Youth Forum in Dhahran Connects Students With Industry Leaders and Career Mentors

Dhahran — The first edition of the AmCham Youth Forum: Pathways to Success brought students from multiple schools together this week, transforming ISG American School Dhahran into a hub of conversations, mentorship and future-focused dialogue after regular class hours.

Organized by the American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia Education Committee, the forum created a platform where young people could meet experienced professionals and explore different career opportunities through structured and informal interactions.

The outdoor setting added a relaxed atmosphere as students walked with mentors, engaging in open discussions shaped by personal stories, industry insights and practical advice on navigating early career choices.

Indoors, guided sessions offered detailed exploration of career paths, allowing students to sit with professionals and receive direct feedback tailored to their interests and strengths.

Speakers represented a wide range of fields, including diplomacy, operations, corporate culture and human resources, with participants such as US Consul General James Sindle, industry leaders from major firms and seasoned managers from regional companies.

Darrell McGraw, chairman of AmCham Saudi Arabia and a partner at PwC, emphasized the importance of investing in the next generation,
highlighting that opportunities like these help students build confidence as they prepare to enter competitive global job markets.

McGraw spoke about the personal significance of mentorship, explaining how his father’s public service shaped his own path and inspired him to bring his young son to witness the event.

His 9-year-old son expressed excitement about participating, noting that he hoped to support his father and observe how students prepare for their future careers.

Students from American School Dhahran, British School Dhahran and ISG Dammam shared their perspectives, each describing how the event broadened their understanding of possibilities and motivated them to think more seriously about their goals.

For Andika Yudhistira Soeranggayoedha, an 11th grader who recently moved to Saudi Arabia from the UK, the forum became an unexpected opportunity to gain clarity about his interest in corporate law and learn from professionals with diverse backgrounds.

He noted that many of his peers in Saudi Arabia show strong direction in their career plans, which he found encouraging and inspiring as he considered future studies in the US or Indonesia.

ASD senior Mohammad Hassan Farooqi said the event offered a type of guidance he could not find elsewhere, particularly conversations about learning from past mistakes and researching career choices thoroughly.

He highlighted a meaningful exchange with Fernando Vallina, who shared insights about the importance of careful planning and the value of seeking advice from experienced professionals.

Vallina said interacting with students brought him back to his early career days, reminding him of how uncertain decisions can feel and how helpful guidance can be at such a formative stage.

Mexican student Melari Aylen Franco Lozano, a 12th grader at ISG Dammam, said the forum helped her overcome earlier challenges of adapting, giving her renewed confidence to pursue visual communication and strengthen her leadership skills in school clubs.

She emphasized that living in a multicultural environment has expanded her artistic perspective, and that the forum encouraged her to take a more proactive and collaborative approach toward her future goals.

Lozano said she was surprised by how quickly the event passed, noting that the mentor walk was one of the most valuable parts of the evening and left her wanting more time to explore ideas.

The inaugural forum succeeded in creating an environment where students could meet professionals, ask honest questions, explore new perspectives and gain tools that support long-term academic and professional decision-making.

With strong participation from schools, business leaders and community partners, the event set a promising foundation for future editions aimed at empowering young people to shape their own pathways with confidence and curiosity.