Twenty students from Zayed University (ZU) have a chance to join Emirates NBD, a leading banking group, provided they prove themselves through their grades and competence. The opportunity comes after ZU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates NBD, establishing a student sponsorship programme which aims to develop students' careers in the banking sector by providing them with scholarships and work opportunities.
Memorandum of Understanding
The MoU was signed by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of Zayed University, and Ahmad Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of National Human Resource Development and Employment, Chairman of the Emirates Bank Group and Chairman of the Emirates National Development Programme Board of Trustees.
Shaikh Nahyan said the MOU will provide the students with an appropriate working environment and will allow them to earn more experience and enhance their skills through practical training. He added that it will introduce them to the different needs of the labour market in the banking sector.
According to Al Tayer, the agreement is a renewable three-year contract that will be implemented immediately.
"This programme will start right away and it will grow and advance with time. The programme targets UAE nationals in several UAE universities and gives them the opportunity to work in the banking sector," Al Tayer told Notes.
Benefits for students
ZU's students will benefit from the employment and training opportunities this agreement provides. Those recruited to this programme will receive monthly salaries throughout their academic study and a one-month paid summer internship. The students will also go through field training that is consolidated within their curriculum.
Furthermore, the programme will give them access to the bank should they choose to conduct applied scientific projects as part of their graduation requirements. Upon graduation, the students will be offered employment opportunities in the bank.
ZU students are not the only beneficiaries of the programme, as Emirates NBD previously signed a similar agreement with the Higher Colleges of Technology. Al Tayer said that there will be more agreements in future in order to attract more UAE nationals to the private sector.
Selection criteria
Twenty students will benefit from the student sponsorship programme this year, said Suhail Bin Tarrad, HR business partner, wholesale banking and treasury, Emirates NBD.
- They must have a GPA (Grade Point Average) of over 2.5.
- They must be majoring in marketing, finance, information technology, human resources or a major related to the banking sector.
- They will have to go through a number of interviews before they are selected for the final rounds.
