On December 17, 2024, an information session was organized by the Career and Alumni Center for 3rd and 4th-year students of the School of Economics and Management at Khazar University. As part of the bank's "Dual Hour" project, Afandi Aliyev, an employee of the Business Credit Analysis Department and a lecturer at Khazar University, delivered a presentation on "The Role and Importance of Financial Analysis in Corporate Banking".
He discussed services and financing processes for large companies, corporate credit analysis, market efficiency, information asymmetry, credit analytical skills, and other related aspects. Mr. Aliyev also provided information about current vacancies at the bank.
The session concluded with students' questions being answered.
On December 12, 2024, a meeting was organized by the Career and Alumni Center between eiGroup and 3rd and 4th-year students of the School of Science and Engineering. At the meeting, Naila Khalafli, the chief specialist in talent engagement, provided detailed information about the company's main mission, areas of activity, implemented projects, and current vacancies. Additionally, the company's specialist Sabina Gulizada shared practical insights about CV preparation and key points to focus on during job interviews.
It is worth noting that the foundation of eiGroup was laid in 2015 based on the eiLink R&D Center, which emerged from a collaboration between Khazar University and a group of specialists from the oil and gas industry. The initial idea behind this center was to create mutual opportunities for education and industry to benefit from each other through joint research and scientific studies.
At the end of the event, the students' questions were answered by the specialists.
On December 10, 2024, a training session titled "Towards Career Goal: Secrets of a Successful Start" was conducted for final-year students of the School of Science and Engineering, organized by the Career and Alumni Center. The training was led by Ilaha Tinavasova, head of the Languages Department at Baku Modern Education Complex, a Khazar University instructor and alumnus.
The training covered effective CV preparation, job search strategies, professional email writing rules, and included extensive discussions about LinkedIn profile optimization, job search platforms, and related topics.
At the end of the training, students expressed gratitude to Ilaha Tinavasova for the valuable information and practical recommendations, and shared their hope for more such events to be organized in the future.
On November 15, 2024, with the organization of the Career and Alumni Center, Khazar University hosted a meeting with its graduates working in Norway, including Ramil Aliyev, Oslo Azerbaijani House President, Östenşö district municipal committee member, Norway coordinator for Scandinavian Azerbaijanis Coordination Council; Fariz Nadir Rzayev, Oslo Marienlyst Primary School consultant, Chair of Norwegian-Azerbaijani Youth Organization (NAYO).
The meeting was attended by Khazar University's leadership, staff, and instructors. The university's founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli welcomed the guests, expressing his pleasure at seeing them at the higher education institution. Ramil Aliyev provided extensive information about his education after graduating from Khazar University and his activities in Norway. He also talked about how much he enjoyed his time as a student.
R. Aliyev also introduced the guests from Norway and provided information about them.
During the meeting, discussions focused on establishing, expanding and developing new connections between Norwegian higher education institutions and Khazar University, mutually beneficial cooperation between centers, faculties and departments of higher education institutions, conducting scientific research, facilitating faculty and student exchanges and other issues.
“The 2024 Women Changing the World - America Awards” ceremony was held in New York on October 8, 2024. At the ceremony, Dr. Sevinc Iskenderova, a staff member at Bridgewater College in Virginia, USA, and a graduate of Khazar University, was honored with three awards – gold medals in the “Women in Education” and “Rising Star” categories, and a bronze medal in the “Emerging Leader of the Year” category.
It should be noted that “The Women Changing The World Awards” are a global awards program recognising the work of women making a positive difference in the world across a range of industries and areas including business, leadership, health, education, innovation and technology and aim to shine a light on the growing number of women who are making a significant impact in their communities and inspire others to take action towards positive change.
Dr. Iskenderova has extensive experience and significant achievements in higher education. She also shares her thought-provoking advice: “This journey can be challenging, but every small step matters. Be determined and believe in your power to make an impact.”
Dr. Iskenderova has published several peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals, won the World Bank Higher Education Award, and her research has been presented at national and international conferences.
