The Magazine of Qatar Career Development Center Issue 07 - November 2017

IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE ALL THE ESSENTIAL ADVICE AND TIPS YOU NEED IN CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER PATH!

NATIONAL SERVICE: WHAT’S HOW TO PURSUE DEVELOPING NEXT AFTER YOUR DREAM BETTER QATARIS GRADUATION? CAREER PAGE 20 PAGE 22 PAGE 28 We require diligence, creativity, independent thinking, constructive initiatives and interest in academic achievement in all disciplines, self-reliance and fighting indolence and dependency. This is not just wishful thinking, and these are not mere dreams. Our goals are realistic and practical, based on the continued determination that Qataris have shown during this crisis. This is not just a passing wave of enthusiasm, but rather the basis for further awareness in building the homeland.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani

The Emir of the State of Qatar WELCOME

In the footsteps of TAMIM

n his most recent speech, His By moving towards becoming Qatar’s Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad leading career development and Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, has laid guidance center, QCDC is committed to outI a clear vision for a prosperous providing young Qataris with access future for the State of Qatar. to the best career guidance available, while opening up opportunities for It has become clear to the millions them to develop their skills and of people who have listened to His become productive, active citizens. Highness’ speech around the world, that Qatar is keen on making further Part of our efforts in this direction is scientific and concrete progress the production of this Career Guide, through the development of a qualified which we are certain will serve as a human capital and the promotion of valuable tool for youth as they decide innovation across various industries for on their pathways into higher education the benefit of the nation and its people. and the labor market.

These efforts fall in line with the vision Within this guide, you will find a of Qatar Career Development Center range of interesting articles, carefully (QCDC), which places great emphasis on selected to provide you with an building human capacity. edge over the current competitive market requirements. These include Our transformation from the Qatar inspiring stories of successful young Career Fair, as we were previously Qataris, highlights of the benefits of known, is part of our new integrated volunteering and tips on making the strategy to support Qatar Foundation’s right career choice, which I am certain vision towards excellence in the will serve as a useful tool to help you provision of quality education. realize your true potential as future leaders of Qatar. This transition coincides with the current crisis that has engulfed the region, and We hope that the contents of this the economic challenges that require publication inspires, motivates, and Qatar to support the development of a ultimately guides you to the right skilled and capable workforce that meets career choice along the same path that our nation’s labor market needs and His Highness, Tamim the glorious, has ensures our country’s self-sufficiency. depicted on July 21, 2017.

Abdulla Al-Mansoori Director Qatar Career Development Center

2 www.qcdc.org.qa 3 CONTENTS IN THE NEWS PURSUING YOUR DREAM CAREER IF YOU COULD BE OR DO ANYTHING IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? ANSWER THIS, Introducing QCDC: AND YOU COULD BE ON YOUR Qatar’s New Career Guidance Beacon WAY TOWARDS SECURING A

