thus equipping the attendee with the skills necessary to succeed in health careers.

The students got a chance to interact with more than 60 prominent organizations, and the respective organization's HR representatives were able to make contact for internship opportunities, job opportunities, and career development opportunities. Some of the few prominent names that appear as exhibitors for this event include Thumbay University Hospital, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, ABBOTT, Emirates Health Services, Dubai Healthcare Authority, Al Zahra Hospital, Zulekha Hospitals, Prime Health, Al Ain Pharmacy, Insurance Market.ae, and many more. They shed insight on grounds interviews and presented the many ground-breaking opportunities within the healthcare sector.

For many students and alumni, the career fair was a pivotal moment in their professional journey. Aisha Al Tamimi, a final-year student at the College of Pharmacy, commented: “This event was a game-changer for me. I got to meet so many industry professionals, and I even lined up a couple of interviews. It’s reassuring to see how much support GMU offers in helping us transition into our careers.” Alumni were also glad to return to campus for the event, with Dr. Hassan Al Sherif, an alumnus of GMU's College of Medicine, saying: "Returning to the Al Jurf campus after starting my medical practice was an incredible experience. It’s great to see how the university is continually helping its students step into their professional lives with confidence. This event allowed me to give back by offering career advice to the next generation”.