Doha: Vodafone Qatar continued to reap the benefits of its winter internship programme, which was recognised last month by the Shukran Award from Texas A&M University-Qatar. The mobile operator looks with great anticipation to the next round of applications, set to begin on June 3.
The TAMUQ's Shukran Award is a prestigious recognition presented by HE Dr. Mohammed Al Sada to individuals ranging from Ministers of State for Internal Affairs and Education all the way across to the wider Qatar community members recognised for their support and contributions to the University.
"It was a great honour for our internship programme to receive this award, especially from Texas A&M University," said Amro Rashad, Vodafone Qatar's Head of Recruitment and Development. "The students we took on board were chemical and electrical engineers who interned in our retail stores. They supported many prelaunch activities and were part of the launch of Vodafone's retail store at Landmark Shopping Centre."
"Their projects may not have had anything to do with engineering, but still provided invaluable experience to these bright young students," Rashad added. "We're grateful to Mariam Al-Mannaie, TAMUQ's Director of Student Affairs and Career Counseling, who had the faith and trust in us to recognise this fact."
The success of this first internship programme was followed by a second winter session, which kicked off in December 2009 with an open forum featuring Vodafone CEO Grahame Maher, held at the Carnegie Mellon University campus of Qatar University. He spoke in detail about creating a collaborative organisation driven by a strong purpose and values.
In the weeks that followed, a total of seven students from different countries, different schools, and a variety of different school years would be chosen to work in paid positions supporting Vodafone's business. The experience culminated in a presentation to Vodafone Qatar's top management, where the seven students provided their feedback on Vodafone's strengths as an organisation - and areas for development - directly to the highest-ranking leaders in Vodafone Qatar, to resounding applause.
"Taking the decision to spend my last internship in Vodafone changed the business mentality I was taught in school," said Saleh Al Khulaifi, a student at Carnegie Mellon University and intern at Vodafone Qatar during its internship programme, which took place from December 21, 2009, until January 1, 2010. "The best part about my Vodafone experience was the trust they put in me," said CMU student Laila Murad.
"At the end of my internship, I can proudly say I consider myself a part of the Vodafone family, and I recommend this unique experience for everyone," said Carnegie Mellon student Ognjen Popovic, who worked to support Vodafone Qatar's Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives during his tenure as a Vodafone intern.
Vodafone encourages students in Qatar who are interested in participating in the internship program to submit their CVs online at www.vodafone.com/internship. Upon receipt of all applications, a panel of Vodafone employees reduces the field to a short list and notifies the successful candidates via email.
© The Peninsula 2010