For the complete list of winners, visit: https://wcwawards.com/winners-americas
About the "Women Changing the World Awards": https://wcwawards.com/
On October 16, 2024, an information session was held at Khazar University by the Azerbaijan branch of AIESEC (International Association of Students in Economics and Business) organized by the Career and Alumni Center. The main objective was to provide students with information about AIESEC and its exchange programs: global volunteering abroad, paid internship programs, and host family project.
The event was conducted by AIESEC volunteer Jala Zeynalzade, a third-year student from Khazar University's School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, along with other volunteers.
During the event, students approached AIESEC's information board and obtained detailed information about the benefits of programs offered by the organization.
New Dean Appointed to the School of Economics and Management at Khazar University
Raziya Isayeva, a graduate of Khazar University, has been appointed as the Dean of the School of Economics and Management at the university.
Prior to this new appointment, Raziya Isayeva served for many years as the Director of the Development Center at Khazar University.
R. Isayeva holds a bachelor's degree in International Economic Relations and a master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Khazar University. She also holds a master's certificate in Project Management from George Washington University. Additionally, she has completed various training programs at universities in the United Kingdom and the USA.
In 2024, she received her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Lapland, Finland, defending her doctoral dissertation on "Student Engagement in Post-Soviet University - Current Situation and Perspectives in Azerbaijan and Estonia." In her doctoral dissertation, she investigated ways to improve student learning experiences in post-Soviet countries. The research contributes to existing knowledge about student engagement by demonstrating how it is structured and implemented in post-Soviet universities. It should be noted that Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, also closely participated in R. Isayeva's defense at the University of Lapland.
R. Isayeva has extensive experience in developing and managing projects funded by Erasmus+EU. She is the author of the Erasmus+ "PETRA" project (573630-EPP-1-2016-1-ES-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP) implemented in Azerbaijan during 2016-2019. She is also the author and implementer of many other international and national projects. R. Isayeva has extensive management experience in various organizations operating in Azerbaijan. She has worked in industry and human resources management for many years.
We wish R. Isayeva success in her new position.
On October 3, 2024, an event titled "The Life of a Teacher is in You and Me" was held, dedicated to October 5 - International Teachers' Day. The event was organized by the Career and Alumni Center with the support of the Department of Languages and Literature.
The event was attended by first-year students newly admitted to Khazar University's "Azerbaijan Language and Literature Teaching" and "Philology (Azerbaijan Language and Literature)" programs, as well as alumni who graduated from the same specialties in different years. The alumni included Farid Karimov (CELT Colleges, manager for education abroad), Barat Alizade (head of Makropack company), Vafa Abbasli (Deputy director of Gadabay Secondary School No. 1 named after Ilham Aliyev, teacher of Azerbaijani language and literature), Ayshem Bashirova (host, reporter, editor at Azerbaijan Television JSC), Ilaha Tinasanova (department head at Baku Modern Education Complex), Arifa Mahmudova (Azerbaijan Language and Literature teacher and trainer at FZ Academy), and Aytaj Valiyeva (reporter and editor at ARB Media Group, "Daily Telegraph" LLC). Some of their former university professors also participated.
The main goal of the event was for alumni to share their success stories with first-year students studying the same specialties, aiming to increase their interest in their fields of study.
Zarifa Aliyeva, director of the Career and Alumni Center, spoke about the importance of maintaining continuous connections between alumni and educational institutions. Assoc. Prof. Dilbar Zeynalova, head of the Department of Languages and Literature, shared memories about the alumni and recited Musa Yagub's poem "Teacher's Life". Dr. Reyhan Madatova, a department instructor, gave advice to first-year students.
In their speeches, the alumni recalled unforgettable moments from their student years, teachers, and university life. They emphasized what to focus on for a successful career, the importance of personal development, and the significance of foreign language skills. Additionally, alumnus Barat Alizade presented copies of his authored books "Dreamer" and "Code Name: Awakening" to the Khazar University library.
The event concluded with commemorative photos being taken.
On October 9, 2024, a seminar titled "The Role of SOFAZ in Ensuring Sustainable Economic Development in Azerbaijan" was held at Khazar University for students of the School of Economics and Management. The event was organized by the Career and Alumni Center with the support of the School of Economics and Management and was conducted by the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ).
