PHD Information Systems, Saudi Arabian Applicant

A young woman from Saudi Arabia devoted to technological and social progress, computers have stood at the center of my world my entire life. Having known for many years that it is this area of studies where my heart lies for the long term, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from King Fahad University in 2006. Next, I went to Australia to earn my Master’s Degree in Information Systems at XXXX University (2008-2010). My first choice for PHD study is the particularly outstanding doctoral program in Information Technology at University of XXXX.

Since 2012, I have served as a Lecturer in the Information System Department at Taif University in Saudi Arabia. Over the course of this period of time I have been engaged in an enormous amount of research both formal and independent either directly concerned with or closely related to the way in which IT has resulted in a strategic transformation of my country in particular, and the Middle East more generally speaking. Much of my focus has been laboring to accurately assess the readiness of private and public sectors throughout this strategic transformation with especially close attention to the educational system in Saudi Arabia. In less than 15 years, Saudi Arabia has established 24 public universities, 8 private universities, and a total of 494 colleges in 76 cities throughout the country.  Such huge expansion created many opportunities and challenges, especially securing the talent to teach and lead in these organizations.

Female educators have as yet failed to reach the upper echelons of decision-making as concerns educational policy in Saudi Arabia. This is probably not surprising to most given the fact that we were only given the right to drive a car last month. I accept the special challenge that Saudi Arabia represents, with respect to women’s rights and the difficulty associated with glass-ceiling issues, especially in our government institutions. I am optimistic for progress not only because this is my nature but also because I am a tireless leader who very much enjoys inspiring other women. While few women work in strategic positions in the IT industry, there are more of us every year. I hope to engage in research as a graduate student at the University of Houston and broaden my horizons much further with respect to the special challenges faced by women in IT, particularly in the Middle East, the Developing World more generally speaking, and especially Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia recently announced its Vision 2030 initiative, a long-term economic blueprint designed to limit the country's dependence on oil. Troubled by plunging oil prices, for some time now Saudi Arabia has been turning to the IT industry to help fill the void and further the diversification of our economy. One of the most salient symbols of this mammoth investment is the $500-billion-dollar mega city “NEOM” in the north-west of Saudi Arabia, striving to become a place that brings together many of the world’s top companies and their best minds so as to push the frontiers of standards of excellence, especially in IT. Saudi Arabia also teamed up with SoftBank, a Japanese telecommunications and technology group, to launch a new tech fund that will manage as much as $100bn (KRW 113.9 trillion).  In fact, Saudi strategy involves a variety of major players, with major investments being made in the KSA by some of the giants of the Silicon Valley as well as those parts of Europe at the forefront of IT development. Our goal is to create the Silicon Desert.

Radical improvement has already been made in our educational system so as to respond to this great need for well-educated people in the workforce beginning at a young age, tailoring education to meet market requirements and ensuring an ample supply of quality graduates to meet the needs of the future. The Saudi government is aspiring for a minimum of five Saudi universities to be ranked among the top 200 internationally by 2030. We have great opportunities yet we also face great challenges. Saudi Arabia depends upon the acceleration of its IT industry to drive economic and social development, promote good governance, and enhance national security.  To achieve these outcomes, telecommunication providers will need to provide a highly developed and resilient communications infrastructure, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will need to rapidly embrace ICT solutions and services, and the local IT industry will need to innovate and develop more increasingly sophisticated products and services. The education system will also need to refocus its efforts on nurturing the existing ICT skills base. 

By obtaining the PHD Degree in Information Technology at the University of XXXX, I will have the opportunity to fully explore how digitization is central to the successful development of Saudi Arabia's economic interests in line with Vision 2030. I look forward to closely studying the development models of other countries in this area and the extent to which they have been successful at implementing their vision. I also want to learn as much as I can about ways to enhance learning and educational experiences for students in remote areas. After completing your program at the University of XXXX, I look forward to spending the balance of my professional lifetime serving as a professor in my country and also a leader for the progressive advancement of our educational system, always sensitive to the need to fully incorporate women in our decision-making processes and helping women of future generations to have greater opportunities.

Social change is long overdue in Saudi Arabia. Teachers and political leaders need to be more responsive to the way in which society is changing on global levels, particularly with respect to following the lead of highly developed countries where women have the greatest freedoms.  All Saudi Arabians are ultimately responsible for the future of women in education. I have selected teaching as my profession since I wish to play a significant role in the development of my home community; I would like to encourage women to be educated and supportive of each other. I strongly believe in educating students to become life-long learners so that their discoveries are not limited to just their careers or specific fields. I wish to transfer my knowledge and skills to generations to follow, preparing them for the challenges that will develop along their life paths,

I could not be more devoted to IT and I have always worked very hard to advance in my field. I have met many challenges, especially doing my Masters in Australia despite raising small children at the time. I also worked in a remote area of Australia for almost 5 years, attesting to my dedication, passion, and commitment. I hope to be accepted to your PHD Program at the University of XXXX because we need more well-educated – especially female – decision-makers in our part of the world.

I thank you for considering my application to your PHD Program in Internet Technology at the University of XXXX.