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convention, where alumni who are
back working in Dubai visit the school
and speak with the Year 11s on their
career path and offer general advice.
Mrs Harding continues, “more recently
we have introduced a business
focussed dinner for Year 13 students.
We look at the post popular career
choices and then invite experts from
our alumni to come to a business
dinner. The students are asked to come
dressed in business attire. This event
allows students to have a somewhat
personalised experience where they
can ask questions and receive advice
on the best way to proceed as well as
network for the future. The event also
allows our Alumni members to ‘talent
spot’ very able students for future
internships and employment.”
An increase in the number of alumni
in the UK and US has resulted in
organising a new event, which
specifically targets students who are
in year two and three at University
and recent university graduates who
are already employed. The graduates
are asked to speak with those who are
currently at university and need advice
on internships or how to pursue their
Mrs Debra Harding,
Headmaster’s Assistant
& Alumni Coordinator at
Dubai College.
own career path. This networking
event was held in London.
“Our older alumni offer assistance via
e-mentorship to students on university
choices. The school has a Journey’s
programme where alumni return to
speak with sixth form students about
life experiences. We ask them to talk
about failure as well as successes, so
students see that failure is also a part
of life. This helps them to learn how
to deal with failure so they don’t end
up overwhelmed after having enjoyed
significant success at some point,”
adds Mr Hill.”
“Our alumni also help with the workshadowing programme for older
students.
In April, Dubai College hosted a global
alumni development conference. This
conference attracted schools from
Asia, Africa and Europe. Experts from
all over the world presented on the
importance of alumni engagement
and how to develop that structure in
the future.”
Most students stay seven years and
most staff on average 8 years at Dubai
College. This creates an environment
of stability that caters fully to students.
New parents are orientated on the
after care service when they bring their
children in.
“When our students leave school,
DC is still engaged with them on the
transition to university and their jobs,”
comments Mr Hill, “Dubai College is
a long-standing, trusted institution
within Dubai.”
Naturally, Dubai College has noted
a trend over the years that involve
alumni returning to teach and to enrol
their children.
Added to this, there is the Friends of
Dubai College (FDC), which consists of
parents, former students, teachers and
friends within the wider community.
The FDC meets with the principal
once per month and are instrumental
in carrying out a number of fundraising
projects to support the school. Both
the DCAA and FDC work together in
making valuable contributions to the
school community.
What distinguishes DC from many
schools in Dubai is that they continue
to enjoy a great 38-year history as a
reputable and trusted institution. Their
huge pool of alumni in the UAE, the UK
and the US, enhance the success and
stability of the school.
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