HAPPY, FULFILLING CAREER atar Career Development Center the four pillars of career guidance (QCDC), formerly known as Qatar systems, namely students career Career Fair (QCF), has recently preferences; their capabilities; the 28 Qundergone a business redefinition, demands of the labor market; and the refocusing and rebranding exercise and necessary experience required. DRIVEN BY has strengthened its focus on building a Recognizing that there are several bridge between the educational sector influencing parties that play different roles PASSION and the labor market in Qatar. in the future of young Qataris, QCDC also The transition from QCF to QCDC not works closely with a range of stakeholder THE A look at successful only coincides with the current crisis such as parents, counselors, relevant that has engulfed the Gulf Cooperation practitioners and professionals, as well as BENEFITS OF entrepreneur, Nasser Council, but is also in line with the Emir’s career advisors. Khalifa Al-Kuwari recent speech on how to address these One of QCDC’s new strategies is the VOLUNTEERING challenges, thus placing further emphasis introduction of platforms and services that 26 09 on QCDC’s aim of becoming Qatar’s are rooted in research-proven activities. leading career development and guidance Over the past six Qatar Career Fairs, and REBUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE AFTER center. At the heart of QCDC’s work are through numerous surveys and activities, IN THE NEWS 5 its efforts in nurturing youth by providing QCDC has compiled information that AN UNSUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW 24 them with career guidance and equipping once analyzed, will pave the way for the CHOOSING A CAREER 12 them with work readiness skills. QCDC development of new initiatives which will MANAGING YOUR FINANCES 25 also promotes a culture of professional benefit the youth and the labor market. FEATURES development within Qatar with the aim Part of QCDC’s work also involves SURVIVING YOUR FIRST DAY AT WORK of contributing to the development of a exploring the local, regional, and 17 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION highly qualified workforce that adapts to international scenes to collect findings WORLD CLASS EDUCATION the needs and requirements of the local about current and future career needs THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE labor market, particularly in light of the and practices. AT YOUR DOORSTEP SUCCESS OF THEIR CHILDREN 18 30 present and future economic challenges. Drawing on the above, it becomes clear In striving to develop a qualified human that QCDC’s work is strongly aligned ONE TO ONE capital to meet the requirements of the with Qatar Foundation’s (QF) vision of NATIONAL SERVICE: Qatar National Vision 2030, QCDC has investing and developing human capital DEVELOPING BETTER QATARIS 20 BREAKING BOUNDARIES 32 adopted an approach based on three by providing quality education. As part anchors of career guidance, including of QF’s efforts in this direction, QCDC YOU’VE GRADUATED. WHAT’S NEXT? 22 LAST WORD 34 structured educational and training supports its goal of empowering and platforms; awareness and expertise supporting young people from their first exchange platforms; and knowledge day of school, all the way through to creation and promotion platforms – all advanced postgraduate studies. QCDC designed to empower Qatar’s youth, also contributes towards QF’s goal of 'Career Guide' app because choosing a career goes beyond achieving social and economic prosperity Produced by Qatar Career Development available to download at: just selecting a profession. by building stronger communities through Center in collaboration with Qatar Foundation To choose their best career pathway, lifelong learning and other related Communication Directorate. students need to take into consideration endeavors. www.qcdc.org.qa 5 IN THE NEWS SEMINAR WINTER CAMP HELPS STUDENTS DISCOVER SKILLS AND TALENTS FOR CAREER QCDC celebrated the successful completion of its GUIDANCE five-day Winter Career Camp 2017 in January this year he Winter labor market to Camp bolster economic consisted growth, these SPECIALISTS Tof several activities The role of career guidance plays an important part in the development of a interactive were aimed nation, and to shed light on this, QCDC organized a seminar titled The Role of workshops at equipping designed to hone them with skills Career Guidance in Developing a National Workforce and Contributing to students’ skills to choose a Qatar’s Transition Towards a Knowledge-based Economy, in February this year and develop their career that fits professional their potential. eld at the Hamad bin Khalifa guidance system. Global career employment, career planning and capacities. The Activities also University Student Center, guidance practices and their development, and implementation workshops also included site the seminar brought together challenges were also discussed. process for youth. introduced them visits to leading aH large number of participants, The event provided an Academic Advisor at Ahmed Bin to leadership organizations. including government officials, opportunity for career guidance Hanbal Independent Secondary traits and the principles of successful teamwork. Student, Ahmed Al-Kuwari, said: "After a visit school counselors, professional specialists to expand their School for Boys Mohamed The main aim of the camp was to instill in students to Msheireb City, I realized that I like the teaching consultants, and representatives networks and encouraged Soueileh, who was among the the basics of a strong career culture and help them profession because it familiarizes community from the private sector. interactive engagement, attendees, said: "It offered us an discover their skills and talents, which will enable them members with Qatar’s cultural heritage and history, Apart from career planning, the collaboration and knowledge opportunity to participate in events seminar provided suggestions on exchange among stakeholders that contribute to the development to choose suitable career paths. and contributes to the development of people's how to enhance the nation’s career involved in the education-to- of our skills and competencies." As part of QCDC’s aim of preparing youth to join the abilities."

