Creating Successful People & Stories

At GUST, we take immense pride in the success stories of our students and alumni. Our institution is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

Through our rigorous academic programs, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive support systems, we have nurtured countless success stories that inspire and exemplify the transformative power of education.

Inspiring Journeys of Our Students and Alumni

The Success of Our Students

Our alumni have gone on to excel in diverse fields, from business and technology to healthcare, arts, and beyond. They have become influential leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, leaving their mark on the global stage. Their achievements are a testament to the quality education they received at our university and the skills and knowledge they acquired during their time here.

Celebrating Accomplishments

We celebrate the accomplishments of our students and alumni through various platforms, showcasing their stories of perseverance, innovation, and resilience. These success stories not only inspire current and future students but also serve as a testament to the transformative power of education and the opportunities that await within our university community.

Eisa Al Salman
Major: MBA
Graduation Year: 2023

What is your current position and business?

Senior Accountant at a non-profit organization.

Owner and CEO of Retro City Shop, an arcade play area with a late 80s/90s theme mixed with modern elements.

Tell us about your business

Retro City Shop offers an arcade play area that combines the nostalgic feel of the late 80s/90s with a contemporary touch.

What are your career achievements?

Continuously generating innovative ideas and successfully implementing them in my work.

Jobs you had after GUST that sculpted your career path

Focused on improving not only my own tasks but also gaining a comprehensive understanding of other departments and the entire business cycle.

How was your journey at GUST?

My journey at GUST was phenomenal. It enriched my knowledge and understanding of the business world.

How did GUST help prepare you for success?

GUST provided me with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the business world.

What were the obstacles and challenges you had to overcome?

Balancing time between being an employee and a business owner was a significant challenge.

Who from GUST influenced and inspired you the most?

I am grateful to the faculty members who have had a profound influence on me.

What do you miss most about GUST?

I miss the open discussions with faculty members and colleagues, which significantly contributed to my knowledge across various sectors in Kuwait.

What are your plans for the future?

I aim to become a Certified Management Accountant, and I am currently working towards that goal. Additionally, I plan to expand my business to the GCC region after studying the market.

What words of encouragement would you share with current students?

Embrace the challenges, learn from setbacks, and cherish the friendships you make during your university journey.

Marwa Marafi
Major: English Literature
Year Graduated: 2016

What is your current position?

Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager at KIB (Kuwait International Bank)

What are your career achievements?

Throughout my career at Kuwait International Bank, I have made significant achievements in the marketing and corporate communications field. Over a span of nearly six years, I have successfully managed various roles and responsibilities, contributing to the bank's overall success.

Starting in the Marketing Department, I excelled in handling social media platforms and actively engaging with our audience. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work closely with the marcom unit, collaborating with agencies to develop and execute impactful campaigns.

Later on, I transitioned to the segments and customer proposition unit, where I expanded my knowledge and contributed to enhancing the bank's offerings. Notably, I took charge of managing all the bank's TV commercials and video productions, showcasing my ability to deliver compelling visual content consistently.

Recently, my responsibilities expanded further as I was entrusted with corporate communications. As the lead for this unit, I oversee both internal and external communications, including CSR initiatives, awards, events, activations, and public relations efforts.

Overall, my career achievements encompass a wide range of responsibilities, demonstrating my versatility, dedication, and ability to consistently deliver impactful results in the marketing and corporate communications domain.

Jobs you had after GUST that sculpted your career path (e.g. where you worked, positions, departments)

After graduating, I was fortunate to get a job at KIB, and I have remained with the organization because I have a clear goal I want to achieve here. I feel that I haven't finished what I set out to accomplish, and staying in this organization is providing me with the support and experience I need for my next journey.

How was your journey at GUST?

My journey in GUST was truly remarkable and filled with beautiful experiences. I acquired numerous skills and gained extensive knowledge that has prepared me for the real world. I am forever grateful for the valuable experiences I had at GUST, as it has shaped me in profound ways.

