RECENTS POST
-
- AUC Olympics!
- The AUC Olympics, the biggest sporting event on…
-
- #6 LFC CONTEST: AUC ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR HIGHLIGHTS THE…
- #6 LFC CONTEST AUC ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR HIGHLIGHTS…
-
- #5 LFC CONTEST: HOW STUDENTS CAN BECOME LEADERS OF THE…
- #5 LFC CONTEST HOW STUDENTS CAN BECOME LEADERS OF…
-
#4 LFC CONTEST: AUC Graduate Finance Student, Salma Hassanein Makes her University Proud!
Posted by Ahmed EL HALABY on Aug, 20 2013
#4 LFC CONTEST AUC FINANCE GRADUATE STUDENT, SALMA HASSANEIN MAKES HER UNIVERSITY PROUD! 'Life is like a Roller Coaster, there's...
-
#3 LFC CONTEST: TWO AUC ALUMNI MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE!
Posted by Ahmed EL HALABY on Aug, 08 2013
#3 LFC CONTEST "DISCOVER FRESHLY-MADE DESIGN FROM THE MIDDLE EAST" CIRQY! It all started with two Alumnis from the American University in Cairo (AUC) who...
-
#2 LFC CONTEST: International Students Choose AUC!
Posted by Ahmed EL HALABY on Aug, 03 2013
#2 LFC CONTEST ''Studying abroad is a defining moment for any student's life - a personal journey that will add to anyone's growth and learning as an individual for...
-
#1 LFC CONTEST: AUC CELEBRATES SPRING 2013 GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
Posted by Ahmed EL HALABY on Aug, 01 2013
#1 LFC CONTEST The American University in Cairo (AUC) held its Spring 2013 commencement ceremonies for 702 masters and bachelor’s degree candidates. In the two...
-
TEDxAUC: Baking Ideas
Posted by Ahmed EL HALABY on Aug, 01 2013
"Think of the huge amount of ideas that bombard your mind and you never find the courage to pursue any of them. If your idea is not well baked, then it doesn't exist. You could...
array(16) { ["id"]=> string(3) "880" ["id_account"]=> string(2) "40" ["id_country"]=> string(2) "38" ["id_category"]=> string(1) "7" ["name"]=> string(89) "#4 LFC CONTEST: AUC Graduate Finance Student, Salma Hassanein Makes her University Proud!" ["alias"]=> string(87) "-4-lfc-contest-auc-graduate-finance-student-salma-hassanein-makes-her-university-proud-" ["postdate"]=> string(19) "2013-08-20 22:01:36" ["like"]=> string(3) "213" ["visit"]=> string(5) "72906" ["comment"]=> string(2) "39" ["status"]=> string(1) "1" ["image"]=> string(21) "2013/8/1377199462.jpg" ["active"]=> string(1) "1" ["firstname"]=> string(5) "Ahmed" ["lastname"]=> string(9) "EL HALABY" ["content"]=> string(7876) "#4 LFC CONTEST
AUC FINANCE GRADUATE STUDENT, SALMA HASSANEIN MAKES HER UNIVERSITY PROUD!
'Life is like a Roller Coaster, there's always positives and negatives, you ALWAYS have to clear the ROAD and KEEP GOING!
''SALMA HASSANEIN''
OPTIMIST REALIST EXPLORER ENTHUSIAST
I want you to meet the jack of all trades, an AUC Finance Graduate who made the impossible, possible. I want you to meet Salma Hassanein!
Salma is a 21 year-old Graduate student from the School of Business at AUC with a minor in Psychology. Salma is a very passionate person who is very nature-oriented with a keen interest in gaining experience through exposure. She always had a strong desire and passion for Advertising, which allowed her to grow a keen interest in the Marketing Industry and a better understanding of what she aspire to be when she grows up. Since high school, Salma was always a very diligent and hardworking person, she was always able to gain experience through exposure in a variety of student clubs and charitable organizations where she was also able to apply her knowledge through her participation in a variety of internships in the Advertising sector in various companies and organizations in Egypt and Worldwide. Having much experience in different industries as well as being involved in different student associations at AUC has allowed her to adapt quickly to new environments and learn through challenges.
