Attending the Career Boot Camp & Internship Fair can boost your awareness and knowledge on future career planning and job opportunities. By meeting and interacting with industry representatives, you can learn about different perspectives on the top skills required in today’s labor market, industry trends and challenges, importance of networking in job hunting, labor market changes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, potential roles in different industries, how you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom into the workplace, and much more…
The job market is competitive and you need all the information you can gather to stand out from other job seekers. Below are other advantages of attending these events:
It is definitely not. Such events can be very beneficial to all students and graduates. Everyone can gain awareness of industry opportunities from interacting with companies related to their majors.
Below are examples of information students and graduates can learn from the Career Boot Camp & Internship Fair:
Furthermore, third and fourth year students can find interesting internship opportunities in internship fairs.
Registration
Make sure to register if the event requires you to and be aware of what kind of identification you need to have. If the event is virtual, make sure to find out what kind of software is required and ensure that your PC or laptop is ready.
Participating Employers
Get the list of all employers participating in the event. This kind of information are usually shared prior to any event.
Research their industry, their history, and their current market situation.
If you are attending such events physically, ensure that you get the event map so you’ll know where the companies you are interested in are located.
Location, Dates, and Times
In similar events, there are always many companies and employers participating. You need sufficient time to attend each session offered and to visit all the companies you are interested in. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and ensure that you are fully aware of the event location, available parking spots, and the exact date and time of the event.
If the event is virtual, dates and times are still important. You need to make sure that you will be located somewhere quiet with no distractions and strong internet connection. Make sure the link is working and you marked your calendar.
CV and Cover Letter
Please make sure that your CV and cover letter are updated, clear, and free of mistakes. You can watch the videos below for more information on how to improve your CV:
If you need any help with your CV and cover letter, please contact us at CareerServices@ku.ac.ae
Attire
This is an event where professional people (employers) are looking for potential employees.
You need to show employers that you are really interested in the career opportunities that they are offering. Getting dressed in the proper attire is one way to show how professional you are.
Even if the event is virtual, you are still required to wear professional clothes and have a professional background behind you.
Fairs are a great opportunity for you to start building your professional network. As a student or graduate who is beginning your professional career journey, it is essential to create your own group experts that can help you with guidance and support on the short and long term of your career plan.
The below video will explain to you how to build a healthy and diverse network that can launch and lead you to success in the professional world.
Self-introduction
The first impression you will give employers is the key factor of the whole conversation. It can play a great role on where this short conversation is going. Remember, in any fair everyone is busy and there are many other students and graduates waiting in line to talk to the same employer. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to give a great first impression in just a quick conversation. You can learn more on how to give a perfect first impression in the below presentation:
Elevator Pitch
Imagine yourself entering an elevator and you find the CEO of your dream job standing there. You would like to introduce yourself, background, and experience in less than 1 minute before the CEO leaves the elevator. This is called the elevator pitch. Having a professional and short self-introduction speech ready can help you network efficiently and might be the main reason to land your dream job one day.
Your elevator pitch should:
Practice your elevator pitch so that it sounds natural and always be positive when talking with potential employers.
You can use your elevator pitch in a busy fair, as an online message to a company manager, or even in any job interview. The below short video courses can help you learn, practice, and create a great elevator pitch for yourself:
The following are sample questions that you can ask companies and their representatives during an internship fair:
For current students looking for internships:
For graduates looking for graduate training programs or internships:
Are there any opportunities in your organization for temporary work during the summer to gain experience?
Nowadays, virtual meetings and interviews are common. During virtual fairs, you will be meeting with different employers online instead of talking to each other face-to-face.
Here are a few things you need to note when you are at a virtual meeting:
Take in consideration that there are many students waiting to talk to the same employer after you. Make your conversation with the employer short and concise, but make sure you are able to highlight your skills and experience needed for the job you are applying for.
An Internship is a period of work placement conducted with an appropriately selected organization. This experiential learning requires students to undertake a tailored and mapped work plan to match the content covered in the student’s program of study. Internships can be physical or online. The online internship program allows students to gain practical experience while working remotely, without being physically present at the actual placement location.
Students at Khalifa University must complete a minimum of 8 weeks of internship placement in order to graduate. Host organizations will treat internship students as regular employees, following the same working hours and rules.
