RHU computer science student Mohamad Turyaki is directly hired by Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel after he completes there his Co-operative education training (Co-op) during summer 2016. Mohamad was considered one of Phoenicia’s success stories and was awarded the title “employee of the month” during his training period. We are pleased that together RHU academic programs and the Co-op program provide students with the right avenue to develop their knowledge and experiences and are the leading factors why our graduates get immediately hired.

Mohamad was given the chance to deliver a speech in the signature ceremony of IHG Academy, an agreement that RHU signed with Phoenicia four years ago. Here is his speech:

First I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the IHG Academy agreement signed between Rafik Hariri University and Phoenicia which made this story I am about to share with you a chance that turned into a beautiful opportunity.

It all started when I was applying for a training position to complete my Co-op course at RHU. I was offered several options but my eye and heart were settled on Phoenicia. To be honest, I was searching for an institution with an added value to shimmer my CV with and I knew if I got accepted at Phoenicia, this alone will be the key that will ease a lot of opportunities for me. But what I didn’t know is that it will be the chance of a lifetime.

Later, after RHU sent my CV to this respectable hotel, I got my first phone call from …. Informing me of my first interview with the HR department. This was followed with another interview with the IT department were I was informed that I will start my training on…..

I didn’t know at that time that while walking my last steps as a student, in my hands I am holding the brick foundation for building my career at this prestigious institution and that once I graduated I will be part of the Phoenician family.

I consider that these 2 months, in which I spent accumulating knowledge and testing theories which I studied in my major courses at RHU, were the most efficient use of time in my life. I had fun learning and socializing simultaneously and I have to say that being elected as employee of the month was the crown of events.

If it wasn’t for the agreement between my university and this fine institution I wouldn’t be standing in front of all of you now as part of this wonderful team which I am honored to join.

I hope that all graduating students will have an equal chance to live the dream that I achieved of finding a place that joins family ambience and the ability to develop a successful career.

I would like to finish my speech with a quote I strongly believe in especially when everyone is searching for luck to achieve their dreams.

For them I say:

“Luck happens when preparation and hard work meets opportunity”

Thank you RHU and Phoenicia for providing this opportunity and I promise that with hard work I will prove myself to you. For this I am truly Lucky.