Just two months after returning to Saudi Arabia with degrees from the University of South Carolina (USC) and the University of Southern California, Mustafa landed his dream job. His journey began with a courageous plan to study abroad — and a mentor who believed in his potential.
“Imagine a person coming to the US knowing nothing about the future of engineering or how to speak English fluently, or how to live in a different culture,” said Mustafa, “and believing in that person so that they find their dream job. It was my first flight ever, and the first person I met from IAP was Angi Wang.”
Angi was Mustafa’s student success manager in the International Accelerator Program (IAP) at USC. She represents the support network that international students experience on campus, helping with everything from English language competency to career services.
“She saw that I was enthusiastic, but I didn’t have the quality of English language that would be useful for an engineering program,” said Mustafa. “She recommended I take listening, grammar, reading, and speaking lessons.”
Working on Campus and Finding Internships
It didn’t take Mustafa long to pick up the language — only two months before he was ready to help other students with their journey. With Angi’s help, Mustafa was hired as an IAP student worker, his first-ever job.
“I hadn’t thought of having a job while studying in the United States, but for Angi to approach me with that opportunity, it shows you that IAP really trusts the students, and the people there want to provide opportunities for those who deserve it,” said Mustafa. “So, I said, ‘Let’s go for it.’”
Mustafa met new international students studying at USC and helped them get familiar with university life in the US. During one summer orientation, Mustafa met students from more than 14 countries. He met new friends while improving his English speaking and leadership skills.
Angi, impressed with his progress and drive, introduced Mustafa to Dr. Ramy Harik, professor of a highly recommended pharmaceutical manufacturing class.
“She told me, ‘that’s such a great professor, Mustafa, you should try to take the course.’ From there, I [learned that] Dr. Harik was also the chief manufacturing officer at Nephron Pharmaceutical Corporation [in] Columbia, and [he] gave me my first internship.”
Student Support Continues After Graduation
Mustafa served as a programmable logic controller (PLC) specialist during his time interning at Nephron with Dr. Harik. The role helped him develop a stronger perspective on engineering careers and learn through hands-on experience. It wasn’t long before his education at USC came to an end, but not his education in the US.
With the help of Dr. Harik and Angi, and after earning his bachelor’s from USC, Mustafa decided on an industrial engineering master’s degree program at the University of Southern California. He finished the two-year master’s degree program six months early, eager to return to Saudi Arabia and find his first professional role.
“I decided from the moment that I got into the program that two years is too long,” he said. “I made a plan based on the curriculum of industrial engineering to finish in one-and-a-half years. I had a goal. I was eager to get my degree, get the experience that I need, and go back to my home country to build my future here.”
From Grad School to a Career Back Home
Only two months after returning to Saudi Arabia with a Ministry of Education-financed education in the US, Mustafa was hired by the Saudi Authority of Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON). MODON develops industrial cities across Saudi Arabia, providing global manufacturing companies with infrastructure, ready-built factories, and streamlined investment services.
“I’m doing what I have dreamed of for years,” said Mustafa, “to be [a] leader in my home country and work on different projects.”
In 2024, MODON achieved a Guinness World Record by launching the world’s largest food cluster — spanning 11 million square meters — located in Jeddah’s Second and Third Industrial Cities. This landmark project reflects MODON’s ambition to attract global industrial businesses to Saudi Arabia and position the kingdom as a leading destination for efficient, sustainable manufacturing.
Mustafa was selected for MODON’s ANAN Graduate Program, which identifies and trains future leaders in Saudi industry with on-the-job experience. In his role, he creates virtual reality projects that show investors and visitors what life looks like in growing cities like Riyadh.
I’m so thankful for the experiences that I’ve learned as a student in the US. Everything I have now is from this, and I’m really thankful.” – Mustafa from Saudia Arabia, University of South Carolina
Finding Your Place as an International Student in the US
Mustafa credits his advisor from the IAP program with setting him up for success, from helping him master the English language to finding the right master’s program on the other coast of the United States, far away from South Carolina.
“I would honestly say [that] the IAP program [at] the University of South Carolina took me from a person who had nothing,” said Mustafa. “I think that I have achieved a lot of my goals in life, even though I’m only 26.”
Mustafa understands the challenges international students face: The first step is finding the right university. The second step is to have courage.
“Students should look for a good program that suits their futures. Difficulties are everywhere. If they are in their home country and they want to come to the United States, they just have to come and conquer those difficulties,” he said. “It will make them stronger people. It will make them great leaders in the future.”