The « hands on banking » is an initiative designed by Bank of Beirut whereby a certain number of students from different universities attend a specific course whose objectives are to :
- To offer competent and ambitious university students a “Head Start” in banking, as part of Bank of Beirut’s community involvement
- To offer top performing students job opportunities for positions such as “Teller” or “PBR” or any other entry level position at Bank of Beirut
The course took place from Oct 17th till Dec 7th, 2017 on the basis of every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 till 5. Classes which were delivered by the respective Heads of Departments and/or senior staff members, included applied course work. Along with classroom teaching, each student was offered the opportunity to shadow a PBR in a branch for 6 hours and to follow a guided tour of one of Bank of Beirut’s SMART branches. At the end of the course, students sat for a 90 minute online multiple – choice exam. Their final course grade was computed as following:
- Attendance (20%)
- Course Work & Assignments (20%)
- PBR Shadowing Activity (10%)
- Final Exam (50%)
The average final grade for the group of USEK students was 72.04/100 while the overall group’s average final course grade was 72/100.
Contact information of the main actors involved in the initiative
Name and surname : Tala Haj
Position : Head of The Academy / Human Resources Department
Organisation : Bank of Beirut
Address: Riad El Solh Head Office, Banks’ Street / P.O. Box. 11-7354 Beirut – Lebanon
Telephone : +961 1 958017
Email : TAlHaj@bankofbeirut.com.lb
Website : www.bankofbeirut.com
Relevance of the development of initiative in its specific context
The initiative helps students understand the banking industry and the nature of the job at the bank. They also put in practice the theories learned and test in advance whether they fit to work in a similar environment. Target population is for the BA students 2nd or 3rd year with a GPA of 2.8 from a finance, marketing, management, or audit major.
Visibility of the action
The activity was communicated to the head of departments; the later share the information with the instructors of relevant courses who in turn communicate this to the students. A notification was also shared on the application of the university.
Transferability
This initiative was designed by the company itself; however the model is easily transferrable to other organization they need however to set the structure, appoint the right team and contact universities to get their support along with a budget.
Sustainability
The course has been done twice so far and is planned to continue for next year; by selecting the right students to attend and achieving a good performance Bank of Beirut will certainly continue this initiative that helps them identify talent for their new job openings.
Innovative character
The fact that the bank is offering this course according to the trendiest/latest needed skills in the banking industry highlights the importance of constantly updating the curriculum. USEK students were exposed to the actual needs of the job, where academia and work intersect.
Impact
Provides better understanding about the job helping students reduce career selection errors. Constitutes a good way for banks to identify potential recruits.
