The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) welcomed a delegation from the U.S.–Kurdistan Business Council (USKBC) on Thursday, October 15, 2026, for a campus tour and discussions with University administrators, faculty, and staff. The visit explored opportunities to strengthen connections between higher education and the private sector, with a focus on student internships, graduate employment, and industry input into academic programs.

AUIS President Dr. Bilal A. Wahab introduced the University’s academic offerings and highlighted the achievements of its alumni, following the recent commencement ceremony. He also discussed AUIS’s broader educational engagement and the role of its research centers and initiatives in bringing together academic, business, and policy communities through forums and events.

During the meeting, University representatives presented the Business Department’s majors and concentrations, highlighting graduates’ career achievements. The delegation also learned about student life at AUIS and the internship opportunities that help students gain practical experience and prepare for employment.

Delegation members praised the contributions of AUIS graduates working across different sectors, including at Dana Gas. Building on this discussion, AUIS representatives invited feedback from employers on the skills and knowledge that academic programs should prioritize to meet evolving workforce needs.

Among the ideas discussed was the establishment of industry advisory boards for individual academic programs. Delegation members suggested that these boards could provide regular business perspectives on curricula while helping expand internship opportunities and connections with employers.

The visit provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on closer engagement between AUIS and the business community, with an emphasis on preparing students for successful careers and connecting academic learning with professional practice.