The Career Development Center (CDC) at Tishk International University (TIU) proudly concluded the 2025–2026 academic year after delivering one of its most active and productive years to date. Through strategic partnerships, professional training, entrepreneurship initiatives, career development programs, and student engagement activities, the CDC continued to strengthen the connection between higher education and the labor market while empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed for future success.
Strengthening Partnerships with Industry
During the academic year, the CDC in the Dean of students expanded its collaboration with the public and private sectors, establishing partnerships with more than 60 companies and organizations. These partnerships created valuable opportunities for internships, employment, professional networking, guest lectures, and industry collaboration, reinforcing Tishk International University’s commitment to producing career-ready graduates.
11th Job Fair and Career Days
The year’s flagship event was the 11th Job Fair and Career Days, organized under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in collaboration with Soran University under the theme “Pathways to Success and Building a Sustainable Future.”
The two-day event welcomed 36 leading companies and institutions, all of which actively supported the event as participants and sponsors. Together, they offered more than 300 internship and employment opportunities for TIU students and graduates, providing an excellent platform for networking and direct engagement with employers from various sectors.
Seminar on “How to Start and Build Your Own Company:
To encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, the CDC also organized the seminar “How to Start and Build Your Own Company,” presented by Mr. Rebin Ali, Head of the Foreign Company Registration Department at the Ministry of Trade, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The session introduced students to the legal procedures and practical steps involved in establishing a successful business.
Panel discussion “The Accredited Edge: Transforming Quality Education into Global Career Opportunities:
A major highlight of the event was the expert panel discussion “The Accredited Edge: Transforming Quality Education into Global Career Opportunities.” The panel featured Asst. Prof. Dr. Orhan Tuğ, PhDc. Rasha Alkabbanie, Dr. Barham Haidar Ali, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Abdul Samad Salahuddin, who discussed how quality assurance, international accreditation, and industry-oriented education prepare graduates for successful careers in both local and global markets.
The event also strengthened cooperation between universities, government institutions, and the private sector while emphasizing the importance of employability, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Its success attracted significant media attention, with Rudaw Media Network covering the Job Fair and highlighting TIU’s leadership in connecting students with employers and creating meaningful career opportunities.
Following the event, the Career Development Center recognized 11 outstanding student volunteers for their dedication and valuable contribution to the successful organization of the 11th Career Days, reflecting TIU’s commitment to promoting leadership, teamwork, and volunteerism among its students.
Career Development and Entrepreneurship Education
Throughout the academic year, the CDC coordinated the Career Development Skills and Entrepreneurship Training Course for more than 800 students from different faculty and departments . The program equipped students with essential employability skills including career planning, CV writing, interview preparation, communication, teamwork, leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and workplace readiness.
Training of Trainers (ToT) program for 30 academic staff members.
To ensure the sustainability of these courses, the CDC organized a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) program for 30 academic staff members. Designed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and funded by the Rwanga Foundation, the program prepared instructors to deliver Entrepreneurship and Career Development Skills courses to future graduating students using modern, interactive teaching methodologies.
The program concluded with an official closing ceremony attended by the university leadership, representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education, and the Rwanga Foundation. During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to participants, while the university recognized the contributions of the Rwanga Foundation and the program trainer for their support in strengthening entrepreneurship education at TIU.
Regional Training of Trainers on Entrepreneurship, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in partnership with the Rwanga Foundation.
Earlier in the academic year, CDC Director Mr. Herish Omar participated in the regional Training of Trainers on Entrepreneurship, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in partnership with the Rwanga Foundation. The workshop brought together Career Development Center directors from universities across the Kurdistan Region to exchange best practices and strengthen entrepreneurship education through innovative teaching approaches.
Leadership and Soft Skills Development
As part of its mission to prepare students beyond academic knowledge, the CDC launched the “Essential Skills for Youth Leaders” training program in collaboration with the Business and Management Department, and the Events Unit in the Dean of Students, . The sessions delivered by Mr. Fayaq Ali Ali Head of Business and Management Department and Dr. Muhammed abdulghani Bazzaz dean of students, which are introduced students to communication, leadership, teamwork, and personal effectiveness, equipping them with practical skills that support both academic success and future career readiness.
Second TIU Genius Competition
The CDC in the Dean of students successfully organized the Second TIU Genius Competition, attracting nearly 200 students from different faculties. Conducted in two stages—faculty-level competitions followed by the university grand finale—the competition challenged students in IQ, history, Kurdistan, university knowledge, and general knowledge through the Kahoot platform. The event promoted critical thinking, teamwork, healthy competition, and academic excellence while encouraging active student engagement across the university.
Global Scholarship Symposium
In collaboration with the Alumni Center, the Dahatu Foundation, and seven universities across the Kurdistan Region, the CDC co-organized the Global Scholarship Symposium, a three-day virtual event designed to connect Kurdish students with international scholarship opportunities.
The symposium attracted more than 1,000 applicants, with approximately 250 participants successfully completing intensive sessions on scholarship applications, admission requirements, and international study opportunities. The initiative empowered students with practical knowledge and confidence to pursue higher education abroad while strengthening regional academic collaboration.
Promoting Reading and Lifelong Learning
As part of the TIU Book Fair, the Career Development Center organized a series of inspiring academic activities promoting the importance of reading in both academic and professional life. Distinguished Dean of faculty of Engineering Dr. Bayan Al Numan and dr. Abdulrahman wahab from education faculty delivered talks on how reading contributes to academic achievement, critical thinking, innovation, and long-term career success.
The program concluded with an interactive General Knowledge Competition using the Kahoot platform, where students from different faculties competed in an engaging and enjoyable learning environment. The competition encouraged intellectual curiosity while rewarding outstanding participants.
Continuous Student Support
In addition to its flagship events, the Career Development Center remained actively engaged throughout the year by providing career counseling, facilitating internship and employment opportunities, organizing workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, supporting employer engagement activities, coordinating student volunteer programs, collaborating with university colleges, and strengthening alumni and industry relations to enhance graduate employability.
Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, the Career Development Center’s initiatives closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting quality education, lifelong learning, decent work, entrepreneurship, innovation, and meaningful partnerships. Through career development and entrepreneurship training, leadership programs, scholarship initiatives, job fairs, industry engagement, and collaboration with more than 60 companies and organizations, the CDC empowered students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to succeed in an evolving global workforce. These collective efforts reflect Tishk International University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable educational environment while preparing graduates to become skilled professionals, responsible leaders, and active contributors to the economic and social development of their communities.
Looking Ahead
The achievements of the 2025–2026 academic year reflect the Career Development Center’s continued commitment to preparing students for an increasingly competitive global job market. Through strong partnerships with more than 60 companies, the successful organization of the 11th Job Fair and Career Days, entrepreneurship education, international scholarship initiatives, leadership training, innovation competitions, and career development programs serving more than 800 students, the CDC continues to play a central role in advancing Tishk International University’s mission of producing competent, innovative, and socially responsible graduates.
The Career Development Center extends its sincere appreciation to the Tishk International University leadership, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Rwanga Foundation, the Dahatu Foundation, partner companies, sponsors, academic and administrative staff, volunteers, and students whose continuous support and collaboration made this successful academic year possible. The CDC looks forward to expanding these achievements and creating even greater opportunities for TIU students in the years ahead.