QCDC AT GLOBAL CONFERENCE n the last edition of the Career Guide, we asked readers to submit a sample of their CVs in return for a prize in ON EDUCATIONAL GUIDANCE our CV writing competition. We are hereby pleased to announce the winners here. First place winnerI is Rehab Al Musharafiyeh, while second place winner n November last year, QCDC participated in a is Ghada Al-Sulaiti. At third place is Fatima Fakhro. Congratulations for submitting a great sample of your CV! conference organized by the International Association of Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG). Titled PromotingI Equity Through Guidance: Reflection, Action, Impact, the event held discussions on the impact of educational and vocational guidance and the importance TAKE PART IN THE of the support provided by institutions, governments, and the private sector to personal, professional, and CAREER INTERVIEW academic development as well as creating more equitable, sustainable, and cohesive communities. International events such as these provide a COMPETITION platform that brings together career guidance experts, epending on whether you want to become a academics, professionals, consultants, and policy State of Qatar: A Stakeholder Engagement Approach, scientist, teacher or an entrepreneur, now’s makers to facilitate the exchange of expertise and is based on the findings of three research papers by your chance to find out what their jobs are research findings on relevant topics, which go towards QCDC in 2015 that document current career guidance reallyD like. enhancing the services that QCDC provides. practices in Qatar, opportunities and challenges, as well Just send us a video or written interview with QCDC representatives presented a paper and poster as recommendations for future improvement purposes. someone whose profession you are interested in, outlining the center’s programs, and they participated The winning paper at the conference titled Can Career and stand a chance to win amazing prizes! Simply in a symposium on enhancing the cooperation between Teachers/Leaders Support Parents In Helping Their ask them five of your burning questions about their counseling and career guidance institutions. Child? was submitted by PhD student at University of jobs, and send your entries to [email protected] The paper entitled Developing Career Guidance in the Derby, UK, Annemarie Oomen.

6 www.qcdc.org.qa 7 IN THE NEWS SPECIAL FEATURE

78 STUDENTS ATTEND QCDC’S AMBASSADORS PROGRAM CDC’s Ambassadors Program, targeted to Independent Secondary Schools for Boys and Al Bayan, raise awareness among Qatari youth about Umm Hakeem, Al Iman, and Ruqia Secondary Independent professional development, attracted 78 School for Girls, took part in the program. Qpreparatory and secondary school students recently. Among the activities featured in the program were a Designed to promote a culture of initiative-taking, series of workshops on positive thinking, communication creativity, and innovation, the program also equips and life skills, career planning, teamwork, and event students with the necessary skills that enable them to management. optimize their future career planning and specializations. One participant, Noor Faisal Al-Sayegh, a student at Al Commenting on the program, QCDC Senior Bayan Secondary School for Girls, said that the program Operations Officer Shaheen Al-Sulaiti said: “The vision was an eye-opener for her. “I learnt about the importance draws inspiration from QCDC’s motto, Your Future in of setting goals and how to achieve my dreams. I now Your Hands. It aims to empower youth to build their have a better understanding of my strengths and have an personal capabilities and competencies at the service insight into what careers might be suitable for me,” she of the community. The program is an effective tool that says. contributes to the promotion of youth initiatives and The Ambassadors Program is one of several initiatives embodies a long-term investment in young leadership organized by QCDC each year to guide Qatari youth into DRIVEN that will pave the way for a prosperous future for Qatar.” making informed decisions that reflect positively on their Students from Omar Bin Khattab and Khalifa academic and professional future. BY PASSION Nasser Khalifa Al-Kuwari works two jobs. A manager by day, an THE SPOTLIGHT ON ACRPS entrepreneur by night, it’s he Arab Center for community development, Research and Policy and cooperation among Arab extraordinary how he packs in Studies (ACRPS) is a countries. It also explores 14-hour days, seven days a week, Tresearch institute for the study the Arab world's political and while continuing to innovate and of the social sciences and economic relations with its grow – both professionally and humanities. The Center seeks neighbors in Asia and Africa, to examine issues afflicting the and the US, European, and personally. It’s easy to see that the Arab world, like citizenship, Asian policies. For more on CEO of Rise Enterprise is the fragmentation, sovereignty, ACRPS, log on to product of determination, technological stagnation, english.dohainstitute.org/portal perseverance and passion!

