DSS selects apprentice from Cairo University

Now covering seven key markets across the region - including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, & Egypt - and with more than twenty 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, one of the most successful tourism marketing events of the region.

Hend will be the official representative from Egypt interning within the DSS Apprenticeship Programme 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.

She 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 programme 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.

While in Dubai for their apprenticeship, the students will be hosted by Qamardeen Hotel, operated by Southern Sun, the very first hotel to open its doors in the Old Town at Downtown Burj Dubai. Recipient of this year's prestigious World Travel Awards citation as 'Africa's Leading Hotel Brand', Southern Sun also operates Al Manzil Hotel, with both properties located close to the spectacular Burj Dubai.

The winners will be staying in one of the 186 well-appointed rooms of the hotel - which includes 13 luxury suites - and will be able to make use of a host of amenities to make their stay more enjoyable. Staying in touch with their families back home will also be a breeze since all rooms and suites offer complimentary high speed Internet access.

"This will be a summer I won't forget for a long time. To be working for such a high-profile and successful event will have a big impact on my life, both as a student and later as a professional. I am excited at the prospects of learning from some of the best marketing and event management practitioners in the industry as this has been a career option that has always fascinated and intrigued me. Now, I have the chance to experience it first-hand", said Hend Mahgoub, 3rd year statistics student at Cairo University.

Hend alongside five other students were nominated by Cairo University 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 Egypt Apprentice for the year 2007.

In her winning essay, Hend said, "I would contact some of the leading tour operators in the United States and Europe and conduct a series of aggressive marketing presentations and workshops followed by exclusive family trips to Dubai where they are able to experience the festival first-hand and further recommend it to their clients."

Mahmoud Al Fishni, Student Affairs General Manager at Cairo University said, "Congratulations to DSS for this laudable programme. The link from theory to practice is best provided by internships. With DSS, not only do students get a chance to apply what they have learned within their curriculum, but also learn invaluable insights from people who have already succeeded in making DSS one of the most respected event management success stories in the region. We are really happy for Hend because this will be an experience she will never forget."

Khulood Al Thani, DSS Marketing Manager said: "We congratulate Hend on her selection as the DSS Apprentice from Cairo University. A high-pressure environment can be a good test of your capabilities and character. Rest assured, however, you will be working with very supportive mentors who are just as excited as you are in working together to make DSS a further success."