twofour54 is enabling the UAE’s creative future through its talent development activities to nurture the next generation of Emirati media talent.
This week the media hub in Abu Dhabi relaunched its internship programme to include a new scheme for high school students alongside its popular university/graduate level internship scheme. While university/graduate interns complete a two month placement with one of the 450-plus media companies licensed under twofour54, high school students will apply through their schools to be selected for one of 20 placements each year, each a week long in duration.
Internships through twofour54 are highly sought-after because of the range and reputation of companies on campus where interns can gain first-hand experience of the media and entertainment industry. twofour54 takes care of all logistics relating to the internship, filtering candidates and match-making them with companies on campus who are looking for new talent. Last year 75 young Arabs completed an internship through twofour54, with 18 twofour54 companies hosting interns including CNN, Cartoon Network, Bidaya Media, Brand Moxie and Image Nation.
In launching the new high school level scheme, Acting CEO of twofour54 Maryam AlMheiri said: “With our nation’s growth strategy centred around building a knowledge-based economy, a career in media is the perfect platform for young Emiratis who want to contribute creatively to the future of our society. The media is identified as a growth sector under Abu Dhabi Plan, with the industry expected to be worth $12.4 billion by next year*. Part of twofour54’s role as the industry enabler is to ensure we have the right talent to capitalise on this opportunity and lead the industry’s future.
“Our internship programme is our core activity to engage young Emiratis in an industry and career path that is dynamic, flexible, rewarding and full of potential. We have facilitated hundreds of internships for young Emiratis, many of whom have used the placement as a springboard to enter the media as a profession. Following the success of our first ever Summer Camp for 9-12 year olds last year, the extension of our internship programme to high school students will help to engage more young Emiratis in an industry that is increasingly important in our daily lives and our nation’s future and worth of career consideration,” she concluded.
Internship to employment success stories (each available for interview)
Farah Aladra
Farah completed an internship with twofour54’s marketing department and then secured a role as Marketing Executive with Quest Arabiya, the free to air, pan-Arab television channel which focuses on factual and reality-based programming. Farah has recently joined twofour54’s digital team where she is developing content for social media platforms.
Haneen Hasan
After completing her internship with twofour54-based production company Bidaya Media, Haneen was offered a full time position. She is now part of Bidaya’s team working on the second series of Iftah Ya Simsim, the Arabic version of Sesame Street.
Omar Al Muflahi
Omar interned with twofour54 on the sets of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Fast and Furious 7 in 2013 and 2014, respectively. He is now Director of Programmes with twofour54-based company, Al Majal Media.
Hajer Alshehi
Hajer completed two internships within the twofour54 community, first working with agency Bond Creative and then with twofour54’s Film and TV Services division. Hajer is now working as a trainee graphic designer with the Office of Government Communication.
For more information about twofour54’s internship programme, visit internships.twofour54.com