UAE’s first specialist e-commerce course draws to a close

Dubai, UAE, 7^th July 2003

Students from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) put three years of e-commerce studies to the test when they completed two months work experience with Comtrust, the e-solutions business unit of Etisalat. The placement is part of a new work experience initiative developed between Comtrust and HCT to fulfill the work placement requirements of the UAE’s first specialist e-commerce educational course, which is being offered by HCT.

“As a driver of regional e-business, Comtrust has always stressed the importance of developing local e-business talent. The imminent graduation of the UAE’s first e-commerce course is proof of HCT’s commitment to this goal. Our ongoing interaction with the local higher education community, and in particular this new work experience initiative, demonstrates Comtrust’s dedication to this development,” said Ahmad Abdulkarim Julfar, General Manager, Comtrust.

Students from Abu Dhabi Women’s College took part in the day-to-day operations of Comtrust’s Abu Dhabi office while the Dubai office hosted students from the Dubai Women’s College. Both colleges are part of HCT.

According to the Business Supervisor of Abu Dhabi Women’s College, Dr. John Sing, the work placement is the final component of HCT’s new 3-year higher diploma in e-commerce. “The e-commerce higher diploma was created to fill a void in the higher educational offering of the emirates. The completion of the work experience section draws the course to a close and we shall now be graduating the UAE’s first e-commerce diploma holders,” he said.

The work placement programme saw selected students undertaking real-life tasks as part of Comtrust. “We ensured the tasks set for the students called upon them to utilize all the skills and knowledge they have gleaned from years of study as well as call upon them to use their own initiative,” explained Julfar.

Over the two-month period, each student was given a number of different projects. The projects catered to different aspects of e-business and various industry segments. According to Comtrust, each project completed was relevant to certain business development undertakings of the time. “The tasks assigned to each student were very much pertinent to Comtrust’s ongoing business requirements. We were impressed by the level of knowledge and work ethic displayed by the students, which enabled them to effectively contribute to Comtrust,” said Julfar.

The success of the initiative, said Humayn Qadri, an instructor at Dubai Women’s College, could be measured in the response from students. “All the participating students found the placement scheme extremely beneficial. Comtrust’s professionalism and preparedness meant all the duties carried out by the students, while at Comtrust, were relevant and meaningful. This opportunity has given them an excellent insight into commercial e-business and has enabled students to apply what they have learnt in a ‘live’ work environment,” he said.

As for Comtrust, the company is keen to continue its successful association with HCT and will lend any required assistance HCT may need. “There is no doubt of the e-business potential incumbent to the UAE’s youth. Through our association with the emirate’s education sector, Comtrust believes it can make an effective contribution to its nurturing,” concluded Julfar.