The10 young Saudi women who are graduates in science disciplines from Saudi universities, show off their certificates after completing an intensive four-week skills development and alignment program with the Nestlé Centre of Excellence – Nutrition Development Program. Ten young Saudi women, recent graduates in science disciplines from Saudi universities, completed an intensive four-week skills development and alignment program with the Nestlé Centre of Excellence – Nutrition Development Program. The graduates, in the fields of pharmacology, biology and chemistry enrolled onto the program that both focused on the subject of infant nutrition and of important supplementary skills that aimed to develop commercial and technical skills useful in the company environment. Roger Meguerdichian Nestlé Country Manager for Saudi Arabia was very optimistic about the results of the project. “We had a high quality of candidates applying for and completing the program and we were able to build on both their knowledge and aptitude and equip them with essential commercial skills required in today's marketplace,” he said. “These young women I am sure will turn out to be model corporate citizens, one of our core aims, and make a valuable contribution to both the people they will interact with and the company they represent.” The innovative course included “soft” skills as well as the core area of infant nutrition. The program featured public and one to one presentation skills, as well as training on the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and business etiquette. “Communicating efficiently and effectively and in a way familiar to both business and individual clients is central to building relationships and business,” said Meguerdichian. “I feel we have something of a success story here in these very capable young ladies.” The program, which began on June 8, 2013 and concluded July 3, 2013, included trainees practicing the role of a medical delegate as part of on the Job experience, which saw them making field visits to doctors in hospitals, clinics and medical centers. The trainees received their graduating certificates on July 3. Nestlé Saudi will be offering job opportunities to around 40 percent of the participants of the Nutrition Development Program. The positions and role of the new employees will focus mainly in the field of Nutrition. “The balance of the graduates will be valuable additions to any commercial organization they join and we are proud to have made an additional small contribution to the promising female work force in Saudi Arabia as part of our commitment to the kingdom and our belief in its future” Meguerdichian. – SG
