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Securing a dream job is an ambition nurtured by most university graduates.
Helping the kingdom's youngsters in this transition process, from the classroom into the workforce, was the 'Steps to Success' programme that 110 Bahrain University students took advantage of, just before the summer break.
The successful event concluded with 77 of these candidates securing two-month internship in 30 of Bahrain's leading companies in the financial, event management, government, travel, hospitality, telecommunication and ship building sectors.
In this special workshop organised by Young Arab Leaders (YAL) and conducted by Azrek consultants Yasmeen Hasan and Rory Adamson, participants were given a step-by-step guide to help them find successful employment.
Mariam Al Mannai, executive manager of YAL Bahrain, said: "Securing your first job can be one of the hardest things. With hundreds of students graduating from similar universities with similar degrees it is virtually impossible to stand out.
"Preparing your resume, creating the right first impression, knowing how to handle tough interview questions, and setting clear career goals all make a difference to success in the job market. This programme is consistent with YAL's aim of promoting leadership, discipline, knowledge and skills among our youth and helping them recognise and fulfil their potential."
Over a six-day course the youngsters learned critical skills related to job hunting, interview preparation, work ethics, team working, problem solving, personal productivity and communication.
Personal development consultant and Neuro-Linguistic Programming master practitioner, Nasreen Tadayon, guided students on identifying their goals, strengths and skills. The workshop also included motivational speeches by prominent business people.
Marwa Al Obaidly, 21, a management and computer information systems graduate said that she refined her resume and defined her personal objectives in these sessions.
Marwa, who has earlier worked as a trainee as an undergraduate student, and has received a call from the e-Government, said: "This was the first time I have been through an official interview and the mock interviews as part of the workshop was very helpful and helped me become more comfortable and confident."
Second year student of Bachelors in International Politics at the Bahrain University Hassan Al Rayes, 20, echoed his colleague's views and said: "I opted for international politics as I enjoy the subject. These six days have helped me realise that the skills that the degree offers can help me adapt to different workplaces. I have no previous work experience but I have been interviewed by eight companies and have received positive responses from three."
YAL is an independent pan-Arab organisation that aims to achieve even greater youth development in the upcoming years through mentorship programmes and by promoting leadership, discipline, knowledge and skills and helping youth recognise and build up their potential.
YAL high school students, university students and young professionals who have just begun their career path are targeted. Currently, the orgainisation has chapters in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
