Benguerir – Taking place today at the Ben Guerir campus of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the fifth edition of PreWork once again proved to be a transformative platform for connecting students with the professional world.
While the impactful event highlighted networking and career-building opportunities, it also emphasized the university’s innovative approach to preparing Africa’s future workforce.
Shaping the future of work
For Mariam El Aichaoui, head of the UM6P Career Center, PreWork reflects the university’s mission to prepare students for the rapidly changing job market.
“Our primary goal is to help our students develop their professional portfolio and, of course, for our partners to have their next candidate or applicants,” she told Morocco World News (MWN) on the sidelines of the event.
El Aichaoui also addressed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of work, urging students to embrace new technologies while recognizing their limitations.
“My advice for our students is to actually understand what are the capabilities of technologies, to what extent we can actually use them and leverage them to make our life easier. But also what are the limitations of technologies and what are the skills that they need to develop in order to complement the understanding of the new technologies.”
Bridging the gap between academia and industry is a cornerstone of UM6P’s mission, she explained, emphasizing that programs like the PACs are designed to keep education aligned with real-world demands, ensuring students can confidently face the challenges of tomorrow
Preparing Moroccan youth for the job market
Tarik El Fehri, General Secretary of the Ibn Rochd Foundation for Science and Innovation (FIRSI), echoed these sentiments. In particular, he stressed the importance of fostering talent at both local and continental levels.
“Through mentoring, coaching, and scholarships, we aim to equip students with the resources they need to succeed,” El Fehri told MWN, highlighting FIRSI’s work in providing over 4,000 scholarships and its commitment to forging partnerships with industry leaders.
He also described the value of initiatives like PreWork in preparing students for seamless transitions into the workforce, noting: “These events create essential opportunities for career growth, networking, and direct engagement with the job market.”
Student perspectives on networking and growth
For Farouk El Qaddouri, a second-year International Management student at UM6P’s Africa Business School, PreWork has been instrumental in shaping his understanding of career development.
In an interview with MWN, El Qaddouri shared insights on personal branding and how he leveraged his involvement in the university’s Consulting Club to strengthen his professional profile.
“Personal branding starts with being active, whether it’s through extracurricular activities or building networks,” El Qaddouri explained. “Strong communication skills are vital, not just in business but across all industries.”
Drawing from his internship experience with MasterCard, El Qaddouri encouraged his peers to embrace continuous learning and adaptability.
“The job market is constantly evolving, and staying engaged is key to long-term success,” the sophomore noted.
El Qaddouri emphasized how today’s event allowed him to connect with numerous companies, including partner organizations of UM6P and the Africa Business School, expanding his professional network and opening doors to future opportunities.
Redefining the path to employment
For UM6P, PreWork 2024 is ultimately a testament to its commitment to bridging education and employment.
Through initiatives like this, the university not only connects students with industry leaders but also equips them with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in a competitive job market.
By fostering collaboration, embracing technological advancements, and prioritizing personal and professional growth, UM6P hopes to further position its students as leaders in an ever-evolving and increasingly competitive work landscape.
As El Fehri stressed, today’s event “creates links that are essential for young talents and the industries they will shape in the future.”
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