How did GUST help prepare you for success?

My GUST experience was all encompassing, real world skills, education, mentorship, opportunities to lead and a vast network of connections and relationships that are still driving my development and work progression. A big shoutout to the Media Club and the Office of Students Life, as they were the ignition into my preparation to the real world and I contribute my success to them.

What were the obstacles and challenges you had to overcome?

In GUST, to be honest, I didn’t have any obstacles as GUST gave me more than an education it properly prepared me for the work challenges to come.

Who from GUST influenced you and inspired you the most?

Dr. Fahad Al Sumait, Mrs. Anwar Alsabah and most of my colleagues in the Media Club and the other student clubs.

What do you miss most about GUST? (e.g. the campus, the professors, the life of a student, etc.)

When reflecting on what I miss about university, I miss the student life, the opportunities, and the amazing environment that GUST provided. Also, I deeply miss the strong bonds I formed with my colleagues, who became like a second family to me. We grew together and shaped each other's lives in ways that are truly invaluable.

What are your plans for the future?

In my future plans, I aim to continue achieving personal growth, learning, and developing my skills and knowledge, regardless of the job or position I may occupy. My ultimate goal is to make a positive impact and contribute to changing Kuwait, making it a better place. What matters most to me is not the position I hold, but rather what I can do and the influence I can wield in that position.

What are some words of encouragement you’d share with our current students?

GUST is a community, a hub and your home for the next few years, take all the opportunities this university gives you and be a part of the activities, seminars, trips and the GUST driven events. All the challenges of your student life are experiences that will come in play after graduation, where you will find yourself in a much easier road and you will be fully prepared to face whatever comes your way.

Career Tip: Ready your ‘Poker Face’ and always be prepared to fightback in what you believe in, no matter how hard it looks. There are no stupid ideas so always have the courage to share your way of thinking with others. Love what you do and Just Be Patience.

Salem Al Mathkour
Major: Mass Communication and Media Department majoring in Visual Communication
Current position: 1- Creative Team Leader in the Public Relations Department; 2- Teaches in Visual Communication and Digital Media Production (GUST)

What is your current position and business?

I work currently as Creative Team Leader in the Public Relations Department at GUST. I also teach across two majors: Visual Communication and Digital Media Production. I also own a production company – X2 production which is a production house handling medium to big productions such as TV Shows, TV Programs, TV Commercials, Films, and documentaries.

What are your career achievements?

I have worked as creative director and creative consultant which taught me in the field of cinema and media as well as giving seminars and workshops within the field. In terms of education, I have completed my graduate studies in cinema studies and gained a Master’s degree in Cinematography for Film and Television from Bournemouth University, United Kingdoms.

Jobs you had after GUST that sculpted your career path

Creative Team Leader

Mass Communication and Media Department

Gulf University for Science and Technology, Kuwait

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

X2 Productions

Adjunct Instructor

Mass Communication and Media Department

Gulf University for Science and Technology, Kuwait

Director of Photography

VO - Eight Productions

Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer

Triadic Advertising and Marketing Solutions

Creative Consultant

Creative Division KwtMagazine

Lead Teaching Assistant & Lab Supervisor

Mass Communication and Media Department

Gulf University for Science and Technology, Kuwait

Head of Creative Division

Creative Division KwtMagazine

Teaching Assistant

Mass Communication and Media Department

Gulf University for Science and Technology

Graphic Designer - Intern

Public Relation Department

Gulf University for Science and Technology

Lab Supervisor – Student Worker

Mass Communication and Media Department

Gulf University for Science and Technology

Freelancing – Digital Visuals Production

Self-employment

How was your journey at GUST?

My journey at GUST was very insightful, I have learned more about my interests as it shaped and developed my skills. I learned about my field from excellent faculty members who have combined both field experience and theoretical experience.

How did GUST help prepare you for success?