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asser Khalifa Al-Kuwari always knew that he was that my future was in this path. Venturing into a business To support his ambitions of becoming a a business effectively, and I am not done with going to be an entrepreneur one day. “Growing up, can be intimidating, but I really wanted to become an successful entrepreneur, Al-Kuwari has completed learning yet,” he says. I was constantly crafting up ideas and dreaming entrepreneur who could contribute towards the economy several courses in leadership, innovation, With ambitions of earning a Master in Business aboutN making them reality one day. I was a curious kid,” and so, step by step, I kept growing the businesses accounting, management, and entrepreneurship, Administration next, it looks like there’s no stopping he says. slowly, while juggling a full-time job,” he says. among others, from schools such as Harvard, Al-Kuwari from reaching for the stars. His plans for the That curiosity, however, led him to pursue a Law While running a successful business enterprise may Carnegie Mellon, Cambridge and Oxford, to name a next few years include growing and strengthening Rise degree at Durham University, UK. Upon graduating at seem like a walk in the park for Al-Kuwari, it hasn’t few. Enterprise, while looking at potential businesses to acquire. the age of 20, Al-Kuwari went on to obtain his Masters always been a bed of roses. GreenLife, his pet project, “It’s important for me to keep studying and “My advice to those who are contemplating going degree in Law from the University of California, Berkeley, began to suffer from losses a few years after it was improving myself. It’s the only reason why I’ve out on their own is to believe in yourself and in your graduating at the age of 26. established. Not wanting to give up on the project, and managed to sustain and grow my business. capabilities. Nothing is impossible if you put your mind Somewhere during those years, Al-Kuwari decided to true to his persistent personality, Al-Kuwari held on and All these courses have taught me how to run to it, and if you give it enough effort,” he says. venture into business, making him among the youngest took measures to innovate and improve the business. CEOs in the country at that time. “At 24, I launched “Within a year of implementing changes, GreenLife GreenLife, a health center offering the Cambridge Diet came out of the red and made it into the top 50 SME program, a weight-loss program with a new approach to Excellence List in 2016, awarded by Qatar Development nutrition. It was challenging, but establishing a business Bank. It remains my favorite business as it helps me was something I was passionate about and believed in,” make a difference to people’s lives, which is the core he says. spirit of all my individual businesses,” he says. Today, the 30-year-old Al-Kuwari not only runs a Al-Kuwari’s bold decision to venture into business string of businesses under Rise Enterprise – among was well received by those around him. “I spoke to them Salad Boutique, Sasso, Ala Al Darb, Machla, Pasta and consulted with many people about my idea before 10 SECONDS WITH Workshop, Noir Café, Bait Ommi, Murals and Abstract I ventured into business. Everyone was supportive, Media – but also holds a full-time job as Manager of especially my family,” he says. Contracts and Tenders at Al Jazeera Media Network. “I think it was an easy decision for my family to NASSER AL-KUWARI support since I wasn’t giving up on my studies to So, how does he do it all? venture into business. My academic path is different “I’m driven by passion and I go after results. But I don’t from my career path, and I have goals for each of these do all of this on my own – I work with a great team pathways,” he adds. of people who share my passion of wanting to offer On the educational front, Al-Kuwari explains that he something that will benefit society. It’s not a one-man continued pursuing his Master's degree in Law because On what keeps him going: “The need to see results show,” he says humbly. he knew that it would one day play an important role in and improvements.” Still, Al-Kuwari has achieved a feat many people only his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. dream of. Setting up and running a successful business “My Law degree has been crucial in helping me run enterprise while holding a full-time job is a crippling my business successfully. It has helped me deepen On handling obstacles: “Never give up, keep going, thought for some, but Al-Kuwari’s mindset is one of risk- my understanding of business law and given me taking, bravado and determination. many opportunities to look at things from a different and look for solutions. There is always a solution!” “I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and perspective,” he says. The most important consideration before venturing into business: “A business plan. This determines if your business idea has potential or not.”

His recipe for success: “Establish a systemized work process and hire the right people.”

On making a business work: “You must enjoy what you do. That gives birth to passion.”

His view on education: “Never stop learning. You cannot overdose on knowledge.”

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The best way to find out about a particular profession is to actually speak to someone who is already in the field. Here, we talk to five professionals in Qatar If you have the desire to keep people and places about their roles, and what it takes to excel in their chosen line of work. safe and secure, then being a building inspector INSPECTOR is something you might find fulfilling.

