BrazilBCG Jeel Tamooh virtually connects Saudi students with employers
Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) young talent development programme in the Middle East – Jeel Tamooh – usually culminates in a career fair that connects youngsters with employers and experts. This year, the event was held virtually for safety reasons.
Jeel Tamooh is a 7-month talent development initiative that allows promising university students in Saudi Arabia to interact with world-class experts and speakers through discussions and interactive workshops. The goal is to develop their leadership, professional and interpersonal skills, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Towards the end of the programme, Jeel Tamooh participants get two concrete opportunities to take their next professional step. One is BCG’s 12-month Business Analyst Programme, where the firm takes the students under its wing and integrates them with a consulting team.
Permanently joining BCG’s Middle East team of vibrant young leaders is also on the cards for the lucky few based on their background and performance, with strategy consulting known to be an ideal stepping stone for a future career in management.
The second opportunity is the Jeel Tamooh Career Fair, where BCG clients present a range of employment prospects. The fair is usually held in an exhibition format, which made it a challenge to set up this year as large gatherings remain too risky under the Covid-19 paradigm. Boston Consulting Group simply held the event virtually instead.
“During the current climate, it is important to adapt to the new reality and ensure that the personal and professional development of up-and-coming generations is not hindered,” said Philippe Cornette de Saint Cyr, Head of BCG in Riyadh. De Saint Cyr agreed that it was not ideal, but the important thing was to connect students with a strong professional network.
“The Virtual Career Fair was a proactive and productive way to connect members of the Jeel Tamooh Program with leading Saudi organisations operating in various segments. Although direct meetings cannot be replicated to a certain extent, everybody adjusted well to the setting, and the experience will prove to be invaluable moving forward.”
With nearly 30% of the population aged between 15 and 29, the Middle East is home to a vast pool of young, working-age talent. Many are involved in realising the potential of this generation. Jeel Tamooh is one example, while BCG rival McKinsey & Company is also involved in developing young talent in the region. The response to the Jeel Tamooh career fair – despite being virtual – shows a keenness for talented youth in the region.
“The enthusiasm and commitment the organisations demonstrated in connecting with students and graduates, while also informing them on the competencies they seek in employees, contributed to the event’s success, paving the way for future career fairs,” said BCG Dubai recruiting manager Pamela Spreafico.
