Home Country: Saudi Arabia
Graduation Year: 2013
Major: Graphic Design
Please briefly introduce yourself and where you are from.
My name is Khadija Al Mousa, and I’m from Dammam in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has always been home to me, but moving to Portland to pursue my bachelor’s degree became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. Living abroad gave me the opportunity not only to earn my degree, but also to grow personally, become more independent, and experience a completely different culture.
Why Portland and why PSU?
Portland State University was one of the university options available to me through the Saudi embassy, but there were also personal reasons that made Portland stand out. My sister had moved there a year before me, so having family already in the city made the idea of studying abroad much less intimidating.
I was also drawn to Portland itself. It felt welcoming, and I liked that PSU was located in the heart of the city, giving students the opportunity to experience both campus life and everything Portland had to offer. I ultimately earned my Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, a field I had always been passionate about. Looking back, choosing PSU was one of the best decisions I could have made.
What was your first impression of Portland? How did your impression change over time?
My first impression of Portland was how different it felt from home, not only because of the weather, scenery, and culture, but because of the lifestyle. I moved to Portland in 2008, and at that time Saudi Arabia was very different from what it is today. Women were not yet allowed to drive, so moving to the United States meant adjusting to a much more independent way of living. Suddenly, I was responsible for navigating a new city, managing my daily life, and making decisions on my own.
At first, it was difficult. It was my first time leaving my family and my country, so I was very homesick. Thankfully, Portland was such a safe, welcoming, and homey city that it made the transition much easier.
Over time, I became more confident, independent, and comfortable. Portland gradually became a second home, and I built friendships and memories that I still cherish today. In fact, some of the people I met during my time at PSU are still close friends to this day. After spending five years there, leaving Portland and returning to Saudi Arabia was much harder than I ever expected.
Could you briefly describe your professional and/or educational journey after graduating from PSU? What are you doing currently?
After graduating from PSU, I returned to Saudi Arabia and began my professional career with Saudi Aramco in cybersecurity, focusing on security awareness. Although it was not a traditional graphic design role, I quickly realized how valuable my design background was. I used my graphic design skills to create engaging awareness campaigns and communicate complex cybersecurity concepts in ways that were visual, simple, and easy for people to understand.
As my career progressed, I transitioned into Digital and Information Technology at Saudi Aramco. Today, I lead the Technology Advocacy Group, where I promote digital solutions developed within the company to help employees work more efficiently. My team organizes awareness campaigns, events, and engagement initiatives that encourage the adoption of these technologies across the organization. My role combines technology, communication, marketing, and user experience, bringing together many of the skills I first developed while studying graphic design.
Alongside my career, I recently completed my MBA at emlyon Business School, which strengthened my leadership, strategic thinking, and business knowledge. Looking ahead, I hope to continue building a career that connects technology, innovation, and people.
How did your time at PSU prepare you for your career or further education after graduation?
Looking back, I realize that my degree prepared me in ways I did not fully appreciate at the time. Graphic design taught me much more than creating visuals. It taught me how to communicate ideas effectively, understand users’ needs, solve problems creatively, and think strategically.
Those skills have been valuable throughout every stage of my career, from cybersecurity awareness to my current role in Digital and Information Technology. Even though my career evolved beyond traditional design, the foundation I built at PSU continues to influence how I approach communication, technology adoption, and innovation.
Beyond academics, studying abroad also helped me become more independent and adaptable. Moving from Saudi Arabia to the United States in 2008 was a significant transition, especially during a time when life for women in Saudi Arabia was very different. Living and studying in Portland challenged me to grow in ways that continue to benefit both my personal and professional life.
PSU also gave me the confidence and academic foundation to continue learning, which eventually led me to pursue my MBA.
What advice would you give a prospective international student who is thinking about studying in the United States?
My biggest advice is to keep an open mind. You will meet people from different cultures, backgrounds, and personalities, and that is one of the greatest benefits of studying abroad. Be curious, be respectful, and be willing to learn from others while also sharing your own culture.
I also believe it is important to represent your home country in the best way possible. Every interaction is an opportunity for people to learn something about where you come from, so be kind, respectful, and proud of your identity.
Finally, do not be discouraged if the beginning feels difficult. Missing home is completely normal. Give yourself time to adjust, step outside your comfort zone, and embrace the experience. Before you know it, the place that once felt unfamiliar may become a second home.
What is your favorite memory of your time at PSU?
Although I have many wonderful memories from my time at PSU, including studying alongside my sister and earning a degree in Graphic Design, one experience stands out the most:
I first worked with international students in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) and later joined the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. Every international student would visit the office for assistance with their I 20, immigration documents, and other questions related to their studies in the United States.
What meant the most to me was not just the job itself, it was the relationships I built. Over time, students started asking for me by name, even though many of them had never met me before. Knowing that people trusted me enough to seek my help was incredibly rewarding. At such a young age, earning that level of trust and being able to support students who were going through the same transition I had once experienced is something I will never forget.
Looking back, that experience reinforced something that has remained constant throughout my career. I genuinely enjoy helping people, communicating clearly, and making others feel supported. Whether working with students, promoting cybersecurity awareness, or helping employees adopt new technologies, that passion has stayed with me every step of the way.