The significance of organizing job fair in higher learning institutions is twofold. On the one hand, such platforms are an opportunity for prospective graduates to interact with various industries and service providing institutions and engage themselves in the opportunities available. On the other hand, various industries and service providing organizations could make the best out of this fair as they would publicize the major activities of their respective organizations to their future employees.

It was bearing this idea in mind the Office of External Relations, Partnerships and Communications, Addis Ababa University in collaboration with various student led clubs and initiatives has administered university wide expo from November 3-6, 2015 at the main campus of the university. Obviously, the major objective of the expo was meant to bring together various university stakeholders to support the teaching – learning, research and community services of the university in one or the other way. Themed “Universities as a center of academic excellence, personal development and community interaction”, the expo was further designed to be a platform for various companies, local and international organizations and other stakeholders to interact with the university and its prospective graduates. Displaying promotion of job opportunities for prospective graduates, theatrical performance shows and music, the expo stayed in line for four consecutive days.

Admasu Tsegaye (PhD), President, Addis Ababa University, in his closing remarks has pointed out that the university is trying to connect its research activities with the industry and community so that it could significantly contributive to the development efforts of the country. Hence, this expo, he believes, is very important in introducing the teaching-learning, research and community services of the university to various industries and stakeholders.

On the same token, Zenebe Beyene (PhD), Director, Office of External Relations, partnerships and Communications has accentuated that the AAU-Expo, which was started this year, sought to foster the ideal environment for networking and interaction amongst participants and the vast activities that a student is eligible as an undergraduate and graduate of the University. He added that such initiative has pivotal role in linking our students to the various sectors and opportunities that await them in the world outside.

In a jovial closing ceremony held on November 6, 2015, the Addis Ababa University Cultural Center in partnership with School of Theater Arts and other famous artists has presented one of William Shakespeare’s master pieces, Othello to the gathering.

As a result of the inaugural expo’s positive turnout, the university has decided to organize the same sort every year.

Publicizing and promoting their respective major activities to the wider university community, more than 30 local and international organizations, construction companies, charitable organizations and embassies have convened in this historic expo and showed their interest to participate every year.

Present on the closing ceremony were Admasu Tsegaye (PhD), AAU’s President, deans, directors, company representatives and members of various student led clubs and initiatives.