Baku, Fineko/abc.az. In June to August 2009, five international companies operating in Azerbaijan provide an opportunity for practice for 11 secondary school and college students, the winners of Junior Achievement Azerbaijan (JAA) projects and competitions, within the frames of the annual Job Shadow project.

The program reports that the initiative is a part of School Economics Education Program funded by StatoilHydro, US Agency for International Development, Chevron, Baker & McKenzie, American Chamber of Commerce, and Bakcell.

Within the initiative in 2009, StatoilHydro Azerbaijan, KCA Deutag, McDermott Caspian Contractors, Deloitte & Touche, and Access Bank provide 11 students with the internship opportunity. Instructed by their mentors – the staff member of the hosting company – the students conduct self-assessment, explore the work of the companies’ departments, learn about staff responsibilities, and receive instructions on employer expectations.

Sheyda Mehdiyeva, the CSR adviser from StatoilHydro notes “the JA Job Shadow program is a good opportunity for companies to encourage the students to assess their skills and knowledge using career advises they obtain.” She recommends hosting JAA students as “Junior Achievement students come in for the internship program with solid business knowledge.

It is mutually rewarding experience for both students and the mentors, who get to teach somebody while in the office,” she said.

As a result of the program, the students will create personal action plans for the post-internship period.

14.08.2009 12:49