Dentists are people who prevent, treat and improve teeth and gum A building inspector’s main task is to standards, while following up at the Most building inspectors require an problems. If creating beautiful smiles and restoring the functions of the examine the structural quality and building site itself as the construction engineering degree, and depending on oral cavity is something that interests you, then a career in dentistry overall safety of buildings. He or she proceeds. For existing buildings, the area of interest, one may require could be right up your alley. needs to be knowledgeable about all inspectors may be called to perform a mechanical, electrical, chemical or DENTIST aspects of a building's structure before a pre-sale inspection, to respond to architectural engineering qualification. properly identifying potential problems. an emergency, or to address possible Additional training in these fields works Part of their job is to also ensure code violations. Inspection work also as an advantage too. Dentists are professionals who a subspecialty of dentistry, such their own. There is a lot of room that buildings comply with municipal includes checking the alarm system, provide oral health services that as orthodontics (specializing for career development, including safety codes and other construction the fire-fighting system, and safety in For more information on inspection, include treating injuries and in braces) or periodontics managing a medical facility. regulations. For work that involves new the building, in general. log on to https://portal.moi.gov. correcting dental problems. In (specializing in gums). Like doctors, dentists are developments, building inspectors will A building inspector needs work qa/wps/portal/MOIInternet/ addition to providing preventative Most dentists require an highly regarded for their medical need to review the construction plans experience and the necessary departmentcommittees/ care and treatment, dentists also undergraduate degree, preferably abilities, and are among some of to ensure that they meet necessary qualification to be successful at the job. gacivildefence educate people on how to manage in science, before completing a the most respected professions their oral health. five-year dental program and around. Most dentists are general earning a doctoral degree in practitioners who perform scaling, dental medicine or dental surgery. Read more about dentistry at fill cavities, and extract teeth. Graduates can either work for www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ Some, however, choose to study established practices or set out on dentists-doctors-of-oral-health LIEUTENANT ENGINEER on the field, which requires IBRAHIM ABDULLAH engineering work, which is an AL-KHARJI, LICENSES enjoyable aspect of the job. INSPECTION OFFICER To become an inspector, one needs to be diligent, hardworking, AT THE PREVENTION patient, and completely aware of DR. LOLWA MOHAMED DEPARTMENT, CIVIL what the inspection work requires. DEFENSE You will also need to update AL-MASLAMANI, yourself with new laws and DENTIST AT HAMAD regulatory codes which usually MEDICAL CORPORATION “My role at the Civil Defense change every year. You must also entails both the inspection of be passionate about examining “A profession in dentistry will commercial licenses as well as things and scrutinizing their interest a person who is patient and building licenses. I also work features and details.” conscientious. A dentist needs to be accurate, as some of his or her tasks involve figuring out dimensions and lengths, determining the right shade of white, and working on sometimes complicated procedures. In addition, he or she should also be socially skilled, as a dentist deals with many people, most of whom have great apprehension about visiting a dentist! A dentist should have the ability of dealing with patients in a way that reassures them and offers them comfort. I consider dentistry as a humanitarian profession because I am able to help alleviate pain while restoring the functions of the oral cavity, and improving the aesthetics of the mouth.”

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If you are investigative by nature, take pleasure in If you’ve always had an affinity for colors, shapes and design, and solving complex problems and can spend hours if you’re generally quite a creative and self-expressive individual, collecting, analyzing and organizing information then being an artist is a fantastic career choice for you. RESEARCHER and data, then research could be for you. ARTIST

The field of art is diverse and to show potential clients and decide which medium is most can range from anything employers. enjoyable and expressive. Researchers are experts who Depending on which area of specialization, and you must also from painting to sculpting and Being an artist doesn’t happen Besides being an independent are able to think critically and studies interests you, a research be methodological in gathering photography. Completing an art overnight. It requires skills, artist, an art degree can take analytically, and have academic qualification can be obtained from information. This, among other degree might not be mandatory, practice and discipline. Most you from being a museum skills to produce scholarly journals all fields of research endeavors things, will help you to provide but because the field is highly artists specialize in one medium, curator, a teacher, an exhibition and research papers. They also such as science, economics, valid, proven scientific evidence. competitive, a degree program and focus on mastering it – designer or a gallery manager need to be able to use resources engineering, arts, humanities, In addition, you also need to be will offer you many advantages whether it is interior design, and illustrator. effectively, to gather, implement, healthcare, and education, among patient and have an eye for detail. while helping you expand your graphic design, woodworking control and organize information, others. Anything from finding a cure Moreover, a researcher also needs skills and create a portfolio of or drawing. Through practice For more information on art, and to analyze text, data, statistics for cancer to solving water and food to be resourceful, persistent and your work – which you may need and experimentation, one can visit: www.qatar.vcu.edu and theory. A lot of research work crisis involves research work and confident, with the ability of handling involves commissioning surveys application of research results. pressure and being responsible for and organizing research projects, To be a good researcher, you must his or her work. with the aim of discovering and/ grasp the wide-range of scientific or verifying knowledge and solving knowledge relevant to your area For more information on research, real life problems. of scientific specialization/sub- you can visit: www.qnrf.org/en-us/

