Universities rush to forge corporate deals

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Alliances like the one between RIT and Dubal stand to benefit both universities and companies.

A raft of alliances forged between UAE universities and the corporate sector in recent months is blurring the line between academic training and practical work experience.

In September, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Dubai announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to offer postgraduate degrees and graduate certificates to employees of Dubal, the world's seventh largest producer of aluminium.

Marwan Al Sawaleh, general manager of human resources at Dubal, said the MoU with RIT will provide Dubal's staff with the "advanced industry know-how and innovative skills imperative to future growth."

In a different type of agreement, the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) signed a deal with Maersk Logistics to initiate research projects and assist the company in graduate recruitment.

Dr David Van Over, chair of graduate studies at UOWD said that students "will be able to conduct research with the involvement of Maersk Logistics' companies, clients and partners. We will also be able to enrich our classroom material."

In turn, Steffan Steensbaek, regional manager of supply chain management at Maersk Logistics Middle East, said the agreement will "boost thought leadership aspiration in supply chain management and give a development opportunity to our talented employees to interact with UOWD students in research work. This will be a mutually rewarding partnership."

Referring to an MoU with IT service company HCL Technologies, Nitish Jain, president of SP Jain Center of Management, said the alliances are "creating a new paradigm in global business education."

Jain's deal with HCL will offer its students customised programmes, and enable them to gain an industry-focused understanding of business practices. "We aspire to bridge the gap between classroom teaching and on the job experience," he added.

Federal universities have also been quick to foster relationships with industry. Zayed University in Abu Dhabi has recently announced an MoU with Etihad Airways, which will offer internships, sponsorship opportunities and summer work for graduates and undergraduates of the university.

James Hogan, CEO of Etihad Airways said that providing Emiratis with work opportunities was part of the airline's corporate social responsibility programme. "Collaborating with Zayed University will bring great benefits to both Etihad Airways and high calibre students," he added.

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