AUS honors industry partners for supporting student internships and career readiness

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) College of Engineering (CEN) has honored a distinguished group of organizations for their outstanding contributions to the college’s internship and career readiness programs. Now in its third year, the annual event recognizes companies that hosted two or more CEN students during the summer term, reflecting the growing collaboration between AUS and leading employers across the region in preparing the next generation of engineers.

In Summer 2025, 267 CEN students completed internships through partnerships with 159 reputable companies across a wide range of industries. 

“The caliber of regional and global organizations supporting our students continues to grow year on year, and that is a testament to the trust industry places in AUS graduates,” said Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN. “As students step into these internships, they gain valuable professional experience while contributing meaningfully to the organizations that host them. We are now looking to build on this momentum by expanding the scope of these partnerships, encouraging internships completed at the end of the third year to evolve into industry-sponsored senior design projects. This model allows students and companies to continue working together for an additional year under the joint supervision of academic and industry advisors, leading to deeper impact upon project completion and opening valuable pathways for future employment.” 

The recognized organizations were ADNOC, Americana Restaurants, Aramex, Beno, Dubai Airports, e&, EMAGINE, Emirates Airlines, Mindware, MMZ Holdings, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Petrofac, Schneider Electric, Sharjah Digital Department, Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Municipality, SKM Airconditioning L.L.C. and Transmed. 

“At SEWA, investing in young talent remains a strategic priority. Internship programs play an important role in equipping engineering students with practical experience, industry exposure and future-focused capabilities that support national development goals,” said Majid Almutawa, Director of Human Potential at SEWA.

Patrick Khachan, HR Director at Mindware, said: “At Mindware, we value our partnership with the AUS College of Engineering as an important platform for developing future technology talent. Over the years, AUS students have consistently demonstrated strong technical skills, professionalism, adaptability and the ability to contribute effectively in a fast-paced environment. It has been especially rewarding to see several interns transition into full-time roles and grow into valuable contributors within Mindware. “

The event was also attended by representatives from Group Amana, Odoo, Ghaf Labs, MEA-Comm and Nokia, which are also part of the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program. The program connects engineering students with leading industry partners through hands-on training, mentorship and research collaboration, helping them gain practical skills and strengthen their readiness for the job market. 

All undergraduate students in CEN are required to complete an internship as part of their degree program. These real-world experiences are essential in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. AUS’ continued focus on student employability and academic excellence is reflected in its national standing, ranking first in the UAE for employer reputation and second for employment outcomes, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026.

To learn more about the college and what sets CEN apart, visit www.aus.edu/cen.