Industrial Technology Student Spotlight: Ashraf Alkiesoum

(Sept. 4, 2024) -- Fresno State graduate Ashraf Alkiesoum and his family found a great new home in the Central Valley to combine their passion for education.

The Saudi Arabia native and 4.0 student was one of five students who received the Industrial Technology Department's highest master's academic distinctions at graduation last May.  

He credits part of that success to a host of department faculty and staff who also helped him gain valuable skills and knowledge in management, operations, automation, simulations and programming.

Learn more about his background, which also included an undergraduate degree from the College of Health and Human Services at Fresno State) and what's next in this recent interview. 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

“I chose Fresno State because of its emphasis on community and family values, which resonated with me. I wanted to stay close to my family and contribute to my local community. Fresno State's commitment to serving the region and its diverse student body made it the perfect fit.

"I chose Industrial Technology due to my passion for technology and Fresno State's excellent faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong industry connections. I gained valuable skills and knowledge in management, operations, automation, simulation, PLC, basics of the Python programming language, and more through classroom learning and laboratories."

 

Q: What do you consider your hometown and /or where are you a native of?

“I come from a small city called Qatif in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Since arriving here in 2014, Fresno has felt like my hometown.”

Q: Which classes and faculty members have had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State and why?

“I would like to remember and acknowledge the following individuals who have played significant roles in my educational career: Dr. Tanisha Garcia, Dr. Seth (Balaji Sethuramasamyraja), Dr. Alex (Athansios Alexandrou), Dr. Michael, Dr. Arun Nambiar, Mrs. Debra Pichardo, Mr. Ronald Dzerigian, and many others. I am proud to have been a student at Fresno State.”

 

Q: Have you been involved with research on campus, and how will it benefit your career path?

“I participated in the research with a team of students in some educational lessons, including marketing or healthy life in rural cities, researching health systems and their differences at the global level, and researching the use of modern technologies in the development of an integrated online store for my final project in my last semester this year.”

Q: What was your prior background in agriculture?

“I come from a family that owns a lot of livestock. My father worked in the sale of meat and livestock, and he owned a large farm divided harmoniously where livestock was taken care of and crops were grown to feed them. Since I was young, I worked with him after school almost daily until sunset. On the weekends, I worked with him in the retail store, handled financial dealings with shoppers, and learned to manage workers and employees.”

 

Q: Describe any prior jobs or internships, your responsibilities, company department, and how they prepared you for your career path?

“Before returning to school, I spent a considerable amount of time working in various roles, including administrative, technical, and operational positions such as sales, train operation, and administrative work with the Border Guard. Later, I decided to pursue further education and obtained educational certificates from Fresno State, which greatly increased my scientific awareness.”

Q: Have you received any scholarships related to campus, the Jordan College or Ag One?  

"Yes, and I would like to thank everyone for the support I have received."

Q: What’s your potential next career step?

“I am aiming to secure a management position in the Department of Operation, Maintenance, or Occupational Safety to utilize my expertise, experience, and organizational skills to achieve a company’s goals, such as contributing to impactful projects, enhancing teamwork, and improving operational efficiency. ”

“I would also consider earning a doctorate degree due to my passion and fundamental belief in education. This is also something I want to instill in my daughters – the idea that learning and education are continuous processes.”

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

“The biggest challenge for me has been learning English at a late age and pursuing my degrees despite facing setbacks due to my illness. However, with the unwavering support and encouragement of my family and professors, I managed to overcome all these obstacles. Here again, I would like to thank Dr. Arun Nambiar and all the professors and everyone who supported my educational career at Fresno State.” 

“I would like to share a quote for everyone who thinks about the difficulties of life - ‘There is nothing impossible, especially when we consider the right guidance. Have full belief in success, and focus on one goal, even if it takes longer. It is better to start and continue working towards our goals.’”

“Also, I would like to thank my wife and my daughters for their great support and patience throughout my educational journey.”