AMAL ABDULLA to workshops offered by other AL-AATHEM, artists in order to help you QATARI ARTIST create work that is uniquely yours. Art is not just about “Art is for people who are colors. It is about the message passionate, ambitious, brave, you want to convey to your DR. TAREQ AL-ANSARI, and who are fighters - because audience. As an artist, you not everyone will approve, are an ambassador of your ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, like or even understand the family, society and country, so HAMAD BIN KHALIFA art or message conveyed in it’s important to stay true to UNIVERSITY your artwork. To be a good yourself. artist, you first need to build I love that my artwork and expand your knowledge resembles me and that “To have a successful career as a about the world and that which it is closely linked to my researcher, you need passion, discipline, surrounds you. Building your personality and the messages and determination. One must definitely personality and developing a that I want to convey. I be passionate about research and ‘voice’ will enable you to decide appreciate that people have the desire to answer questions on the message that you want recognize my work even through self-discovery. To make it as to convey through your work. without a signature, and that a researcher, there is nothing more Besides an academic they are accepting of my work, important than to have personal background, you will need to which is a deep reflection of ambition, the desire to discover continuously open yourself up my thoughts.” something new and as a result, have a positive impact on society. What I love most about my profession is the ability to make a difference to society and to have a positive contribution to the scientific community. A career in research is a very exciting adventure. It is hard work, but the rewards are definitely worth it.”

14 www.qcdc.org.qa 15 CHOOSING A CAREER FEATURES

A programmer typically builds and creates software programs and develops them in a language that computers can understand SURVIVING and follow. If coding and decoding sounds PROGRAMMER interesting, you might want to consider programming as a career option. YOUR FIRST

Programmers write and develop Although there are many self- area to focus on depends on anything from websites and taught experts in the field, a where your interests lie, but DAY AT WORK mobile phone applications to university education will go a whichever field you choose to computer operating systems and long way in helping you move up specialize in, remaining current First days are tough. While you games by writing and modifying the career ladder. Additionally, is of paramount importance. made it through school and codes. Programmers can be because experience in this field is As such, you will need to keep involved in many stages of the greatly valued, university can help attending training programs and university, there’s another ‘first development process, right from you gain the necessary experience seminars to remain competitive in day’ anxiety to face when you analysis and application to testing needed through internships. the field. and technical support. There are different areas land yourself a job. But fret not To become a programmer, you of specialization within For more information on as these tips will ensure that first need to earn a Bachelor’s programming, such as healthcare programming, visit: www.qcri.com degree in computer science. or accounting. Deciding which or www.qatar.cmu.edu your first day at work goes as smoothly as possible