The Career Services Office provides the internship forms, also available in the link provided in the Internship Handbook and on the KU Symplicity platform under the Library tab.
The list of Academic Coordinators is included in the Internship Handbook. If you need to know your Coordinator now, please contact the CASO.
Students need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for the international internship:
It depends on the work plan and the agreement between the student and the company advisor. Students are required to complete 40 hours/week.
No. The internship period needs to be at least 8 weeks. However, it is acceptable if the internship exceeds 8 weeks, as long as the student finishes before the start of the new academic year.
Students must devote their time to the internship process and are not allowed to attend any other academic activities, such as taking summer courses or other activities during the internship period.
As per KU policy, the internship cannot be taken with any other course in the same semester.
The internship is a graduation requirement and counts as a one-credit hour course with a PASS or FAIL (unsatisfactory) grade. The internship grade does not affect the students’ GPA.
You need to discuss the issue with the Academic Coordinator before the start of the internship and share your reports/forms weekly.
Students may choose up to 3 organizations to apply for their international internship. The order of the granted choice of the organization is independent of the sequence or preference of the listed organizations.
It is not allowed to withdraw your application after confirming your interest joining an organization unless a strong written justification for the change is presented.
The offered 1-3 choices of organization selection do not represent any subsequent order, and the first choice confirmed by an organization is to be considered.
Yes. More organizations are willing to offer online/onsite internship, so please keep checking your emails and Symplicity.
Your submitted applications from the Symplicity system will be removed and you will have your three slots back to apply for other opportunities locally or internationally.
If the opportunity you applied for is closed, it means your application has been shared with the hosting organization. Sometimes the selection process sometime takes longer than expected. Please follow up with the Career Services Office.
You can find it in the KU Portal → Eservices → Internship Letter Request. You need to fill your details and the official company name. In addition, you need to mention the internship start and end dates.
Sponsored students who may be qualified to apply for international internships will not, by default, be permitted to apply for these internships until they get written approval from their sponsoring organization allowing them to do so. Therefore, interested sponsored students need to get this approval ahead of time and share it with the Career Services Office to add them to the Symplicity Platform to view the available internship opportunities.
You need to contact the Career Services Office immediately to resolve the issue.
The Career Services spares no efforts in finding opportunities to cover all majors, but sometimes we have no control over the opportunities found. So kindly bear with us until more offers are posted. You are also encouraged to explore other possible opportunities individually.
Most organizations require an official letter from the intern indicating that the internship is a graduation requirement and a part of the student study plan. It is also be called a university letter.
Internships are supposed to be taken in the summer of your junior year, but under special circumstances, exceptions can be given. If you are planning to postpone your internship, please submit the Exception to Policy form, which should be approved by your advisor, Academic Coordinator, and the Associate Dean. To submit the deferment form, please follow the steps below:
Go to the KU Portal → E-Services → Student E-Services Management → Exception to Policy Request → Defer Internship
All students can opt to seek their own international opportunity, if the Career Services does not offer the placements under the following conditions:
An amount of AED 200 is paid for the interns travelling abroad starting the day before the start of the internship until the last day of the internship (not the last day of the trip).
The per-diem will be processed once the internship dates are confirmed, and the tickets are booked. Students are expected to receive the per-diem within 1 week after arriving at their destination. Students will be notified if the distribution of the per-diem is delayed due to any unforeseen circumstances.
The University organizes the accommodation based on the host organization’s recommendation.
You cannot change the accommodation reserved unless there is a major issue with the place. An email should be sent to the Career Services Office to notify them of the situation and seek approval to move to another accommodation.
You need to inform your Academic Coordinator and Company Advisor about the missing days and discuss how to compensate for the missing dates/hours.
An Internship is a period of work placement conducted with an appropriately selected organization. This experiential learning requires students to undertake a tailored and mapped work plan to match the content covered in the student’s program of study. Internships can be physical or online. The online internship program allows students to gain practical experience while working remotely, without being physically present at the actual placement location. Host organizations will treat internship students as regular employees, following the same working hours and rules.
Students in the College of Engineering are required to complete sixteen weeks of internship placement for two credits, this can be taken over two summer semesters, or in one regular (Fall/Spring) semester given that the student has completed all the required courses as per his/her degree plan. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to complete eight weeks of internship placement for one credit, this can be taken in one summer semester, or in one regular (Fall/Spring) semester given that the student has completed all the required courses as per his/her degree plan.