In an interview with Salma, I asked her:
Can you describe how your educational system affected your lifestyle and your morals?
I remember as a child I was very sincere about my studies, I never cheated on my exams and my parents and teachers always emphasized on the importance of being honest throughout my life. The education I received has influenced me a lot and has shaped me to what I am today. Along with my education, I've always realized that being honest with others and myself is very essential to have any success in my life and to what I aspire to be.
Can you tell me how has AUC student life shaped you in being who you are today?
AUC has played a major role in shaping my lifestyle, AUC programs and activities have familiarized me with the purposes and expectations of higher education. Not only that but AUC culture and services, student rights and responsibilities has equipped me with the skills necessary to become self-reliant and also appreciate the values of respect and appreciation for the learning experiences.
From your massive Business skills and experiences in the Advertising sector industry, I asked her, what kind of advice could you give to students just starting their education?
''Never put all your eggs in one basket''
At first, I didn’t really get what she meant by this, when I asked her, here's what she told me: ''If you're going to invest your money, my advice would be don't put all your eggs in one basket; in other words, don't risk losing everything by putting all your efforts or all your money into one plan or one course of action''. Such an invaluable advice to everyone who's starting a new career!
How does living in a multicultural city like Cairo affect your lifestyle?
AUC is located in a global city with a strong growing global presence. Student Life at AUC reflects this. An AUC education is an experience like no other: diverse, cosmopolitan, vibrant and rich. Salma informs me, AUC students do not just become well-rounded college graduates, but accomplished global citizens! Salma also tells me, AUC students have access to the University’s greatest resource: Cairo itself. Students use the city to launch a great career. Students intern for the world’s most influential companies, biggest media outlets and largest organizations. They network with some of the most powerful people in the city, the country and the globe. Students also get involved in community, volunteering or working for one of the city’s many charities or even starting community service organizations of their own. That’s just one example of how students take leadership positions that prepare them for what lies ahead after college.
At the end of the interview with Salma, she gives me another invaluable advice that I would like to share with all students, ''A DIVERSIFIED PORTOFILIO IS A RISK FREE ONE''. This advice is for LIFE and really meant a lot to me! When I asked Salma what is the backbone of this advice, she told me, each student is a portfolio with a depreciation expense that is consumed over time and it is your core responsibility to manage that portfolio effectively and always aim for a portfolio that is giving a high expected return!
" }
array(16) { ["id"]=> string(3) "865" ["id_account"]=> string(2) "40" ["id_country"]=> string(2) "38" ["id_category"]=> string(1) "8" ["name"]=> string(51) "#3 LFC CONTEST: TWO AUC ALUMNI MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE!" ["alias"]=> string(50) "-3-lfc-contest-two-auc-alumni-make-the-impossible-" ["postdate"]=> string(19) "2013-08-08 16:24:39" ["like"]=> string(3) "205" ["visit"]=> string(4) "5328" ["comment"]=> string(2) "19" ["status"]=> string(1) "1" ["image"]=> string(21) "2013/8/1375972318.jpg" ["active"]=> string(1) "1" ["firstname"]=> string(5) "Ahmed" ["lastname"]=> string(9) "EL HALABY" ["content"]=> string(10186) "#3 LFC CONTEST
"DISCOVER FRESHLY-MADE DESIGN FROM THE MIDDLE EAST"
CIRQY!
It all started with two Alumnis from the American University in Cairo (AUC) who really dreamed! When they dreamed, they dreamed big and not only big, but the impossible was made possible by two Business Students who graduated three years ago from AUC.