he best way to relieve the idea of how long it will take you to first day, and no one expects you to ENG. MARYAM AL HAMADI, pressure of your first day at get to the office, taking into account know it all. If you are invited to join RESEARCH ASSISTANT, work is to prepare yourself well. rush-hour traffic. Aim to arrive at a group for lunch or coffee, grab the THere are some things that you can do: least 10 minutes early, just to allow opportunity. The sooner you start QATAR COMPUTING for unforeseen delays. Plus, you don’t building relationships, the sooner you RESEARCH INSTITUTE 1. Research want the stress of rush on your first will settle in. It is best to do a bit of reading up day at work. “To be a professional programmer, on the company’s operations and you need to have a passion for your job role as this will help you 4. Show Confidence coding. You need to have patience, feel more prepared for the day and Dependability the ability to think logically, to be ahead. Also look for advice on the It’s natural to feel nervous, self-driven, and detail oriented. You business and cultural etiquette, but the more confidence WHAT NOT TO DO also need to have troubleshooting especially if you will be working with you portray, the more skills and analytical skills. different nationalities, to avoid any confident you will Personally, I love the challenge embarrassing situations. eventually feel. Also, •Don’t complain, especially about work. that programming gives me, show initiative at People will start avoiding you because of especially when I need to iron out work by being bugs in a program. More importantly, 2. Plan Your Outfit proactive. your negative energy. No one wants to be it keeps challenging me because Planning on what to wear the night Introduce around a moaner there is always something new to before saves you time in the morning. yourself to learn about it. And because first impressions matter, your new •Don’t behave like you know it all. Until you settle To be a programmer, one needs consider an outfit that is in line with colleagues and to keep on learning and updating the company’s requirements, and one make an effort in and thoroughly know the ropes, don’t go in there oneself on the ever-changing nature that will represent your personality. to remember and behave like you know more than your new of this industry. Everyday, there are Whatever you choose, ensure that their names. new developments in the field, and it is something that you will be Find your colleagues you must be able to stay up to date. comfortable in, as this will help boost way around Read more about success and what your confidence. the office, •Don’t bury yourself in your phone. Although you it takes to become a programmer in learn how the might not have much to do on your first day, resist this inspiring book: banco.az/sites/ 3. Being On Time photocopier default/files/books/outliers-the_ You don’t want to show up late on works, and ask the urge to text your friends or update your status story_of_success.pdf your first day of work (or any other questions if you on social media platforms. It just doesn’t look day for that matter), so do a test run are not sure of of your journey. This will give you an anything. It is your professional. Save the texting for lunchtime