Yes. Career Development Course (SDAS300) is a prerequisite course for the internship. No student is allowed to take internship before fulfilling this prerequisite. If you have any concern, please contact the Career Services Office.
Students may submit a waiver request through the portal. In case the request is rejected, your internship will not be counted.
The Career Services Office provides the internship forms, also available in the link provided in the Internship Handbook and on the KU Symplicity platform under the Library tab.
The list of Academic Coordinators is included in the Internship Handbook. If you need to know your Coordinator now, please contact the CASO.
Students need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for the international internship:
It depends on the work plan and the agreement between the student and the company advisor. Students are required to complete 40 hours/week.
If you are planning to take your 14 weeks internship over two summer semesters, the internship will be scheduled to start on the first day of the academic summer semester and end after a period of 8 weeks.
If you are planning to take your 14 weeks internship in one regular (Fall/Spring) semester, the internship will be scheduled to start beginning of the semester in which the internship will be taken.
No. The internship period needs to meet the minimum weeks’ requirement. However, it is acceptable if the internship exceeds the required weeks as long as the student finishes before the start of the new academic year.
Students must devote their time to the internship process and are not allowed to attend any other academic activities, such as taking summer courses or other activities during the internship period.
As per KU policy, the internship cannot be taken with any other course in the same semester.
The internship is a graduation requirement. Students earn credit for the internship, which is assessed on a pass-fail basis, which will not affect their GPA.
You need to discuss the issue with the Academic Coordinator before the start of the internship and share your reports/forms weekly.
Students may choose up to 3 organizations to apply for their international internship. The order of the granted choice of the organization is independent of the sequence or preference of the listed organizations.
It is not allowed to withdraw your application after confirming your interest joining an organization unless a strong written justification for the change is presented.
The offered 1-3 choices of organization selection do not represent any subsequent order, and the first choice confirmed by an organization is to be considered.
Yes. More organizations are willing to offer online/onsite internship, so please keep checking your emails and Symplicity.
Your submitted applications from the Symplicity system will be removed and you will have your three slots back to apply for other opportunities locally or internationally.
If the opportunity you applied for is closed, it means your application has been shared with the hosting organization. Sometimes the selection process sometime takes longer than expected. Please follow up with the Career Services Office.
Sponsored students who may be qualified to apply for international internships will not, by default, be permitted to apply for these internships until they get written approval from their sponsoring organization allowing them to do so. Therefore, interested sponsored students need to get this approval ahead of time and share it with the Career Services Office to add them to the Symplicity Platform to view the available internship opportunities.
The Career Services spares no efforts in finding opportunities to cover all majors, but sometimes we have no control over the opportunities found. So kindly bear with us until more offers are posted. You are also encouraged to explore other possible opportunities individually.
You need to contact the Career Services Office immediately to resolve the issue.
Most organizations require an official letter from the intern indicating that the internship is a graduation requirement and a part of the student study plan. It is also be called a university letter.
You can find it in the KU Portal à Eservices à Internship Letter Request. You need to fill your details and the official company name. In addition, you need to mention the internship start and end dates.
All students can opt to seek their own international opportunity, if the Career Services does not offer the placements under the following conditions:
An amount of AED 200 is paid for the interns travelling abroad starting the day before the start of the internship until the last day of the internship (not the last day of the trip).
The per-diem will be processed once the internship dates are confirmed, and the tickets are booked. Students are expected to receive the per-diem within 1 week after arriving at their destination. Students will be notified if the distribution of the per-diem is delayed due to any unforeseen circumstances.
The University organizes the accommodation based on the host organization’s recommendation.
You cannot change the accommodation reserved unless there is a major issue with the place. An email should be sent to the Career Services Office to notify them of the situation and seek approval to move to another accommodation.
You need to inform your Academic Coordinator and Company Advisor about the missing days and discuss how to compensate for the missing dates/hours.
