Graduate Alumna Focus | Amani Al-Dajane

Throughout my career, I have been committed to helping students achieve their academic and career goals. I just recently obtained my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Hood College and was inducted into the International Business Honor Society, Delta Mu Delta.

Before that, I graduated with honors from the University of Toronto with a bachelor's of arts in sociology and economics in 2005. I started my post-undergraduate career as a Research Assistant at the University of Toronto while simultaneously managing a dental office.

My next career move involved moving to Kuwait in 2008. I fell in love supporting students and higher education at the American University of Kuwait as an Admission/ Scholarship & Financial Aid Counselor.

In 2010, I moved to Maryland in the United States. I learned about the University of Maryland and joined their Career and Internship Services Center as a Career Counselor and Internship Coordinator in March 2011.

All of my experience has provided me with extensive opportunities to offer advising services to students through one-on-one counseling, classroom presentations, workshops and numerous special events- from career and admission to scholarship and financial aid.

I have also enjoyed networking and cultivating relationships with a variety of employers to increase employment and internship opportunities for students.

Currently, I work at Hood College Center for Career Development & Experiential Education as an Assistant Director where I am able to continue helping students achieve their academic and career goals.

I joined the Hood College Career Center team in 2018 as an Assistant Director. My role focuses on expanding Hood’s internship program through cultivating relationships with a variety of employers from the profit, non-profit and federal government sectors.

I also collaborate with department chairs and faculty internship advisors to promote internship opportunities and process internship paperwork. In addition, I counsel students on various career development areas and help empower them to identify and follow their career paths.

I accomplish this through resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparations, internship & job search strategy coaching, and organizing a variety of workshops and programs.

My favorite part of my job is being able to create defining moments in students’ lives, establishing strong relationships with our diverse group of students, and connecting with them on multiple levels. I am grateful to have a job that enables me to be of service to students’ ambitions and to witness their success in future careers.

I received an email alert from HigherEdJobs and I saw the Assistant Director position at Hood College Career Center. 

The job description caught my attention as it is in alignment with my passion. I applied online and went through the interviewing process.  After each discussion, I knew that I wanted to be part of this wonderful, diverse community not only as an employee but also as a student.  

I earned my MBA from Hood College and was inducted into the International Business Honor Society, Delta Mu Delta in May 2020.

Being a mother of two kids, having a full-time job, and doing my MBA was not easy. It involves lots of sacrifice and determination. I had to learn time management skills and preparation in advance. My advice is to always stay ahead of the game.

If a paper is due in two weeks, get started today! You never know what might come up within those two weeks. That is my best kept secret, because no matter how much you plan- try to take advantage of the moments now, as you do not know what will eat up your future dedicated time. 

What I also found really helpful is to have a structured routine for my family and studying. Having a routine schedule and sticking with it is great, but make sure to allow for mental health breaks. Saturday is the day that I take a break and make sure I cultivate my support system with my family and friends.

They will be a big part of helping along your journey. Selecting a study schedule, eating healthy, sleeping well, and, most importantly, exercising helps to keep the mind focused. I would like to add that we should all be utilizing the incredible resources that we have at Hood College such as the gym and the library. 

Hood’s MBA program is a lifelong learning program that has everything you need to succeed in your life and future career. It has exceptional faculty members with unique interactive teaching styles and challenging assignments.

Hood faculty all go the extra mile in structuring their class materials and inviting valuable guest speakers. Then the outbreak of COVID-19 took place during my last semester, but Hood’s program thrived through the pandemic without affecting the quality of teaching or level of engagement.

My professors adapted their class materials very quickly and coordinated guest speakers virtually. They are willing to help, mentor, meet, and advise students even after completing their classes or graduation. Each MBA faculty member left their footprint in my heart.

At Hood College, you are learning and not stressing out. Students here truly can learn and enjoy this journey.

You can do it! Study ahead of time, and of course, utilize Hood College’s great resources. The entire Hood College community is with you and wants you to succeed.

Inspired by Amani's journey to #GOFURTHER in your education and career? Visit our programs including the MBA program, and click here to get additional information!