GUST has shaped the path I am following. All the support I have had from my colleagues, staff members and faculty members manifested into my current work as a media practitioner and instructor. I have applied all the knowledge I have gotten in classes into my class activities, assignments, as well as the extracurricular activities which mimics what I do in the field on daily basis. The education I have had at GUST is invaluable.

What were the obstacles and challenges you had to overcome?

My university life was very smooth and easy, all thanks go to the knowledgeable faculty members and the welcoming and helpful staff members which made the journey problem-free.

Who from GUST influenced you and inspired you the most?

I cannot specify a person as everyone at GUST was very helpful and inspiring in their unique ways. I would say that the whole community at GUST in very nurturing and intellectually challenging which drives individuals to do their best, constantly developing and improving their skills and personality.

What are your plans for the future?

For the future, I am going to pursue a Ph.D. in cinematic studies, which is the main goal I have in mind. I would like also to develop the current field of cinema in Kuwait by preparing young generation with proper education and knowledge within Kuwait who have the theoretical background and the technical know-how in order to set a benchmark and develop the industry.

What are some words of encouragement you’d share with our current students?

Attend classes, focus, ask as many questions as you can, and take the opportunity you have seriously. This is the ladder to your future life and to make sure to climb to the highest you can.

Al Waleed Miqdad
Major: Radio and Television
Graduation Year: 2022

What is your current position?

Tv Director in Toyoor Al Janah TV channel and a freelance Steadicam operator.

What are your career achievements?

I am engaged in the process of creating a video production, as I have created countless of productions in Kuwait as a Steadicam operator. I discovered my potential and enthusiasm after creating my graduation video project (MCM TV Commercial).

Jobs you had after GUST that sculpted your career path (e.g. where you worked, positions, departments)

Previously worked with Orange production, X2 Production, KMG Production and Hammoud Production all as a Steadicam operator. Moreover, I have worked as a TV Director, Director of Photography (DOP) and took the role of a Production Manager at Toyoor Al Janah TV.

How was your journey at GUST?

I had a great experience at GUST and my professors had a big impact on me and my success as it has prepared me to enter my field of work today.

How did GUST help prepare you for success?

The connections that were made helped me gain experience before graduating, as the job application process was smooth from representing myself as a graduate from GUST.

What were the obstacles and challenges you had to overcome?

I have faced challenges in the beginning of my production career, with the role I was given and the duties I was responsible with however, all the effort invested was entirely worthwhile, as it gradually led me to my current position and accomplishments today.

Who from GUST influenced you and inspired you the most?

Mr. Salem AlMathkour influenced me the most, especially in my last course he gave many advices, countless of information and was a huge support which I’m much thankful for.

What do you miss most about GUST? (e.g. the campus, the professors, the life of a student, etc.)

I miss the environment of GUST as a whole; the campus, my friends and the feeling of just being a student in GUST.

What are your plans for the future?

My intention is to establish a video production company that caters to the unique needs and desires of my clients.

What are some words of encouragement you’d share with our current students?

Make the most of your time at GUST by embracing these years wholeheartedly. Absorb every piece of information and experience that comes your way, and never stop dreaming big. Remember to work diligently, staying committed to reaching your ultimate goals.

My journey at GUST was very insightful, I have learned more about my interests as it shaped and developed my skills.

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Salem Al Mathkour
PR Creative Team Leader

I acquired numerous skills and gained extensive knowledge that has prepared me for the real world. I am forever grateful for the valuable experiences I had at GUST.

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Marwa Marafi
Marketing & Corporate Communications Manager

I had a great experience at GUST and my professors had a big impact on me and my success as it has prepared me to enter my field of work today.

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AlWaleed Miqdad
TV Director

My journey at GUST was phenomenal. It enriched my knowledge and understanding of the business world. GUST provided me with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the business world.

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Eisa Al Salman
Senior Accountant at a non-profit organization