Gulf Bank selects candidates for sixth edition of AJYAL program
22 trainees selected for program aimed to develop key banking skills
KUWAIT: Gulf Bank held an in-house Assessment Day on September 21, 2019 to finalize candidates for the sixth edition of its AJYAL development program. The Human Resources Talent Development team, along with Gulf Bank employees from various business groups and departments, participated in an all-day evaluation process to select an elite group of candidates that will take part in the AJYAL 6 Program.
The AJYAL 6 Assessment Day aimed to evaluate which applicants would be accepted into this year’s cohort. Applicants took part in three main groups of activities, including case study assessments, group activities, and one-on-one interviews. The selection process was based on each individual candidate’s potential for growth and development, including: displays of leadership, embodiment of Gulf Bank’s values, and an ability to contribute to Gulf Bank’s success. It is worth noting that out of 109 applicants, 36 were shortlisted to take part in the Assessment Day and, upon the completion of the assessment, a total of 22 candidates were accepted into Gulf Bank’s AJYAL 6 program.
Among the Assessment Day highlights was the contribution of the AJYAL 1 Program graduates, who were invited to be a part of the selection process for this year’s program. The AJYAL 1 graduates, who completed the program in 2015, have since progressed in their professional careers and currently hold senior management positions within the Bank. During the Assessment Day, the AJYAL 1 alumni assumed mentorship roles, highlighting the longterm impact of the AJYAL program to the success of Gulf Bank employees.
“The Assessment Day is part of an effective selection process to ensure that all our candidates have the right skills and potential for Gulf Bank’s AJYAL development program,” said Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager of Human Resources at Gulf Bank. “At Gulf Bank, we take into careful consideration the banking landscape’s many different challenges and needs. Assessing candidates at an early stage helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses and leaves them better prepared to meet any upcoming challenges head on.”
AJYAL is Gulf Bank’s flagship development program that targets Kuwaiti professionals. The program spans six months and aims to help candidates develop key banking skills, cultivating holistic bankers that have shown growth potential on both a personal and professional level. The program, now in its sixth edition, also benefits from the mentorship and teachings of the previous years’ alumni, who have contributed to Gulf Bank’s many successes since their graduation from the AJYAL program.