Welcome to the University of Sharjah. Our office, fondly known as CASTO (Career Advancement and Student Training Office) assists enrolled students with their practical training and ensures that they are well prepared for the challenging job market.
Our office currently comprises 4 main sections: career advancement, practical training, student employment program, and the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE). These sections aim to ensure that our students thrive as interns and practice all the skills they learned in the classroom setting.
We regularly organize workshops on basic internship and employment skills such as resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and portfolio design. We also host representatives of different companies and institutions who provide students with an overview of the current requirements of the labor market, sought specializations, and job vacancies.
In response to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have hosted these workshops online to better reach all students. This has worked smoothly, allowing even freshmen to experience the employability phase.
The office liaises with all colleges and departments to explore and secure the best training and internship opportunities for their students under the supervision of their faculty members. The office also coordinates with companies and institutions that accept interns and exchange students within the UAE and overseas, in collaboration with the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE). Moreover, we have incorporated virtual/remote training/internship opportunities that enable students to complete their training safely and from the comfort of their homes.
In addition, the office runs the part-time Student Employment Program (SEP) for full-time students at the University of Sharjah. This program enables students to gain job-related skills while simultaneously completing their studies. By joing this program, students can earn some money, add to their resumes, and gain such necessary skills as time management, prioritizing, work ethics, etc.
CASTO's objectives are compatible with the University's mission to develop academic programs which include practical training as an essential part of the curriculum.
Rana Kabbani
Head of CASTO