I want you to meet Kareem El Shaffiee & Mostafa Talaat:
Kareem is a graduate of the American University in Cairo with a bachelor in finance and a minor in art. He started his finance journey in financial consultancy at Grant Thornton Egypt, he was later selected for the management training program at PepsiCo International, and finally moved into HC Securities & Investment a regional investment bank. On the side, he consistently explored more and more into different forms of creative expression, and finally decided to combine his passion for creativity and business experience and start something of his own.
Mostafa is a graduate of the American University in Cairo with a bachelor in integrated marketing communications. Known for his creative aspirations for becoming a filmmaker, he started his career in advertising at JWT. He later moved to marketing and brand management to become a brand manager of Mars,inc’s flagship brands (Galaxy and Twix). After 4 years of experience, Mostafa decided along with Kareem to create CIRQY.
Above are Kareem and Mostafa both discusisng their startup to an Enterpreneur. On the side, they consistently explored more and more into different forms of creative expression, and finally decided to combine their passion for creativity and business experience and start something of their own. After more than 4 years of experience, Kareem and Mostafa decided to create CIRQY!
Below is an interview that I did with Kareem and Mostafa about their successful startup:
Can you tell us guys about your startup and what really drove you to create this startup?
To start off Ahmed, CIRQY is a social-marketplace for discovering freshly-made local design in the Middle East, products such as: Art, Apparel, Accessories, Home Décor, Stationery and more!
We bring inspiration to users and allow them to discover great looking design through recommendations by their friends; on the other hand we provide makers with a platform to increase their exposure and sell online. CIRQY brings you the kind of fun, creative products that will add something different to your everyday life and allow you to express yourself differently. Products like art, accessories, apparel, home decor, stationery and more! On CIRQY you can follow your friends and discover things together; buying, sharing, recommending and collecting your favorite items from your favorite independent artists and designers. As an independent artist or designer, you can create your CIRQY Store and start selling to thousands of buyers!
If I am a seller, what kind of advantage will CIRQY give me to put my products on your social market place?
Sellers on CIRQY Ahmed can create their own virtual store and upload pictures of the items they are selling; users on the other hand can follow each other and discover new stores and products and buy, share, and collect their favorite items.
What is your dream you aspire?
We dream of one day becoming the top online destination for design in the Middle East; inspiring people’s everyday lives, and helping them connect over their interests more often.
What's your current headcount at your Cairo office?
We currently have 8 employees.
And below are some pictures for some of our recent products featured on CIRQY:
![]()
“The social element means that Cirqy is as much about discovery of exciting designs, as it is a straightforward e-commerce store”, El-Shaffei explains. Users are encouraged to follow their friends and discover things together by sharing, recommending and of course buying items from independent artists and designers featured on our website.
“One difference about Cirqy is that it is focused on high-end designs, designs you won’t find elsewhere online,” Talaat adds. The team aims to become the top online destination for design in the Middle East, and its primary revenue stream is by retaining a percentage of sales revenue, which they share with designers.
Make sure to access CIRQY.COM to check their lastest products!
" }
array(16) { ["id"]=> string(3) "858" ["id_account"]=> string(2) "40" ["id_country"]=> string(2) "38" ["id_category"]=> string(1) "4" ["name"]=> string(50) "#2 LFC CONTEST: International Students Choose AUC!" ["alias"]=> string(49) "-2-lfc-contest-international-students-choose-auc-" ["postdate"]=> string(19) "2013-08-03 02:21:44" ["like"]=> string(3) "194" ["visit"]=> string(4) "5110" ["comment"]=> string(2) "16" ["status"]=> string(1) "1" ["image"]=> string(26) "2013/8/true1375489304.jpeg" ["active"]=> string(1) "1" ["firstname"]=> string(5) "Ahmed" ["lastname"]=> string(9) "EL HALABY" ["content"]=> string(10401) "#2 LFC CONTEST
''Studying abroad is a defining moment for any student's life - a personal journey that will add to anyone's growth and learning as an individual for years to come. The experience of studying in Egypt and especially at the American University in Cairo (AUC) is a one of a kind adventure that I personally describe as a roller-coster!''
