Gina Cordahi Eid (BA 2000) writes, “After having graduated back in 2000 from the Faculty of Business with a Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy, I started my career as a Press Officer at the Embassy of India. It was an enriching experience and a good start to my career. I served as a Liaison Officer between the Ambassador and local political officials and handled contact with the local press. I also used to follow the news and write reports. Interpretation and translation were also part of my responsibilities. After serving 3 years at the Embassy, I thought it was time to move forward since I was ready to explore other and more challenging options.

I tried looking for opportunities in areas related to my field of study, but with no avail! I therefore decided to tap into to a totally new and different industry that was alien to my expertise at that time. I moved to Bank Audi back in 2003 as a Marketing & Communication Officer and then became Head of Business Development Unit at the Retail Department in 2008. The 8 years spent at Bank Audi have helped me acquire various skills that included, but were not limited to: technical know-how, management skills, and skills to grow and develop the business, communication skills, and the vigilance to champion customers' current and future needs through effective communication, monitoring and analysis.

From Bank Audi, I recently moved to the American University of Beirut in the role of Business Development Officer at the Regional External Programs (REP) Office. My new challenge consists of identifying new business opportunities and untapped potential, playing a key role in the REP market intelligence function through monitoring and analyzing relevant public sector and business activities in the region. Preparing research studies to match available or potential opportunities with AUB capabilities and resources, initiating project proposals, liaising with REP clients for purposes of project implementation, evaluation and feedback, monitoring and updating market databases and preparing relevant reports are also part of my current responsibilities. Travel in the region might be required, depending on the needs of the projects.

I can say with a high tone; undeniably, my degree at NDU gave me a good start and a solid background to initiate a sound career path.  

I am happily married to Samer Eid, who happens to be an NDU graduate, for the past 5 years and have two children, Tatiana (three and half years old) and Alex nearly two years old.