Zarifa Aliyeva, Director of the Career and Alumni Center, introduced the guests and spoke about the significance of the event. Dr. Khanim Omaroglu, Acting Dean of the School of Economics and Management, provided general information about the school and emphasized the importance of future collaboration between the school and SOFAZ.
The event featured presentations by SOFAZ representatives: Ulviyya Mehraliyeva, Head of the Strategic Communication Department, on "An Overview of SOFAZ"; Nazrin Mansurlu, Chief Trader of the Investment Department, on "SOFAZ Investment Directions"; and Kamran Alizade, Leading Economist of the Energy Projects Department, on "SOFAZ's Role in Production Sharing Agreements and Strategic Projects."
Students actively participated in the meeting by asking various questions to the speakers.
On June 11, 2024, the "Accessbank Day" took place for senior students majoring in "Computer Science" and "Computer Engineering," organized jointly by the Career and Alumni Center and the School of Science and Engineering. During the session, Khumar Huseynova, Education and Development Manager at Accessbank, provided comprehensive details about the company's operations, objectives, and primary aims.
Following that, Farid Heydarov, Deputy Director of Accessbank's Information Technology Development department, elaborated on the "IT summer school" program and the bank's recruitment procedures, addressing student inquiries during his presentation. Accessbank's Business Partnership Specialist, Rima Jafarova, discussed the company's recruitment success strategy, initial research, career interests, personal branding, CV writing techniques, interview preparation, and frequently asked questions. The session concluded with responses to questions from the students.
From June 1-2, 2024, Khazar University's Career and Alumni Center organized a visit to Shusha, often described as the pearl of Azerbaijan. University management, staff, and alumni participated in the tour, which included visits to cultural landmarks such as the Jidir Plain, Samad bey Mehmandarov's mansion, Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque, Mausoleum Complex of Molla Panah Vagif, Shusha Castle, Khan's daughter Natavan's House Museum, and Bulbul's House Museum.
On June 2, 2024, the second day of the visit, a scientific seminar titled "The Great Worried Man" was conducted by Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees. The seminar focused on the life, literary contributions, and social activities of Ahmed Bey Agaoglu, a prominent social and political figure in Azerbaijan and Türkiye, journalist, educator, and writer. The seminar took place at the conference hall of the "Garabag" hotel in Shusha.
Assoc. Prof. Dilbar Zeynalova, the head of the Department of Languages and Literatures, who opened the scientific seminar with an introduction, briefly spoke about Hamlet Isakhanli's studies on influential figures in Azerbaijan's literary and social circles during the 20th century. She highlighted Ahmed Bey Agaoglu as a significant figure, a great public figure who opened his eyes to the world in the city of Shusha.
Then the floor was given to Hamlet Isakhanli, the keynote speaker of the scientific seminar. He spoke about the social and political endeavors of Ahmed Bey Agaoglu, a prominent voice in 20th century Azerbaijani public discourse. H. Isakhanli elaborated on Ahmed Bey Agaoglu's dynamic life journey and intellectual vigor, deeply concerned with the future of his people.
He also covered his roles as an editor, journalist, founder of organizations, parliamentarian, and opposition figure, emphasizing his works that addressed issues in both Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Hamlry Isakhanli extensively discussed the book "The Great Worried Man," dedicated to Ahmed Bey Agaoglu and encompassing his bibliography. Following H. Isakhanli, Dr. Madina Karahan, a lecturer in the Department of Languages and Literatures and co-author of a dissertation on A. Agaoglu's activities in Türkiye, addressed the audience. She provided detailed insights into the responsibilities involved in compiling A. Agaoglu's bibliography, highlighting his diverse creative output and the richness of his legacy.
The seminar concluded with Hamlet Isakhanli answering questions from the participants.
On May 16, 2024, Khazar University Career and Alumni Center arranged a meeting between Fish Farm company and final-year students of the School of Economics and Management. During the meeting, Ulviyya Jafarova, the company's leading human resources specialist, provided detailed information about Fish Farm's activities and objectives and introduced the students to the “International Sales Specialist” development program. She emphasized that the program aims to train a new generation of specialists in international sales with experience in aquaculture, caviar production, and sales, and invited students to apply to the program.
