Sep 15, 2025

NextGen HIPO Program Advances Early-Career Professionals

KFUPM has launched the NextGen High-Potential (HIPO) Program, an initiative designed to accelerate the professional growth of its most promising young employees. The event brought together structured learning, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, giving participants a clear path to strengthen their skills and prepare for future responsibilities both within and outside the university.

The launch gathered selected participants and their mentors for an orientation session that outlined the program’s structure, explained its goals, and introduced the digital platform created to guide participants throughout their journey. Attendees were given resources and user materials to help them begin with confidence, while mentors emphasized the importance of support and guidance at each stage.

NextGen HIPO will run over two years, divided into four six-month phases. Each phase is dedicated to a different area of development. The program begins with a focus on behavioral effectiveness, then technical expertise, followed by leadership preparation and strategic thinking. This structure ensures that participants progress step by step, building a broad foundation before moving on to more complex skills.

Candidates were nominated by their departments according to defined eligibility criteria, with the Talent Management Department overseeing the process. This ensured that participants were chosen not only for their performance, but also for their readiness to commit to the program’s requirements. Each participant has been paired with an experienced mentor, creating a space for guidance, reflection, and feedback.

To help participants stay on course, the program includes tools for setting goals, monitoring progress, and applying new skills through real-world assignments. Feedback is built into the process, allowing participants to recognize achievements and address challenges in a constructive way.

Rather than being a one-off training exercise, NextGen HIPO represents a long-term investment in KFUPM’s talent pool. By equipping early-career professionals with structured support, the program aims to prepare them for meaningful roles that contribute to both institutional growth and the wider professional community.