(Johny Likins, AUC International Student, Senior Business Admin. Major)
When I sat down with John, he told me that the choice to live and study abroad is a major undertaking in cross-cultural living and learning. Taking the step and the courage to study abroad is not easy and the process will progress over a number of months. The payoff, if successful, is immense! You will learn about yourself, your home culture as you also learn about Egyptians and their culture! When I asked him about his arrival and how he experienced his first period in Egypt, he told me, ''It is common for new arrivals to go through a period of culture shock, a (sometimes) exciting period of reaction and adjustment to a new, unfamiliar environment, however, things get going and its really a fabulous adventure''.
Orientation is something very beneficial for all new international students. John tells me, at AUC, the International Programs Office (IPO) aims at providing international students with information crucial to the success of their experience at AUC in particular and in Egypt in general. One of the things that John really enjoyed very much are the Cultural Nights at AUC, they're basically a series of events in which international students from various continents of the world present the traditions and customs of their countries. AUC did that initiative to introduce International students to diverse cultures of the world, to provide a platform for people from different countries to get to know each other and to encourage intercultural understanding and cooperation.
Another international student I sat with is Jessica Wilson (shown below), an International Chemistry student from University of California in the United States. When I sat down with Jessica to ask her about her first impression about Egypt, here's what she told me:
"Driving from the airport to Zamalek, the neighborhood in which my dorm is located, was a very good introduction to Cairo. I was struck immediately by the history of the city; there are so many ancient buildings, churches and mosques that exude the history of Cairo. Along with these historical aspects you are definitely struck by how modern Cairo is. AUC was located in the downtown area of Tahrir, where the buildings are spread out across city blocks in the middle of a busy area. The new campus is located in a relatively isolated area outside suburban Cairo, over an hour away from the old campus. So the feel of the two campuses is incredibly different. Despite being isolated, the new campus is stunningly beautiful and enormous.
Jessica tells me that students have various possibilities and are offered decent places for housing and hosting. International students can choose to live on campus or off campus. Living off campus is a popular choice, because students are more independent and learn more about the new culture when they are on their own, Jessica tells me. Students come from different parts of the world, living off campus enables students like Jessica a chance to learn about the domestic culture and lifestyle of the housing country, as well as, spreading the culture and lifestyle of it’s own country trough communication with the native Cairo people.
(Jessica Wilson, AUC International Student, Senior Chemistry Major)
Below are some questions that I thought it would be interesting to ask John and Jessica:
What can you say about the American University in Cairo? Did you enjoy your time here in Cairo?
I really only have positive things to say about AUC. I love my faculty and the small class sizes. I’ve been able to get to know my peers and professors well, and I believe this helps spark more conversation within the classroom. Knowing everyone in the room makes participating in discussions less intimidating. I also love the international aspect of this university. I’ve gotten to know a lot of people from different parts of the world. I really value the chance I’ve been given to learn about many different cultures.
What is your opinion about the education system in Egypt? Did you notice any differences between the studies in USA and the studies in Egypt?
I’ve really been enjoying my experience within the Egyptian education system thus far in my studies. This actually is the first time I’ve been in an education system that is inherently different than my native one. Though they are structurally different, and I am not as used to this system than the American system, I still feel like I am being intellectually challenged. I enjoy the amount of time each class devotes to topic discussions and I’ve gained much insight into cultural aspects of Egypt.
It would be interesting to know your opinion about our students and professors. What can you tell me about it?
I absolutely love my faculty, and my professors. They are extremely accommodating, friendly, and always express concern about my group’s satisfaction with how the lectures are structured. I’ve never felt too intimidated to ask questions in class, or ask for more explanation about a topic. I feel really comfortable in my program.The students in my group are equally friendly, and I’ve made some great friendships. I’ve been able to learn a lot about the Egyptian culture through them, and they are always willing (and excited) to share about national holidays and traditions here. I’ve also had the chance to make some great friends almost everywhere!
