Over the course of August 2024, Coral Oil opened its doors to students from diverse universities across Lebanon, providing a transformative internship program for a second consecutive year that spanned various departments. From Human Resources and Health, Safety & Environment to Operations and Laboratories, professionals from every corner of the company collaborated to give Lebanese youth a hands-on experience in the oil and gas industry. This initiative, led by Coral’s dedicated team, aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the realities of the workplace.
Cosette Seif, Talent Acquisition Manager, emphasized the importance of this program in which Lebanese youth were given the chance to explore a real work environment with the various experiences and challenges that entails. Her vision for the internship was to develop and apply practical skills, rather than just focusing on technical know-how. It was an opportunity to develop adaptability and a sense of hope for the future.
Given the many challenges facing young professionals in Lebanon, Human Resources along with other departments designed an enriching journey that goes beyond education, which helps the young professionals feel empowered and inspired to grow both personally and professionally.
The program’s structure was meticulously designed, with a variety of interactive activities and hands-on tasks that brought learning to life. One participant commented, “It was great. I loved the different interactive activities that made understanding the material better.” The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application ensured that interns weren’t just absorbing information; they were actively engaging with it, making learning more dynamic and effective.
Another intern praised the professionalism of Coral’s staff, saying, “The team was always willing to share their knowledge; it provided me with valuable mentorship.” This sense of mentorship was one of the defining elements of the program, as Coral’s engineers and department heads made it a priority to pass on their expertise to the next generation. From understanding industry-specific processes to refining technical skills, interns were given a front-row seat to the operations of one of Lebanon’s leading fuel distributors.
In addition to the technical learning, the internship engendered a deeper emotional connection to the industry and to Lebanon itself. As one participant noted, “I am honestly very happy that I have been part of this internship. It warms my heart to see Lebanese companies putting in so much effort in assisting their interns. It gives hope to Lebanese youth and gives us second thoughts about leaving the country.” This sentiment echoes the broader impact Coral’s program had: professional growth and a renewed sense of optimism and belonging.
As much as the Coral internship was about preparing young professionals for a career, it was also about investing in the future of Lebanon. Through comprehensive training, mentorship and real-world challenges, the interns left the program with more than just knowledge – they left with confidence, hope and a sense of purpose. Coral remains committed to supporting the country’s next generation, ensuring that Lebanon’s future is bright and in capable hands.
