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Close Working Relationship with Industry

The Department of Electrical Engineering will have a strong relationship with industry in the Eastern Province of the KSA. To facilitate this relationship, the Dean of the College of Engineering will maintain an Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) composed of corporation presidents, vice-presidents, and plant managers. The IAB will have 10 to 16 members, a number which has been found to be effective at similar institutions. Each department within the college also will have an IAB composed of eight to 14 middle managers. The IAB boards will advise the college on the programs’ educational objectives, curriculum, and fund raising activities. The boards will help provide co-operative jobs or summer internships for engineering students during sophomore and junior years.

Internships for PMU Engineering Students

Students will be encouraged to pursue internships during the summer months at private companies where they can gain experience in their major field. A summer internship will provide practical engineering experience without prolonging the time required for graduation. Two summers of two to three months will provide the student with valuable work experience.

Though students will receive no academic credit for a summer internship, the faculty should strongly encourage participation by pointing out the numerous advantages that the student can gain. Among the advantages of an internship are:

• Students learn what type of work and company they prefer.
  
  
• Students with internship experience are more desirable for employers to hire because they require less training.
  
  
• Companies often offer permanent positions to their interns immediately upon graduation.
  
  
• Starting salaries for students with internship experience are usually significantly higher than for graduates without experience.