Below is a small message from John and Jessica that I would like to share with all students who are thinking of going abroad:
Its such a great experience to study abroad because I’ve met so many different people that I would not have had the opportunity to meet if I had continued my studies in the US. I deeply value the friendships I’ve made here. Thank you very much Egypt for providing me this great opportunity. Thank You, I truly love you and I will never forget you!
YOURS,
John and Jessica
" }
array(16) { ["id"]=> string(3) "850" ["id_account"]=> string(2) "40" ["id_country"]=> string(2) "38" ["id_category"]=> string(1) "3" ["name"]=> string(77) "#1 LFC CONTEST: AUC CELEBRATES SPRING 2013 GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES" ["alias"]=> string(76) "-1-lfc-contest-auc-celebrates-spring-2013-graduation-commencement-ceremonies" ["postdate"]=> string(19) "2013-08-01 17:10:58" ["like"]=> string(3) "217" ["visit"]=> string(5) "12847" ["comment"]=> string(2) "21" ["status"]=> string(1) "1" ["image"]=> string(25) "2013/8/true1375369857.jpg" ["active"]=> string(1) "1" ["firstname"]=> string(5) "Ahmed" ["lastname"]=> string(9) "EL HALABY" ["content"]=> string(6368) "
#1 LFC CONTEST
The American University in Cairo (AUC) held its Spring 2013 commencement ceremonies for 702 masters and bachelor’s degree candidates. In the two ceremonies, President Lisa Anderson awarded 557 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate degrees to candidates from each of AUC’s schools. Ben Wedeman, CNN senior international correspondent in Rome, and an AUC alumnus, and Hisham Ramez, governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, addressed the students as the keynote speakers.
Speaking at the undergraduate commencement, Hisham Ramez, governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, encouraged students to pursue new experiences because success only comes through trial and error. “Failure in anything is not the end; it’s always the start,” he said. “We all went through failures until we learned what to do right. Great innovations started with a simple idea. Always keep your approach and communication simple, and you’ll reach your goal.” To watch Ramez’s full speech, click here.
Addressing his fellow graduates, Mahmoud Kalila, economics major, reflected, “I like to think of my four years at AUC as an unsolved Rubik’s Cube that is rotated into position year by year until it is completely solved. Much like my knowledge and skills that have been sharpened each year until I became the fine intellectual you see tonight.” To watch Kalila's speech, click here.
Below is Mahmoud Kalila, AUC Economics Graduate, giving the graduation speech; solving the Rubiks Cube
In an interview with Ahmed Fayed ’13, Ahmed entered AUC six years ago, he aspired to become an engineer. However, as he became involved in the Student Union and other extracurricular activities, he realized that his passion lies in the development work. Following his dreams, Fayed became the first AUC student to graduate with a dual degree –– a bachelor’s in construction engineering and a master’s in public administration. As he walked across the commencement stage during both the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, he felt a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. During Fayed’s senior year, he spent a semester abroad at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs while working as an intern at the United Nations. “The experience taught me that AUC students can succeed anywhere,” he affirmed. “Even though I was the youngest in my graduate classes, I always felt equal to them. AUC taught me to debate, present my argument and work hard.”
Below is Ahmed Fayed, AUC Graduate, recieving his bachelor degree from President Liza Anderson
At the undergraduate commencement ceremony, 99 undergraduate students graduated with honors, 102 with high honors and 86 with highest honors. In addition, individual awards for their superior academic performance, as well as their contributions to campus and community life recognized several students. The President’s Cup and the associated Mohamed M. El-Beleidy Academic Award, both of which go to the student with the highest grade point average, were awarded to five students this semester: AminaSaleh, Dalia Elserafy, Darin Radwan, Miral Tawfik and Nourhan Sakr.