If you have been identified as an eligible student for internship and you received a notification from the Career Services about that, you will be expected to complete your internship as the plan, but under special circumstances, exceptions can be given. If you are planning to postpone your internship, please submit the Exception to Policy form, which should be approved by your advisor, Academic Coordinator, and the Associate Dean. To submit the deferment form, please follow the steps below:
Go to the KU Portal → E-Services → Student E-Services Management → Exception to Policy Request → Defer Internship
An Internship is a period of work placement conducted with an appropriately selected organization. This experiential learning requires students to undertake a tailored and mapped work plan to match the content covered in the student’s program of study. Internships can be physical or online. The online internship program allows students to gain practical experience while working in remotely, without being physically present at the actual placement location.
Students at Khalifa University must complete an internship program of at least 8 weeks in order to graduate. Host organizations will treat internship students as regular employees, following the same working hours and rules.
Yes. Career Development Course (SDAS300) is a prerequisite course for the internship. No student is allowed to take internship before fulfilling this prerequisite. If you have any concern, please contact the Career Services Office.
Students may submit a waiver request through the portal. In case the request is rejected, your internship will not be counted.
The Career Services Office provides the internship forms, also available in the provided in the Internship Handbook and on the KU Symplicity platform under the library tab.
The list of Academic Coordinators is included in the Internship Handbook. If you need to know your Coordinator now, please contact the CASO. They can also be found on Symplicity
Internships should be taken during your junior year’s summer, but exceptions can be made under special circumstances. If you are planning to postpone your internship, please submit the Exception to Policy form, which should be approved by your advisor, Academic Coordinator, and the Associate Dean. To submit the deferment form, please follow the steps below:
Go to the KU Portal → E-Services → Student E-Services Management → Exception to Policy Request → Defer Internship.
It depends on the work plan and the agreement between the student and the company advisor. Students are required to complete 40 hours/week.
The internship is scheduled to start on the first day of the academic summer semester and end after a period of 8 weeks.
No. The internship period needs to be at least 8 weeks. However, it is acceptable if the internship exceeds 8 weeks as long as the student finishes before the start of the new academic year.
This needs to be discussed with the Academic Coordinator. It’s better to submit your forms weekly or immediately after you finish your internship. The final report must be submitted before the end of the first week of the following semester.
You need to discuss the issue with the Academic Coordinator before the start of the internship and share your reports/forms weekly.
No, the logbook can be shared in any format as discussed and agreed with the Academic Coordinator (e.g., handwritten or electronic).
Absences may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. However, students need to inform their Company Supervisor and Academic Coordinator. Student absences should follow the guidelines as stipulated in the KU Attendance Policy.
Registration for the internship course is the responsibility of the CASO and will be carried out by the concerned staff.
You must inform the internship office immediately, share the acceptance letter with them, and ensure you get the internship plan from them to share it with the organization where you will intern.
It is not allowed to change the placement after accepting an internship offer unless a strong written justification for the change is presented to the Internship Office.
Students are not allowed to intern at family-owned organizations or work in organizations with family members.
The offered 1-3 choices of organization selection do not represent any subsequent order and the first choice confirmed by an organization is to be considered.
Inform the CASO and they can assist you with the internship request letter to the organization.
Most of organizations require an official letter from KU to indicate that you need an internship as part of your study plan to graduate. . It is also be called a university letter.
You can find it in the KU Portal → E-Services → Internship Letter Request. You need to fill in your details and the official company name. In addition, you need to mention the internship start and end dates.
The CASO spares no effort in finding a suitable placement for you, but in exceptional cases internships may be deferred until the last semester.
The CASO is responsible for confirming your internship plan. Therefore, you should first follow up with the office.
Notify CASO and they will secure your sponsor’s approval to apply for an internship at a different organization.
You need to contact CASO immediately to resolve the issue for you.
The Career Services spares no effort in finding opportunities to cover all majors, but sometimes we have no control over the opportunities found. So kindly bear with us until more offers are posted. You are also encouraged to explore other possible opportunities individually.
It should be fine, and the internship can be delayed for one or two weeks. CASO will assist you in securing a placement.
As per KU policy, the internship cannot be taken with any other course in the same semester.
If the opportunity you applied for is closed, it means your application has been shared with the hosting organization. Sometimes, the selection process takes longer than expected. Please follow up with the CASO.
You have the option to delete your applications on Symplicity. If you face any issues, contact the CASO for support.
An Internship is a period of work placement conducted with an appropriately selected organization. This experiential learning requires students to undertake a tailored and mapped work plan to match the content covered in the student’s program of study. Internships can be physical or online. The online internship program allows students to gain practical experience while working in remotely, without being physically present at the actual placement location. Host organizations will treat internship students as regular employees, following the same working hours and rules.
