Egypt native Noha Hamed makes the most of a GTCC career fair visit with on-the-spot job offer

“I never would have thought I would land a job immediately from a job fair because I am still a student,” said GTCC student Noha Hamed.

When Noha Hamed and her family emigrated to the United States from Egypt five years ago, she knew she wanted to continue her work in logistics.

“Logistics has always been a passion of mine. I worked with logistics in the past when I was in Egypt,” the 42-year-old Hamed said.

Now a U.S. citizen, she’s also a supply chain management student at Guilford Technical Community College and will graduate from the two-year program in the spring of 2025. By then, she will have three months’ experience on the job with UUL Global, a worldwide logistics company with facilities in Greensboro, N.C.

Hamed’s employment with UUL Global is proof-perfect that career fairs are productive. In fall 2024, she attended a career fair on GTCC’s Cameron campus and visited the UUL Global display. She was hired on the spot.

“I never would have thought I would land a job immediately from a job fair because I am still a student,” said Hamed, who earned a bachelor’s degree in logistics in Egypt.

The supply chain management career fair was one of three hosted by the college in 2024 with 10 to 20 supply chain companies at each.

“Career fairs at community colleges provide students with invaluable opportunities to explore potential career paths, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the skills and qualifications needed for various roles,” said Karen Pentz, supply chain management professor at GTCC. “These events help bridge the gap between education and employment, empowering students to make informed career decisions.”

UUL Global specializes in delivering solutions to unique logistics needs around the world, providing comprehensive logistics and transportation services for businesses of all sizes.

“We’re thrilled to have Noha on board,” said Josh Foster, branch manager for UUL Global. “It’s very clear that GTCC has prepared her for the professional environment. We’re looking forward to her continued growth with the company.”

When she arrived in the United States, Hamed knew very little English, but she has worked hard to conquer that roadblock, especially since beginning work at UUL Global.

“It was very difficult to communicate with my co-workers at times because of the language barrier, but I used what I have learned talking to other students and professors at GTCC, and now I feel more comfortable,” said Hamed, who has two biological children and six stepchildren.

"My husband has been extremely supportive, helping me care for the kids so that I can have the time I need to pursue my education," said Hamed.

Hamed’s student-work success has also been buoyed by her GTCC family.

“The staff has been the biggest help to me in my journey at GTCC,” Hamed explained. “My advisor and the tutoring staff have been a huge help to me.”