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A leading businessman has urged students to reach for the skies as they step out on to the path of a prosperous future.
Amin Al Arrayed, general manager of regional real estate developer First Bahrain, was one of the keynote speakers at The Young Arab Leaders (YAL) Steps to Success workshop at the University of Bahrain.
The workshop will be followed by internships, which aim to help students make a smooth transition from the classroom environment to becoming productive members of the workforce.
Mr Al Arrayed said: "We want to challenge the upcoming generation of Bahrainis to ask themselves, 'What are my goals and what am I prepared to sacrifice to reach them? What is the long-term plan and what experience, education and mentoring will I need to achieve this? How do I convert my plans into actions? And, just as importantly, how do I adapt my plan if it is not succeeding?'"
The Steps to Success workshop aims to assist participants through the process of looking for a job and the development of interview skills.
Mr Al Arrayed emphasised that while many people focus on outward appearance, successful and sustainable careers are built upon a solid inner core of values and a vision for the future.
He added: "Just as a building needs a strong foundation, careers are built on good foundations of character, education and experience. The taller you want to build a building, the longer it takes to dig the foundation. A shallow foundation may enable you to begin to build quickly but you will only be able to go up two or three stories.
"A building that will touch the sky needs to be carefully planned and patiently developed, and the same is true for a successful career.
"In the process of planning out your career, one of the most important things you can discover is your true passions, personal strengths and what your natural gifts are.
"Understanding and cultivating what you are good at, through education, experiences and mentoring, will help you develop and pursue your future with enthusiasm and commitment.
"This brings value to the organisations you work in and creates opportunities for future advancement.
"When you focus on your core vision and values and patiently build a firm foundation through education, experience and mentoring, it enables you to build a sky-scraping career where your strength and passions are showcased, you will have developed a strong personal brand that all can see." Other key note speakers at the event which was attended by a select group of Bahraini students included Ahmed Al Banna, chief people officer of Gulf Air, Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, CEO of KFH-Bahrain and Bassim Al Alawi, managing director of Al Alawi Factories.
