Putting theory into action

Qatar Airways’ six-month internship programme benefits travel and tourism students

Fast-changing economies and competitive job markets mean that students can no longer depend merely on theoretical knowledge to secure a well-paid job. Gaining practical experience has, in most cases, become even more important than classroom learning.

Recognising this need, Qatar Airways has launched an internship programme for travel and tourism students, giving them the opportunity to put theory into practice.

What are the benefits of enrolling for the programme? Notes spoke to the man who introduced the programme in the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Excerpts from an interview with Ali Al Rais, Senior Manager of Commercial Operations, Gulf, Yemen, Iran and South East Asia, Qatar Airways.

Tell us a little about the programme.
Qatar Airways introduced training programmes in this region around seven years ago, but the current internship programme was introduced approximately a year ago.

The training lasts six months and it includes 10 days of classroom instruction. The rest of the time is spent on the job, learning all aspects of our business from airport-based roles, front and back office operations and marketing.

Which college/university is Qatar Airways currently working with?
We have been working with Skyline College of Sharjah as it offers a course in travel and tourism. We help the students apply what they have learnt in the classroom in the workplace.

What are the criteria for selecting students? Are there any special qualities that students must have?
Our internship programme students are enrolled in travel and tourism courses at their colleges and universities.

This is important, because the students have already shown an interest in the business and have background knowledge of how the industry works.

What are the opportunities for students once the training is over? In which fields related to travel and tourism will they be qualified to work?
The Qatar Airways internship programme exposes students to all aspects of our business.

Therefore, the students completing the course have a good understanding of all the roles involved in an international airline such as Qatar Airways and have a better idea of which area they will specialise in.

Does Qatar Airways offer jobs to some of the students once training is over?
The internship programme is part of the students’ ongoing education, not the conclusion. Once they have completed our programme, the students go back to their colleges and continue with their courses.

Of course, once the students have graduated, we would be happy to see them applying for positions at Qatar Airways.

Has the programme been successful so far? Why or why not?
The programme has enjoyed initial success, but we want to build on this. There is a shortage of native Arab speakers in the industry and this was one of the main reasons behind introducing an internship programme for students across the region.

In any business, it is important to have a local understanding and knowledge at every level of your operation, no where more so than in the travel and tourism industry.

Qatar Airways recognises the importance of offering UAE students the chance to really get to know the industry through our internship programme.

The writer is a mass communications student and editor of the university newspaper at the American University of Sharjah