Young Kuwaitis shine in the retail world

Through the scheme, interns have taken on jobs at stores such as H&M, Foot Locker, Debenhams, Topshop and River Island, selling products, serving customers and managing merchandise.

Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman, M.H. Alshaya Co. said:

"Customers visiting our stores would have seen the interns in their branded t-shirts and badges saying 'Jumpstart your Career' - for all these young people, summer has taken on a new meaning but it appears they are having just as much fun."

Talal Abdulla Al Khaldi started his programme by showing his sales ability on the second day.

"I was excited at the prospect of working with one of the fastest growing businesses in the Middle East, but even more excited when I made a single transaction for over 200 dinars," he said.

"I am proud to be working with an international fashion brand like Topman and have enjoyed being exposed to different aspects of customer service and the training has helped me to build my organisational skills. I now have a better understanding of customer needs and knowledge of how companies meet their expectations. I enjoy being part of the team here; they have all been very supportive and fun to work with. "

Seventeen year old Ibrahim Al Houti working in the electronics department of Debenhams said: "Since I started this programme over two weeks ago the most essential thing I have learnt is that customer is always right. Applying this concept has helped me so much in my work that I was able to sell 10 mobile phones on my first day! I feel the joy of a job well done. "

Talking about the work environment, Al Houti said: "I am enjoying my summer here, the team members are friendly and more than happy to share their experiences. Every day brings with it something to laugh about and something new to learn."

Many are finding that summer internships are beneficial and not as boring as they first thought.

Eighteen year old Fatma Mohamed Ashkanani, a student of Mishref High School said: "Initially I was hesitant to work during my vacation, but I am so glad to have taken my parents' advice because I really enjoy what I am doing at NEXT. The staff here are very helpful and I am now responsible for various aspects of visual merchandising. I hope I get the opportunity to work again here next year."

'Jumpstart Your Career' is being coordinated by Mohammed Buhaimed, Recruitment officer who joined M.H. Alshaya Co. in 2006 after completing 12 months as a Graduate Trainee with the company.

The programme finishes on 15th August with a special graduation ceremony where certificates will be presented to the interns.

Mr. Alshaya said the programme has been a resounding success and is one the company is committed to repeating:

"We are already hearing comments from some of this year's interns they would like to return next year, so it is definitely been a great experience. We want young people to realize that work can be enjoyable and rewarding. The world of retail offers many opportunities and we would like to see the new generation embracing this as a long term career. "

The 'Jumpstart your Career' programme was launched on 1st of July 2008 and is running
for more than four weeks.