Lujain Al-Qenaei

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced its participation in the "Head Start" training program launched by INJAZ Kuwait. The program targets undergraduate college students and aims to train them in building their CVs and preparing for job interviews.

The program comes in response to the needs of the current job market, and provides participants with the social and personal skills needed to start a career. The training program includes instruction on basic concepts which allow participants to explore various career interests and opportunities, as well as develop key job skills and field training.

On Gulf Bank's part, five volunteers from the Bank also participated in sessions to provide Gulf University of Science and Technology (GUST) students with advice on building professional CVs and resumes. In addition, the Gulf Bank volunteers conducted a series of mock interviews with students to assist in building participants' confidence and helping them present themselves in the best possible way.

Regarding this initiative, Lujain Al-Qenaei, Assistant Manager for Corporate Communications at Gulf Bank, said: "At Gulf Bank, we are always keen to collaborate with INJAZ Kuwait as part of our commitment to economic sustainability. The 'Head Start' program is one of the most beneficial programs for young men and women who are at the cusp of starting their professional careers.

One of the online meetings with the students.

We are thrilled that we were able to help 38 university students prepare for the next phase of their lives, and wish them the utmost luck and success. We hope that together, we can all contribute our efforts towards achieving a more sustainable economy. "

It is worth noting that the program lasted for two days, and was held virtually in light of current circumstances and in the interest of social distancing. The Gulf Bank employees who participated in the Head Start training program were: Hamad Bahrouh, Khaled Sadeq, Mohammed Al Dughaishem, Ali Behbehani, and Mariam Dhafeeri.

Gulf Bank provides ongoing support to INJAZ Kuwait, a non-profit, non-governmental organization for education and training in workforce readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship. As part of their ongoing strategic partnership with INJAZ, Gulf Bank sponsored INJAZ Kuwait's annual "Company Program" competition in which students pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges.

In light of this year's circumstances, this year's competition was held virtually, with each of the winners taking home valuable prizes sponsored by Gulf Bank. Last year, Gulf Bank also participated in three INJAZ Al-Arab programs: a training day with INJAZ Kuwait, a creative camp with INJAZ Kuwait, and a workshop on entrepreneurship in INJAZ Kuwait.