Following the success of last year, UAE telecommunications provider, du, has inspired 16 more students to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions through its earn while you learn initiative Agent 055 Network. In its second cycle, the initiative received more than 300 applications. Through the Agent 055 Network, du is enabling ambitious young people to learn the skills needed and experience first-hand, what running a business feels like, while still pursuing their studies at universities in the UAE.
“Entrepreneurship is one of our sustainability pillars, and embarked on this unique project in an effort to support it,” said Hala Badri, Executive Vice President Brand and Communication, du. “At du, we understand and believe in the importance of investing in young minds in the UAE and we are excited to cultivate through them a rich and versatile knowledge economy. After a long and careful selection process, we are excited to welcome this year’s students to explore their entrepreneurial potential and nurture their sense of innovation.”
As part of the recruitment process, close to 350 applications were received. Of these, 100 students were selected to participate in a unique online assessment process which used a gamification approach to understand behavioural traits. From there, 80 students were invited to attend an assessment day, where we provided them with more information on the project and administered an aptitude test. Then, shortlisted candidates were interviewed by our HR and CSR teams. Upon completing this process, we have selected 16 students to be a part of this year’s Agent 055 Network.
The following students were selected to join the Agent 055 Network:
- Aishah Alzeyoudi, Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research
- Anusha Karanayil, BITS Pilani Dubai
- Ayan Ali, American University in Dubai
- Fatema al Falasi, Emirates Aviation University
- Madhubala Vijayakumar, BITS Pilani Dubai
- Mariam Hassan, American University in Dubai
- Mitali Kotak, American University Of Sharjah
- Poorvi Roongta, SP Jain School of Global Management
- Saeed Ali, University of Sharjah
- Shehab Abdul Rahim, BITS Pilani Dubai
- Sherif Mahmoud Soltan, American University in Dubai
- Thabata Alves, SP Jain School of Global Management
- Victoria Blinova, New York University Abu Dhabi
- Yash Lalchandani, SP Jain School of Global Management
- Zainab Ahmed, The British University in Dubai
- Munira Marzouqi, Sharjah University – College of Business Administration
Throughout the project, students will receive real-world experience running a business, using an established and successful model, while they continue studying at university. They will be able to conduct sales on their own time under supervision from du retail store managers relevant to their location, who will provide them with mentorship, guidance, and advice when they need it. To find out more about the Agent 055 Network, please visit www.du.ae/agent055.
