JEDDAH, 4 July 2007 — Alaa Alwan, a Saudi student of the College of Business Administration (CBA), has been selected after a rigorous search to take part in the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) Apprenticeship Program.
Alaa alongside five other students was nominated by CBA to take part in the program while a distinguished panel of judges evaluated the candidates based on academic excellence, quality and originality of submitted essays, and character to finally select the Saudi Apprentice for the Year 2007.
Now covering seven key markets across the region — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon and Egypt — and with more than 20 universities invited to participate, the internship scheme offers the best and the brightest marketing students the chance to get valuable experience and insights in staging of DSS, Khulood Al-Thani, DSS marketing manager, told the media yesterday.
“We had an excellent batch this year, and it was a tough decision to make. But Alaa not only showed that she was capable, but also that she had the right attitude about the opportunity. It is a learning experience, and a chance to establish a network that will be valuable later on in her career. I have every confidence Alaa will succeed in her mission,” said Susan Murshid, director of marketing & PR, CBA.
Alaa will be the official representative from the Kingdom interning within the apprenticeship program this year, which seeks to challenge students pursuing marketing and business administration courses to enhance the appeal of DSS as the region’s most spectacular summer festival.
Alaa will receive an all-expense-paid two-week trip to Dubai to work on one of the most awaited events in the world. The apprenticeship program provides students excellent opportunities for training and exposure in marketing and event management by working closely with professionals who have helped make DSS what it is today — one of the most successful and high-profile events in the region.
“I thank Allah for giving me this opportunity and being chosen to represent the Kingdom. It was a tough selection and the pool of candidates was really strong. I wasn’t expecting anything, but hoped that I would be given the chance. This is a great stepping stone for me to establish a good network and a definite future career in marketing and event management,” Alaa said.
“My main responsibility will be to highlight the different cultures during this summer fiesta and turn Dubai into a world museum,” she added.
In her winning essay, Alaa said, “My proposed strategy for next year’s DSS is to have every street in Dubai witness this event like never before. Dubai will therefore be ‘The Museum of the World.’ Each district will be hosting a different continent.”
