Prof. Ahmed Farag El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, chaired the meeting of the Board of Directors of the University Center for Career Development (UCCD), expressing his appreciation for the Center and the vital role it plays in supporting and preparing students and graduates for the labor market. He emphasized that the University places great importance on advancing its career development system and aligning it with the evolving demands of the labor market.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Sobhy Sharaf, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs and Acting Supervisor of the Education and Student Affairs Sector; Prof. Ghada Ali Hassan, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; Mrs. Soaad Bayoumi, Secretary-General of the University; Prof. Hany Abdel Aziz; and members of the Board of Directors.

Prof. Ahmed Farag El-Kased affirmed that the University Centers for Career Development Project represents a comprehensive model for guiding and preparing students and graduates through the development of entrepreneurship, employability, leadership, and English language skills, in addition to specialized technical competencies that enhance graduates' readiness to meet labor market requirements.

The University President highlighted the importance of strengthening the linkage between academic education and the needs of both local and international labor markets. He noted that career development centers play a pivotal role in helping students and graduates plan their career paths while acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to compete successfully across various professional sectors.

He further explained that the project identifies labor market needs and skill gaps through field studies, labor market surveys, and strategic partnerships with employers and industry stakeholders. This provides universities with reliable data to continuously update academic curricula and study programs in line with emerging developments. He also stressed the importance of activating the roles of the University's Alumni Unit and Graduate Tracking Unit to conduct studies and statistical analyses on graduate output, employment rates, and employers' workforce requirements.

Prof. Ahmed Farag El-Kased also discussed the areas requiring further development in students' and graduates' knowledge and competencies, emphasizing the importance of introducing them to emerging careers, newly developed academic specializations, and modern recruitment standards, while taking into consideration the nature of study in both theoretical and practical faculties as well as students' individual capabilities.

During the meeting, the Executive Director of the University Center for Career Development reviewed the Center's most significant achievements and activities over the past period, including the implementation of a wide range of training programs and workshops, in addition to providing career support and employment services for graduates.

According to the presented report, the Center delivered 160,040 academic advising services, while 11,755 students and graduates benefited from career guidance programs and specialized training courses. Furthermore, the Center provided 6,041 employment and training services, alongside conducting graduate tracking studies aimed at strengthening alumni engagement with the University.

The Center also participated in numerous national and presidential initiatives, Alliance and Development initiatives, and programs supporting persons with disabilities and international students. In addition, it organized a large number of workshops, seminars, and professional training programs designed to enhance students' and graduates' competencies and improve their employability in an increasingly competitive labor market.