Seeking talent

A student's life can often seem dull through the academic year. Many young and talented individuals often go unnoticed. However, a group of young entrepreneurs has taken that extra step to start a venture that they hope will spice up that seemingly never-ending boredom.

Spotting the talented

Five MBA graduates from the American University in Dubai (AUD), have set up AU-VIVA, a company that promises to add a spin to every academic year that approaches. 'AU' — an abbreviation for American universities — and 'VIVA' — the Latin word for 'life' — promises to add life to every American university around the globe and recognise those with potential.

The company is holding a five-day student celebration from February 1-5 next year during which all American universities around the world will compete against one another.

The event will have three categories — Miss World of the American Universities, American Universities' Best Project, and the American Universities' Best Talent. Winners will receive a full scholarship at the university they are attending from 2009.

Mohammad Gharib, general manager of AU-VIVA, said: "This programme will bring these talented young students into the spotlight and thus enable companies to recognise their potential."

He emphasised the importance of the brand of "American" universities. "Only a few universities are held under this brand name as they provide high-quality education and hold a certain kind of prestige," he said. "Our company will encourage other cities to foster universities under the American brand name and therefore hold the same quality of education."

Facing obstacles

Among the challenges the young entrepreneurs faced, the main one was money. AUD graduate and AU-VIVA shareholder and financial supporter Rami Saad Eldin, however, came to the rescue.

"Without Rami we never could have gone this far and it would have only remained an idea," Gharib said.

Anthony Lorenzo, AUD graduate and the company's marketing consultant, said that the festival will provide an element missing in many universities — life.

"Many campuses lack competition," he said. "This event not only challenges students, but also provides them with an opportunity for reward."

Communication is key

"Each American university will have an AU-VIVA representative who will be chosen by our HR consultant Ali Motamini. They will be responsible for encouraging students to take part in events," Lorenzo said. "These reps will also be informed of the qualification procedures for candidates and will be in constant communication with the core branch in Dubai."

Lorenzo highlighted communication as the key to the company's success.

"We have an AU-VIVA group on Facebook, which works as an everyday touch-book for communication and information between the company staff and students," he said. "This is in addition to the website … where the audience will have the ability to follow up on a nominated candidate, and the AU-VIVA magazine, which we plan to release in three months."

Rasha Bader and Nathalie Lorenzo, both AUD graduates and public relations representatives for the company, said that their main goal, besides redefining beauty and handling the company's image, is to make being a part of the company the dream of every student.

"As our base branch is located here in Dubai, I will be responsible for the Arabic communication — to reach our Arab audience," Bader said. "We want to reach each student successfully without leaving any one out and we'd like to do this by setting a positive example."

Moral support

Though not written officially in a binding document, AUD has expressed support for the AU-VIVA programme.

"I would truly like to thank AUD executive vice-president Elias Bou Saab and AUD director of Central Services Elie Sawaya who have been very supportive of our vision," Gharib said.

Through support and ambition, what started only as the dream of a few young graduates has now become a reality.

"At the beginning, this only began as an idea where everyone was afraid to make that big leap forward. After all we were only students and the concept seemed amazing but impossible with all the time and money required," Gharib said. "But with a little will power and faith, anything is possible."

Beauty redefined

Among the competitions proposed is a Miss World of the American Universities. Mohammad Gharib, general manager of AU-VIVA, said the section should not be mistaken for a typical beauty pageant, as the company aims to change the definition of the term "beauty".

"This competition will not take into consideration physical appearance. It will require that a girl has proven herself as a hardworking and active student," he said.

"For example, she must have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or above, engaged in extracurricular activities, and have an overall positive attitude. Beauty in this sense will be redefined."

A vision for the future

AU-VIVA is planning for yet a bigger dream. Soon these contests will be opened up to high school students as well.

"A talented student who is in high school but is unable to attend a good university because of financial reasons will have that opportunity," Gharib said.

"The winner will then receive a full scholarship to a university he or she wants to attend. If painting is their gift, may be an arts school; if it's sports, then a university known for its athleticism. Through us, they will be able to fulfil their ambitions."

His colleague Anthony Lorenzo added that the company is also thinking about the possibility of hosting a soccer world cup in which American universities around the world will take part.