The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the opening of two career development centers at Alexandria University in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and the American University in Cairo. These centers are located within the Faculty of Commerce and the Faculty of Engineering.
The centers aim to assist students in securing employment post-graduation by providing resources to explore career paths in established industries and facilitating connections with leading companies in Egypt. USAID/Egypt Deputy Mission Director Rebecca Latorraca highlighted the benefits during the inauguration ceremony, stating, “Students at these two centers will benefit from linkages between the University and Alexandria’s thriving commercial and engineering sectors.”
These centers are part of a larger initiative supported by USAID, which includes 20 career centers across various universities in Egypt. The project began as a pilot but has expanded significantly, now reaching approximately 70% of public university students through a $20.8 million initiative. The program has already aided thousands of students in obtaining jobs and preparing for successful professional careers.
In addition to job placement support, these centers offer mentoring and training in leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship skills to enhance employability. They also provide networking opportunities and maintain connections between universities and private sector entities while monitoring labor market trends to inform academic curricula.
USAID's backing for these career development initiatives is part of a broader $30 billion investment by the American people in Egypt since 1978. Further information about USAID's activities in Egypt can be found on their website or social media platforms.