Commercial Bank “Young Bankers” reflect on their internship experiences

​Doha, Qatar: Commercial Bank, Qatar’s first private bank, interviewed a selection of students "Young Bankers" who have completed the fourth annual Summer Internship Programme to hear  their feedback, experiences, and lessons learned for the future. The interview held at Commercial Bank Plaza and attended by their parents, in a warm and fun-like atmosphere.

The Internship Programme is designed for students aged 13 to 17 who are the children of Commercial Bank customers, and is now in its fourth consecutive year. Titled: “Leading Change Via Digital Channels”, the rewarding two-month long Programme focused on the digital evolution taking place within the banking industry.

 

The 68 “Young Bankers” aged worked in a real life environment within Commercial Bank branches under the guidance of Bank staff, while at the same time earning their own money and learning about the benefits and use of digital banking, and savings products.

 

Fahad, a student from Cambridge High School, distinguished himself by opening more than 83 new accounts during his internship. He said: “I helped clients in all their banking transactions, opened new accounts, demonstrated how to deposit cash at a Commercial Bank ATM and assisted those who lost their pin codes. I encouraged all clients to use Internet Banking, and explained everything step by step.”

 

13 year old Fajr, from Moza bint Mohammed Girls’ School said: "I enjoyed this experience as I learned much about customer service and banking transactions. Work experience really enhanced my self-confidence, and my concern about dealing with customers face-to-face just disappeared. After helping a customer who initially refused assistance, at that moment I felt how useful I can be in our society, and I really appreciate the opportunity from Commercial Bank.”

 

8th grade student Fatema, from Mozah bint Mohammed Girls’ school said: “I learned a lot about banking and my confidence grew stronger, with the training enhancing my communication skills. I’m now interested in working in the banking sector and to serve my country.”

 

Omar who is 16 years old and from Doha British School said: “Working at Commercial Bank increased my sense of responsibility, and I realised the value of savings and its future benefits.”

 

15 year old Jassem said: “Now I know how to use online banking and mobile services, and the internship allowed me to gain new practical experience by dealing directly with customers. I’m very grateful for Commercial Bank for the opportunity, which has guided me in the right direction for my higher education.”

 

Marwan from the International School of Choueifat, said: “I have become more digitally proficient; using services such as Mobile Banking and Internet Banking, and also more aware of the banking business in general. My social communication skills have improved through customer service and teamwork.”

 

Ahmed from the American School said: “I learnt about the value of teamwork and the experience has improved my communication skills. I’m more responsible now, and I encourage everyone to use the Commercial Bank’s online app for transactions such as payments and remittances."

 

Commercial Bank received over 250 applications from customers via the Bank’s social media channels to enroll their children into the Internship Programme.

 

Commercial Bank EGM, Consumer Banking Amit Sah said: “Commercial Bank continuously aims to showcase our world-class digital banking channels that results in faster banking solutions and 24/7 convenience for customers. The Young Bankers Summer Internship  Programme offers a unique opportunity for students to gain an in-depth understand of the latest banking products and earn a stipend during their internship.”

 

 AGM, Head of Network Branch Mrs. Reham Thawabi said: “We started the Commercial Bank ‘Young Banker’ summer internship program four years back with 40 children enrolling in the first year. This year, we received over 250 applications from enthusiastic kids, all willing to spend a part of their summer holidays ‘working’ in a bank. The 68 selected internees were placed in our 29 branch network, facing real customers, understand the benefits of digital banking solutions and encouraging others to use it, also earning a stipend during the quality time spent. We are proud to be the first bank in the market to start such a program for our customers and their children. The internship also helped us get valuable feedback from parents who were happy to see their children spending their summer time productively.