Speaking at the undergraduate ceremony, President Lisa Anderson addressed the students: “I hope that, in addition to everything else you learn at AUC, graduates, you learned the value of perseverance, of trying again when you don’t succeed, of designing new roads when your path is blocked, of planning ahead to anticipate obstacles.
To view photos of commencement, click here.
" }
array(16) { ["id"]=> string(3) "849" ["id_account"]=> string(2) "40" ["id_country"]=> string(2) "38" ["id_category"]=> string(1) "3" ["name"]=> string(21) "TEDxAUC: Baking Ideas" ["alias"]=> string(20) "tedxauc-baking-ideas" ["postdate"]=> string(19) "2013-08-01 02:31:09" ["like"]=> string(1) "8" ["visit"]=> string(4) "6211" ["comment"]=> string(1) "1" ["status"]=> string(1) "1" ["image"]=> string(21) "2013/8/1375317162.jpg" ["active"]=> string(1) "1" ["firstname"]=> string(5) "Ahmed" ["lastname"]=> string(9) "EL HALABY" ["content"]=> string(5701) "
"Think of the huge amount of ideas that bombard your mind and you never find the courage to pursue any of them. If your idea is not well baked, then it doesn't exist. You could have a million ideas, but they are all worthless if you don't get them done."
Amr Ashraf- Founder of TEDxAUC
The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a diverse community full of inspiring ideas, success stories, achievements, and endless opportunities shaping the whole Arab region. TEDxAUC is AUC’s platform for ideas worth spreading with the vision of connecting the AUC community’s potentials and inspiring ideas through authentic dialogue. The theme of the second TEDxAUC event hosted by AUC was ‘Idea Bakers’. TEDxAUC has put together 20 successful speakers from all fields, not just in business to feature their success stories and give us their insightful look from the day they got their ideas to the know-how of baking their ideas with the perfect ingredients.
Under the theme of Entrepreneurship, the event revolved around the idea that entrepreneurs launch ideas the same way bakers bake a pie. "We believe that baking an idea is more crucial than the idea itself; think of the huge amount of thinkers you meet every day, but clever bakers are very rare to find" says Ashraf. The event speakers featured Dr. Sherif Kamel, founding Dean of the School of Business at AUC, Sherif El-Ghamrawy, founder of Basata Ecolodge, Mohamed Al-Ayouti, Senior Manager of Strategy and Business Development at Vodafone, Ayman Rashed, founder of Otlob.com, Omar Soudodi, General Manager at Souq.com Egypt, Disalata, the famous online video magazine, Dr. Maha El-Shinnawy, Director of the Goldman Sachs Women's Entrepreneurship and Leadership programme (WEL) at AUC, Mostafa Abou-Gamrah, Founder and CEO of Technowireless Digital Ads (TWDA), and many other Egyptian entrepreneurs who spoke can be found on TEDxAUC’s website and Facebook fan page.
A few of the event that stood out included:
• Shady Barakat, co-founder of The Home Page, who talked about having a proactive spirit and being a self-learner instead of getting someone to tell you what to do. He likened being an entrepreneur to joining the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) culture.
• Con O'Donnell, Founder of Sarmady, and the Chairman of Books.com, who spoke about focusing on winning the local market at your startup before considering whether exporting the product makes sense.
• Sherif El Ghamrawy, Founder of Basata Village told us about his personal life experience and how he moved from Cairo to the desert of Sinai to pursue his dream business and lifestyle, as he believed both were inseparable. That business was an eco-village, a place that is friendly to the environment where people can spend fun days away from Cairo's pollution and crowds.
You might think TEDxAUC success has to do with the quality of the speakers, and that’s partially true, but the main reason extends much deeper. It includes a certain X factor that you never see on camera or while sitting back in the auditorium. For me the ‘X’ factor in TEDxAUC truly is the organizing crew. For TEDxAUC, it’s Amr Ashraf and his team who all made this happen.
Make Sure to follow them on twitter @TEDxAUC for updates about their coming TEDxAUC event, ''Catalyst for Change''.
" }