The IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) is an exceptional opportunity for students looking to pursue a career-related education during their final two years of secondary school. IBCP provides students with a rigorous and comprehensive education that prepares them not only for further studies, but also for success in the workforce. This is achieved through a pioneering experiential learning programme run in partnership with Al Futtaim Group (AFG) targeting students in Year 11 and above. The Programme allows these students to gain industry work experience outside of the DP curriculum time whilst exploring career pathways and focusing on university choices. This experience is gained during summer and term vacations and is made possible through DIS’s strong partnerships with the Al Futtaim Education Foundation and the Al-Futtaim Group.
During term holidays, over the summer, and, possibly, within the school year, Al Futtaim Group will make available to our students opportunities in all sectors including automotive, retail, legal, healthcare, and real estate.
To support students, a Personalised Training Programme (PTP) is created at the outset, tailored to each vacancy, department, and division. To enrol in the programme, the student will have to fill out an online application, send their CVs and go through an interview. After that, applications will be screened, and students will be selected. There will also be weekly check-ups during the programme. In addition, we have developed impact measurements according to each PTP to measure the effectiveness of the programme. Both students and mentors will be asked to complete surveys after the programme.
Summer internships, one of the highlights of the Experiential Learning Programme, provide students with a unique opportunity to work 40 hours a week, simulating a full performance management cycle. With a structured learning developmental track and a support group consisting of school staff, L&D personnel, and HR-business key persons, students can get the most out of their experience. Pre-programme readiness engagement sessions and post-programme reinforcement learning sharing activities are also included.
We have gathered further feedback from students who have participated in our Experiential Learning Program internships, and below are some of their testimonials:
Sarah Ahmed: My internship at Al-Futtaim Automotive was an unforgettable experience. As a marketing intern, I gained valuable insights into the significance of brand management and the creation of effective campaigns that resonate with consumers. Working alongside industry professionals and applying what I had learned in the classroom was truly invaluable.
Jasmin Lee: During my internship with Al-Futtaim Real Estate, I gained practical experience in property management, customer service, and leasing. The program offered me the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals in the industry and establish valuable connections that will benefit my future career.
Ahmed Abdelkader: During my internship with Al-Futtaim Financial Services, I had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the financial industry and the various roles within it. As I worked on real projects, I acquired invaluable skills that will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career. This program allowed me to further solidify my interest in pursuing a degree in finance, and I am excited to apply the knowledge and experience I gained to my future endeavors in the field.
The testimonials serve as evidence of the Experiential Learning Program’s worth and its ability to offer students a chance to acquire practical knowledge in their desired fields. It is a source of pride for us to provide this program, and we are committed to supporting our students in their career endeavors.
The Experiential Learning Program is not just a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and prepare for their future careers. It also helps them make more informed choices when it comes to their university studies and future career plans. By providing real-life experiences and work placements, students are able to gain a better understanding of different industries and career paths. This, in turn, can help them stand out in the competitive world of university applications and job interviews.
Overall, the summer internships are an integral part of DIS’s focus on experiential learning. The opportunities provided through DIS’s partnerships with the Al Futtaim Education Foundation and the Al-Futtaim Group enable students to gain real work experience and solve real tasks, preparing them for their future careers. By providing students with these opportunities, DIS is helping its students stand out in the competitive world of university applications and job interviews.
