US Embassy Hosts AUK Business Students

US Ambassador Richard LeBaron, Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Matthew Tueller, and approximately 15 members of the diplomatic corps recently hosted over 35 business communication students for the 3rd annual US Embassy-AUK Mentoring Day. To date, over 150 AUK business communication students have participated in the mentoring program. The US Embassy-AUK Mentoring Program is designed to forge meaningful relationships and capture the ideas and experiences of US Embassy professionals in a setting that motivates young business students to learn from the experience, wisdom, and vision of their mentors. The program develops leadership potential in business students and prepares them for the complex and highly competitive business world. The program goal is to nurture the personal and professional growth of young men and women at AUK through initiatives that instill in students a passion for life-long learning, academic excellence, professionalism, and leadership.

Opening comments on the importance of professional communication skills were provided by Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Matthew Tueller. Mr. Tueller is a member of the Senior Foreign Service. He assumed his current position as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait in July 2004. Prior to arrival in Kuwait, he was Counselor for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh where he also served as a political officer. Other recent Foreign Service assignments were Deputy Director for the Office of Northern Gulf Affairs in the Department of State and Chief of the U.S. Office in Aden. His other overseas assignments include London, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt. Mr. Tueller grew up in overseas posts in Europe, North Africa, and Latin America. He is a graduate of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

During the session, the US Embassy mentors worked one-to-one with students, providing expert review, guidance and feedback on their job skills and job search strategies. Students were encouraged to ask questions, seek clarification, and learn firsthand about the job roles and responsibilities of their mentors and the challenges of the workplace. According to the program director, Dr. Abigail Gray, "This program is one of the most anticipated events of the semester. We can talk about resumes, interviewing skills, and networking in class, but the mentors bring these concepts to life. We have an amazing group of about 20 mentors involved the program, with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. On behalf of the Business Communication students, I would like to extend a special thanks to Ambassador LeBaron for hosting us, to Mr. Tueller for providing such insightful opening comments, and to all of the mentors for serving as excellent role models." According to Dr. Gray, the students received a special surprise at the event when Ambassador LeBaron stopped by the session to welcome the students to the US Embassy, meet each of them, and personally answer any questions they might have about his career path. "We were very honored that Ambassador LeBaron stopped by, especially given his schedule. He talked with the students about his first job, and his comments reinforced the importance of demonstrating professionalism, responsibility, accountability, and integrity in everything you do in life, from one's very first job to one's current position. His message and his presence provided an excellent example of the value of both leadership and mentoring," Dr. Gray said.

Us embassy hosts auk business students

AUK Business Communication Students Kristina Duwailova, Sara Al-Ajmi, and Abdulmohsen Al-Hashem with US Embassy Mentor Ghana Conord, Community Liaison Officer

Us embassy hosts auk business students