Ghida Ismail
Contributing Writer
Nothing in life is given on a silver platter; everything is earned. In fact to get a job or an internship in an important company, one has to work hard. And it all starts with two simple steps: the CV we present to the company and the interview we are given. Thus, in these past two weeks, the ESS (Engineering Student Society) organized two workshops, for interview skills, and CV writing. Both workshops could only host a limited number of students, around 50 attendees, for efficiency reasons.
The interview skills workshop took place on Tuesday, October 18 in collaboration with Toastmasters, a worldwide non-profit organization whose aim is to develop public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback in local clubs. Despite the fact that it occurred on a late hour, the number of attendees was impressive.
Throughout the event, Toastmasters members Mustafa Tamimi and Ray Maroun informed students about how to behave during an interview and about different kinds of interviewing questions asked.
Usually these kinds of events are expected to be a bit boring due to the fact that they are academic. However, it was agreed by almost all the attendees that the workshop was far from dull, but enjoyable and entertaining. The presenters managed to maintain a constant interaction with the crowd, amusing the guests with brainteasers, which interested students would try to answer.
In addition to that, students got to experience for themselves the kinds of questions presented in an interview. Civil Engineering student, Rayane Zahreddine, played the role of the interviewer, and volunteers from the audience answered Rayan’s questions. Then, Maroun would evaluate the answers so that students would learn from their mistakes. Tamimi, was very impressed with the audience and described the atmosphere as “dynamic.”
Emile Zankoul, ESS’s president and third year Civil Engineering student, summarized the event, remarking,“The best aspect of the event is that it was as academic and beneficial as it was fun and enjoyable. The mood was very friendly as the speakers managed to keep an active interaction with the audience. This is why I would like to thank AUB Toastmasters greatly for providing the engineering students with such an opportunity.”
The second workshop occurred on Thursday, October 27, in auditorium C. Students, eager to perfect their CVs, filled the room, as the workshop started. The event was presented by Mrs. Malakeh Khoury and Mrs. Zane Sinno, two AUB English professors. During the first part of the event, the professors broadened student’s knowledge about writing CVs, discussing the proper length and format as well as the content.
For the second part, students were given a chance to have a one on one discussion with either Mrs. Khoury or Mrs. Sinno in order to correct and improve their CV. Nadim Kawa, a second year Engineering student stated, “The workshop was very enlightening since it gave us new perspectives on what to include and what to avoid in our CV.”
Overall, both workshops were successes. ESS managed to put together two events that combined learning and knowledge with fun and enjoyment. This new society impressed students, and kept them eager to see what it will prepare next.