The Faculty of Information Technology at Zarqa University, in cooperation with the Google Developer Club at the University, organized the “Change Your Mind with Google” event at Al-Hussein Cultural Center in Amman, with the participation of more than 250 students. The interactive event brought together motivation, technology, career guidance, and direct engagement with labor market experts.
The panel discussion featured Dr. Mohammad Al-Jaidi, Head of the Cybersecurity Department at Zarqa University’s Faculty of Information Technology, and Mr. Ahmad Al-Sharif, a Google Cloud expert and certified trainer and a member of GDG Amman. The session was moderated by Nidal Abu Laila, Leader of the Google Developer Club at Zarqa University.
The discussion addressed a range of topics related to the future of the technology sector, including the importance of building a strong technical foundation before using artificial intelligence tools, continuous learning, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. It also highlighted the key skills students and graduates need to keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of the labor market.
The event opened with a motivational session delivered by Mr. Bader Damra, Operations Manager at CODERZ and an academic and career consultant. He discussed the importance of identifying the right career path, developing skills, investing in personal growth, and making the most of opportunities available to students. He also emphasized the importance of early preparation for professional life and understanding labor market requirements.
This was followed by a technical discussion focusing on the importance of mastering fundamental knowledge and technical skills before relying on artificial intelligence tools. The speakers stressed the need to use AI consciously and responsibly as a means of supporting learning and development rather than as a substitute for knowledge, understanding, and core competencies.
As part of the career-focused activities, a dedicated session provided students with the opportunity to engage directly with a group of human resources specialists and labor market experts. Several students participated in interviews and mock job interviews with HR managers from prominent institutions. The session featured Mr. Rand Fakhouri, Ms. Rama Al-Hour, Dr. Jaafar Shahabat, Mr. Moath from IDEEPS, and Ms. Nahila Al-Qarara’a.
During the session, the experts provided students with practical advice and guidance on preparing professional CVs, getting ready for job interviews, communicating effectively with recruiters, building a strong professional image, and understanding labor market needs and expectations. They also discussed the key skills companies seek in graduates and young professionals entering the workforce.
The event continued with a session entitled “Technology Careers Without Programming,” presented by Dr. Jaafar Shahabat, Founder and General Manager of SCOPEX Training and Business Center. The session explored the wide range of career paths available within the technology sector that do not necessarily require working in programming.
Dr. Hael Khafaja, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, and the Google Developer Club at Zarqa University emphasized that organizing the event reflects the University’s ongoing efforts to enrich the student experience, connect students with experts and industry professionals, bridge academic knowledge with practical experience, and provide opportunities for dialogue, learning, networking, and the development of professional relationships.