The company will organize an exam for the registered students. Those who pass the exam will join the two-year paid "International Sales Specialist" development program, gaining the opportunity to grow as specialists.
At the end of the meeting, participants' and students' questions were answered.
On May 4, 2024, the event "Grand Alumni Homecoming 2024" organized by the Career and Alumni Center, was held with the aim of establishing close ties and enhancing cooperation between qualified and professional individuals who once studied at Khazar University, and now hold various positions both within the country and internationally. Graduates of Khazar University from 1996-2010 in various specialties, University management, faculty and staff were invited to the event. More than 150 guests, including about a hundred graduates, participated in the event. M Abbasbeyli, the head of the Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control Service under the Ministry of Economy, M. Abbasbeyli, the chairman of the Board of the State Employment Agency, E. Salahov, the head of the Khazar region Executive Power, J. Mammadov, a deputy of the Milli Majlis, and other authorized persons were among the graduates. The event consisted of a networking and artistic component. Graduates of Khazar University from 1996-2010 across various specialties, along with university management, faculty, and staff, were invited to the event. Over 150 guests attended, including around 100 graduates. Notable attendees among the graduates included M. Abbasbeyli, head of the Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control State Service under the Ministry of Economy, M. Abbasbeyli, chairman of the Board of the State Employment Agency, E. Salahov, head of the Khazar region Executive Power, J. Mammadov, a deputy of the Milli Majlis, among other officials. The event featured both networking and artistic parts.
During the networking part of the event, graduates had the opportunity to meet their fellow students, friends, and teachers in the place where they had graduated years earlier, remembering their cherished student years and sharing their success stories. Later, the participants were invited to the Marble Hall for the artistic segment of the event.
Director of the Career and Alumni Center, Zarifa Aliyeva, welcomed the event participants and invited them to watch a video reminiscing about their student years. In her address, she highlighted the graduates' significance and value to the university. She also encouraged the graduates to continue strengthening their ties with the university and to cooperate further.
The founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees, Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, spoke to the event participants. He highlighted the crucial role of higher education institutions in the lives of young people and expressed his affection for the graduates. "I know the number of my children at home, but I don't know the number of my children at Khazar; they are many!" he remarked. The academician's heartfelt and affectionate speech received applause.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, M. Abbasbeyli, head of the Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control State Service under the Ministry of Economy, spoke about the impact Khazar University left on his and other graduates' lives, and shared memories of their student years.
After all the speeches, the opera "Sevil," written by world-famous composer Fikret Amirov and based on motifs from J. Jabbarli's play of the same name, was performed. The artistic director of the performance was Zulfiyya Sadigova, the head of Khazar University's Music and Art Department and an honored teacher. The main roles were performed by graduates from various years and majors. Their professional performances were met with great enthusiasm and applause.
At the end, memory photos were taken.
On April 2024, 29, Khazar University Career and Alumni Center organized the Audit career day of " KPMG Azerbaijan” company to support the career development of 3rd and 4th year students studying finance, accounting and audit specialties of the School of Economics and management and to create job opportunities for them.
Director of the Career and Alumni Center, Zarifa Aliyeva, opened the meeting and introducing "KPMG Azerbaijan" representatives to the students. Audit director of the company, graduate of Khazar University, Melak Abbasli, gave detailed information about the activities of KPMG. In her presentation, she noted that KPMG Azerbaijan is one of the world's largest professional services networks, mainly providing audit, tax and consulting services. Later, the company's assistant audit manager Ramin Amiraslanov outlined job opportunities and current vacancies within the company. Then the company's employees answered the students' questions.
Following presentations, company staff answered students' questions, culminating in an exam for prospective "KPMG Azerbaijan" employees. Students who successfully pass the exam will be provided with a job by the company.
On March 12, 2024, at 14:00, the Azerbaijan Hotel Association organized a "Future Hospitality Leaders - Success Stories" meeting, facilitated by the Career and Alumni Center. The event took place in the Marble Hall and was attended by students from Khazar University's School of Economics and Management, as well as the School of Science Engineering, specializing in "Tourism" and "Design" respectively. Zarifa Aliyeva, Director of the Career and Alumni Center, extended a warm welcome to the guests and students, emphasizing the significance of raising awareness about the hospitality industry.