Students in the College of Engineering are required to complete sixteen weeks of internship placement for two credits, this can be taken over two summer semesters, or in one regular (Fall/Spring) semester given that the student has completed all the required courses as per his/her degree plan. Students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to complete eight weeks of internship placement for one credit, this can be taken in one summer semester, or in one regular (Fall/Spring) semester given that the student has completed all the required courses as per his/her degree plan.
Yes. Career Development Course (SDAS300) is a prerequisite course for the internship. No student is allowed to take internship before fulfilling this prerequisite. If you have any concern, please contact the Career Services Office.
Students may submit a waiver request through the portal. In case the request is rejected, your internship will not be counted.
The CASO provides the internship forms, also available in the provided in the Internship Handbook and on the KU Symplicity platform under the library tab.
The list of Academic Coordinators is included in the Internship Handbook. If you need to know your Coordinator now, please contact the CASO. They can also be found on Symplicity
Internships should be taken during your junior year’s summer, but exceptions can be made under special circumstances. If you are planning to postpone your internship, please submit the Exception to Policy form, which should be approved by your advisor, Academic Coordinator, and the Associate Dean. To submit the deferment form, please follow the steps below:
Go to the KU Portal → E-Services → Student E-Services Management → Exception to Policy Request → Defer Internship.
It depends on the work plan and the agreement between the student and the company advisor. Students are required to complete 40 hours/week.
If you are planning to take your 14 weeks internship over two summer semesters, the internship will be scheduled to start on the first day of the academic summer semester and end after a period of 8 weeks.
If you are planning to take your 14 weeks internship in one regular (Fall/Spring) semester, the internship will be scheduled to start beginning of the semester in which the internship will be taken.
No. The internship period needs to meet the minimum weeks’ requirement. However, it is acceptable if the internship exceeds the required weeks as long as the student finishes before the start of the new academic year.
This needs to be discussed with the Academic Coordinator. It’s better to submit your forms weekly or immediately after you finish your internship. The final report must be submitted before the end of the first week of the following semester.
You need to discuss the issue with the Academic Coordinator before the start of the internship and share your reports/forms weekly.
No, the logbook can be shared in any format as discussed and agreed with the Academic Coordinator (e.g., handwritten or electronic).
Absences may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. However, students need to inform their Company Supervisor and Academic Coordinator. Student absences should follow the guidelines as stipulated in the KU Attendance Policy.
Registration for the internship course is the responsibility of the CASO and will be carried out by the concerned staff.
You must inform the internship office immediately, share the acceptance letter with them, and ensure you get the internship plan from them to share it with the organization where you will intern.
It is not allowed to change the placement after accepting an internship offer unless a strong written justification for the change is presented to the Internship Office.
Students are not allowed to intern at family-owned organizations or work in organizations with family members.
The offered 1-3 choices of organization selection do not represent any subsequent order and the first choice confirmed by an organization is to be considered.
Inform the CASO and they can assist you with the internship request letter to the organization.
Most of organizations require an official letter from KU to indicate that you need an internship as part of your study plan to graduate. . It is also be called a university letter.
You can find it in the KU Portal → E-Services → Internship Letter Request. You need to fill in your details and the official company name. In addition, you need to mention the internship start and end dates.
The CASO spares no effort in finding a suitable placement for you, but in exceptional cases internships may be deferred until the last semester.
The CASO is responsible for confirming your internship plan. Therefore, you should first follow up with the office.
Notify CASO and they will secure your sponsor’s approval to apply for an internship at a different organization.
You need to contact CASO immediately to resolve the issue for you.
The CASO spares no effort in finding opportunities to cover all majors, but sometimes we have no control over the opportunities found. So kindly bear with us until more offers are posted. You are also encouraged to explore other possible opportunities individually.
It should be fine, and the internship can be delayed for one or two weeks. CASO will assist you in securing a placement.
As per KU policy, the internship can not be taken with any other course in the same semester.
If the opportunity you applied for is closed, it means your application has been shared with the hosting organization. Sometimes, the selection process takes longer than expected. Please follow up with the CASO.
You have the option to delete your applications on Symplicity. If you face any issues, contact the CASO for support.
