Alumni Events
Annual Events
Alumni Wine & Cheese Social
April 29, 2024
The 2024 Alumni Wine and Cheese Social was held on April 29th at FDU Vancouver Campus Cambie location.
Other Events
On Monday, February 16, 2015, FDU Vancouver, MAS Alumnus, Foad Davini came to campus to share a presentation of his career journey since obtaining his MAS-Global Technology degree in May 2014. Foad was keen on sharing his experiences after graduation as he too, shared similar challenges as other FDU-Vancouver students, being a Canadian international student with minimal local work experience and a small professional network. Though Foad had over ten years of experience in technology project management and support, he found it challenging to find a job in a similar capacity immediately after graduation because companies were unsure of the quality of his overseas experience. He needed to find some way to connect with his field and prove his capabilities.
Foad soon realized that the best way to get into his field was to directly connect with companies he was interested in and find opportunities to volunteer in positions related to technology implantation and management. He found an opportunity with the Vancouver Winter Olympics organization in 2010, volunteering with a support team to assist with technical support of various electronic devices and computers during the sporting event. He soon showed his worth and was promoted to Team Lead, and coordinated technical support needs across the Olympics venues. This experience proved invaluable as Foad was able to secure subsequent IT support and management roles of progressing responsibility over the next few years, working with companies such as BC Hydro, Accenture, Best Buy, and other sporting events such as the Special Olympics 2014 and the BC Summer Games.
Foad also credited his success on obtaining his MAS degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He took advantage of the resources on campus by asking professors for guidance when needed, and engaging with student and career services activities to enhance his career planning after graduation. During job interviews, hiring managers enquired of his Master of Administrative Sciences Degree. Employers were impressed with the combination of skills that he learned from his MAS Global Technology Administration degree that encompassed Business Administration, Finance Administration, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Information Technology Implementation.
In parting, Foad gave the following advice for FDU students:
- Work hard on your MAS degree and strive for the best results as possible
- Network with organizations/companies that you are passionate about
- Look for volunteer positions that can enhance your skills and develop your experience
- Connect with people in similar roles for information interviews and keep in touch with them
- Find an industry mentor
If you have any comments and suggestions please contact: alumni-vancouver@fdu.edu
Past Speakers
- George Moen, President, Blenz Coffee
- Kim Inglis, Investment Advisor & Portfolio Manager, Reynolds Inglis Group
- Brenda Cholowski, Human Resources Consultant, Fraser Health Authority