CAIRO: Arab youth are to participate in HP's 2009 edition of the “HP Summer Sales Training Program” aimed at increasing interest in those who seek to pursue a career a in sales. 33 Arab youth from across the region will participate in the program designed for young, talented graduates, a statement from the American company said. The summer program will offer graduates an opportunity to work at HP Middle East and “receive [the] best-in-class training on HP's products and services.” The students from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Egypt were chosen through a competitive application, screening and assessment process, HP said. The program is part of efforts to bolster interest in new fields, especially technology and sales during the financial crisis. HP hopes that these efforts will enable the region to move forward as a means of self-sufficiency. The summer sales training program was open to students who have graduated within the last twelve months with degrees in technical studies such as Engineering, Computer Science and other IT related fields. As part of the program, students can choose to work across various fields including project management, marketing, business development, sales or engineering. The program helps students to acquire effective communication, project management, technical and sales skills as well as developing a strong understanding of business strategies, HP's Middle East website said. “With the summer sales training program, we looked for the best talent to help us grow in the Middle East,†said John Hoonhout, Managing Director, HP Middle East. “By investing in these students and supporting their ambitions and goals, we are committed to providing them with a clearly defined career path within HP. The summer sales training program offers a compelling challenge to graduates in the Middle East and is an ideal transition from academia to professional life. The students will also get the chance to meet, network with and train under senior HP managers and executives. “The training program is part of HP’s ongoing commitment to the development of the next generation of IT leaders in the region†added Hoonhout. BM
