American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Petrofac, a leading global provider of energy services, in order to shape the future of technology and empower the next generation of information technology (IT) professionals as part of the prestigious AUS Engineering Al Nukhba program in a new era of IT excellence, innovation, and diversity.
AUS said in a statement that this strategic collaboration aims to leverage Petrofac’s expertise to empower AUS students and foster innovation in the field of IT.
Under the MOA, Petrofac offers a minimum of 15 AUS students internships within Petrofac’s IT division. These internships will provide students with hands-on experience, enabling them to sharpen their technical skills, gain industry insights and apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
By immersing themselves in Petrofac’s dynamic IT environment, students will be exposed to the latest technologies, methodologies, and trends, preparing them for future IT careers, as per the statement.
Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the College of Engineering (CEN) at AUS, said that, “This strategic partnership between the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba program and Petrofac sets a remarkable precedent in our ongoing efforts to shape the future of technology and cultivate a new generation of IT professionals who will drive advancements in this dynamic field.”
“Through this collaboration with Petrofac, a renowned industry leader, we not only bridge the gap between academia and industry but also empower women in engineering by providing them with unwavering opportunities for practical application, mentorship, and knowledge sharing,” Dr. Aloul added.
Petrofac and AUS recognize the need to bridge the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and are committed to empowering women in technology. In line with this vision, female members of Petrofac’s IT team will serve as mentors to female AUS students, guiding and inspiring them to pursue their ambitions in STEM-related fields.
Through this mentorship program, female AUS students will benefit from personalized guidance, invaluable industry insights, and the opportunity to connect with successful women in IT, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse IT landscape.
Mr. George Eapen, Group Chief Information Officer at Petrofac, noted that, “At Petrofac we are strong supporters of STEM education at all levels, seeking to improve educational access and the employability of people across our communities. We have successfully collaborated with AUS for many years, so I’m delighted that we can build on this to help develop the technology skills and innovation needed across the industry through this latest partnership.”