Then the dean of the School of Economics and Management Jeyhun Mammadov, after giving brief information about the University and the faculty, emphasized the importance of the development of Tourism and the importance of students ' experience in this field. Bahadur Baysal, coordinator of the School of Economics and Management, and Gahraman Yusupov, faculty member from the same school, also expressed their views on the subject.
Four Seasons Hotel Baku hotel manager Özgür Sezercan, JW Absheron Baku Hotel & The Ritz-Carlton Baku Cluster HR Director Sevinj Purvis, Radisson Hotel Baku Commercial Director Nigar Nasirova, Azerbaijan Hotels Association Deputy Executive Director Narmin Aktash spoke at the event. Each speaker spoke for 10-15 minutes on “The Story Behind Success”, “Why Hospitality” or similar inspiring topics and each shared their success stories with the students and what obstacles they faced while building their careers, what is important to do for the development of hospitality principles, tourism sector they said that they always take initiative to ensure sustainable development.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session. The six most engaged students were chosen as winners, receiving the opportunity to have coffee with the speakers at their respective hotels.
On February 19, 2024, a seminar on "Pathways to Success: Tips for Achieving Your Goals" was held for university students in the Marble Hall of Khazar University, organized by the Career and Alumni Center. The speaker was Jeyhun Mammadov, a member of the Milli Majlis, a master's graduate of Khazar University, a doctor of philosophy in theology. Director of the Career and Alumni Center, Zarifa Aliyeva, welcomed the participants of the event, provided an overview on the activity of the center and expressed her thoughts and opinions on the importance of enhancing the ties between the graduates and the university.
Rector of Khazar University, Assoc. Prof. Irada Khalilova, emphasized the importance of such events organized by the center and especially important for students. In his speech, Jeyhun Mammadov gave recommendations on what students should pay attention to in order to be successful in their future personal and business lives, and told them about the importance of time management, spirituality, morality, language skills and so on. He underscored how such gatherings and activities contribute to the growth of Azerbaijani youth, enhancing their knowledge, skills, and broadening their intellectual horizons.
Representatives of Dost Youth Development Club organized by Jeyhun Mammadov also participated in the event. The chairman of the club, Omar Huseyinli, gave detailed information about the activities of the club and invited the students to cooperate with them. In the end, the deputy of the Milli Majlis answered the questions of the students.
On February 24, 2024, a round table on the topic "Exploring the Path to Teaching" was organized for the final year students of Khazar University majoring in "Primary class teaching" with the joint organization of the Career and Alumni Center and the Department of Education. The speakers were graduates of Khazar University for various years, who are currently employed as primary school teachers in both public and private secondary special education institutions across the country. Sabina Mammadbayova, primary school teacher at secondary school No. 275, Fidan Seyidzade, Primary School teacher at Landau school, Gulara Atayeva, pre-school teacher at Kaspi Kids, Ulviyya Fatiyeva, primary school teacher at Baku Modern Education Complex, Alsu Velizadeh, a primary school teacher at the XXI Century International Education and Innovation Center, and Fatima Bedirova, who works as a primary and STEAM teacher at the Evrika Lyceum, spoke and shared the knowledge and skills she acquired at Khazar University, as well as her experience in pedagogical activities. Their presentations covered topics such as the significance of teacher-student-parent relationships, effective implementation of inclusive education, the importance of pedagogical communication, and other pertinent issues.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session with the participating students.
On February 27, 2024, the "Deloitte Accounting Bootcamp" project was launched for final year and master's students of Khazar University studying Finance, Accounting and other relevant specialties within the framework of the cooperation of the Career and Alumni Center and Deloitte.
As the initial stage of the project, a test exam consisting of mathematical and logical questions was held. Candidates who successfully complete the test will be involved in the project and will have the chance to join the trainings conducted by tax department employees at Deloitte company for 2 months and improve their accounting knowledge.