GE elite training course fast tracks corporate leaders of tomorrow

The students were chosen from universities across the Middle East such as the American University of Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE; King Fahd University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; American University of Cairo, Egypt; American University of Beirut, Lebanon.

"We look forward to bringing on board young talent with the traits of what GE calls a 'growth leader', that is, talent with imagination, vision and clear-thinking who can take the company to new heights of growth. GE's Summer Internship Program allows us to tap into the huge pool of ambitious and enthusiastic students from across the region, and identify such potential candidates," said Nabil Habayeb, GE's President and CEO for Middle East and Africa.

The 15 interns - students of Finance, Engineering and Management Information Systems at their Universities - underwent eight weeks of intensive on-the-job training. They spent time in various departments of GE Energy including Optimization & Control, Energy Rentals, and Contractual Services amongst others, in Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Abdullah Taibah, Regional Executive and General Manager, GE Energy for Middle East and Africa, said: "The GE Summer Internship Programme was established to offer talented students in the region an insight into GE's widely acclaimed business policies and practices, as well as bridge the gap between University education and work experience. So far, more than 38 students from across the region have experienced this programme and its success has encouraged us to further develop it in the region."

"This year, we have succeeded in expanding this programme to include students from King Fahd University in Saudi Arabia. Next year we hope to extend the range even further to include other GE Middle East markets."

"The Summer Internship Programme reaffirms GE's commitment to the Middle East region and, through this programme, GE Energy hopes to transfer its global knowledge and technological know-how to local students who will become the leaders of tomorrow."

Waly Ahmed Abdel-Latif El Taher, a student at the American University of Cairo and one of the interns, said: "My project for the programme was challenging, I had to create a plan to achieve the project goals."

"It was exhilarating to be part of a global corporation like GE, even if it was for a short period of time. I am grateful to have been offered this unique opportunity. I am looking forward to completing my education and then I am going to try really hard to get back into GE by applying for GE's Field Engineering programme."

Ahmed A. Al-Essa, a student of King Fahd University, Saudi Arabia, said: "The work environment at GE is professional and a great emphasis is put on integrity of work - for me this was truly a learning experience. I enjoyed my eight weeks of training with GE as it was relevant to my subjects at college."

"While working with GE, I became acquainted with its philosophy of periodically sending their employees for various training courses. This ensures the employees are continuously developing their skills in the professional and personal arena. I would love to be a GE employee in the future."