16 www.qcdc.org.qa 17 FEATURES importance of an education from an the subjects in which they gain the Higher Education and the Ministry early age – that it will help them with highest marks. This enables me to of Administrative Development, self-development and independence, advise them accordingly. Having said Labor and Social Affairs. To develop that it increases knowledge and culture that, the choice remains theirs. I have coaching skills, consider taking up awareness, in addition to expanding never forced them into any particular a formal course. This will enable their horizons and helping them attain specialization or field,” he says. parents to guide their children job opportunities in the future,” he adds. According to Dr Taj Kardaman, accordingly,” he says. Al Ubayd’s parenting style is one Career Counseling Consultant at Qatar With these skills and insights, Dr that encourages his children to make Career Development Center (QCDC), Kardaman says that parents will then informed choices, by maintaining an many parents face the challenge of be equipped to: open and honest communication line. changing times, and as a result, are • Help their children discover their “There needs to be a balance between stuck in traditional ways of looking at skills, abilities and interests, while being supportive and authoritative,” he career options for their children. learning about their strengths and says. “A lot of parents push their children weaknesses “The method I use with my children into traditional professions that they • Help their children consider career is that of dialogue and persuasion. believe are secure, such as doctors, or educational options instead of I am moderate in dealing and lawyers and accountants. However, pushing them into pursuing what is communicating with my children, there are many newer professions socially acceptable or economically THE ROLE OF PARENTS and I guide them by means of advice. and university degree courses that are rewarding Yet sometimes I take a firm stand offered these days. An App Developer • Guide them (instead of deciding for and become strict, especially in or a Sustainability Expert were them) into making good decisions IN THE SUCCESS OF matters related to the traditions of our professions that were unheard of ten concerning employability, career conservative community in the Gulf,” years ago. advancements, etc. he adds. “Parenting styles need to evolve with • Continue encouraging their Al Ubayd and his wife also act as time. Parents need to learn about the children to achieve what they have THEIR CHILDREN career coaches for their children, labor market and the education system decided on by providing continuous realizing that in addition to teachers in Qatar in order to guide their children support and resources Research shows that parents who take a keen interest in their and counselors, parents are important accordingly. Education systems are not “Additionally, parents need to be children’s education are more likely to groom successful adults influencers with the ability and the same as they used to be and there more interactive and reflective, have responsibility of guiding their children are various other professions that are the necessary listening skills to in the right path. So where do parents in demand these days. encourage and support their children start in terms of being coaches? “Parents should attend career fairs, instead of being domineering, and to “By keeping a close watch on their speak to teachers and counselors, advise instead of deciding for their studies. This way, I know what their and read up on the latest news children. Everything lies in the hands child’s first learning Father of four, Rashid of the 44th International interests are, what they love, and about the Ministry of Education and of the parents,” he says. institution is his or Abdallah Al Ubayd Exhibition of Inventions of her home. Children is a parent who Geneva that was held Alearn the most from realized very last year, in which he is important to you by checking on their Using nepotism, bribery, or threats to their parents and the early on that submitted his invention grades, attendance, and behavior each day influence school employees environment in which being closely called the Third Eye – a Route To they are raised. Needless involved in system that assists Know exactly what work your child is Letting students do whatever they to say, parents play a vital Abdallah the education Fahd guards and military Success expected to complete each week for want. Every child needs clear, firm role in the education of their of his children personnel to monitor blind The responsibility of grooming high- school by working closely with your and consistent boundaries that can children. So how much parent was imperative to their spots. achievers may seem like a daunting child’s teacher be gradually loosened as the child involvement is needed? According success. Al Ubayd’s second son, task. Although every child is different, demonstrates maturity and self- to Awsaj Academy Secondary School “I believe in the significance of Abdallah, is a graduate of Ahmed Steve Stay says that with some Expect them to spend time reading discipline Academic Counselor, Steve Stay, participating in the education of all my bin Mohammed Military College, guidance, parents are able to bring out each day, and set a good example by whatever it takes to mold them into children. I attend all parents’ meetings from which he obtained a Bachelor's the best in their children. He offers the reading each day where they can see Eliminating their child’s social life successful, productive individuals. and school activities whenever the Degree in Accounting and a Diploma in following advice: you completely in order to focus entirely on “Students cannot achieve their full school invites me. My wife also shares Military Sciences, while his third son, schoolwork. Children without healthy potential unless their parents are the responsibility of guiding and Abdulrahman, is a preparatory school Make sure your child gets enough sleep Set and maintain firm expectations for and frequent opportunities for social actively involved in their education. advising our children. She guides them student. According to Al Ubayd, all of each day. Most students require nine to your child’s effort. Remove privileges if interaction are at a higher risk for Research has proven over and with their assignments and revises them have clear directions on what ten hours of sleep to function at peak need be and give them a clear goal to mental illness and self-harm over again that positive parental their homework daily,” he says. careers they want to pursue, which ability achieve before restoring their privilege. involvement increases student Al Ubayd’s daughter, Haya, is he believes is a result of his deep Likewise, remember to reward your Moving children from school to school achievement, reduces bad behavior, currently pursuing her degree in involvement in their education. Make sure they eat something healthy child for sincere effort frequently improves attendance, and increases Business Administration at Qatar “I developed the habit of sitting before going to school student satisfaction at school. University, while his oldest son, Fahd with them and listening to them PARENTS SHOULD AVOID: Insisting on perfect grades or test Conversely, students whose parents is a Computer Science graduate and following up closely with their Know the school’s rules and help your scores. Remember that your child may are not involved in their education from Swinburne University, Australia. education and activities in school by child to follow them Abusing their children physically or make up for what he/she lacks in other generally earn worse grades, get into Fahd, who currently works at Qatar working closely with their teachers,” emotionally in an effort to get them to areas, so it’s important to nurture the more trouble at school, and feel less Petroleum as a systems engineer and says Al Ubayd. Prove to your child that their education work harder or behave better at school skills and interests that they already have happy there,” he says. IT project manager, was a participant “I have also always instilled the

18 www.qcdc.org.qa 19 FEATURES

BRIG. NASSER ABDULJABBAR HEAD OF RECRUITMENT NATIONAL SERVICE AUTHORITY

they acquire during the Program “We offer a workshop related to More than just a program to prepare make them more valuable to career break as part of our Career GOALS OF NATIONAL and train a force to defend the employers as they become capable Development Workshop Series which THE NATIONAL country, the National Service Program of handling challenges. They also is suitable not only for those who develop other positive character take a break from work for national SERVICE SERVICE: in Qatar is aimed at teaching young traits, such as respect for others and service reasons, but also for other PROGRAM men critical thinking skills while industriousness which contribute reasons such as educational, medical towards their professional journey. or pregnancy reasons,” says Dr • TO SUPPORT the armed developing other positive character forces in emergency situations DEVELOPING “The Program provides recruits Kardaman. traits such as respectfulness, with useful experiences that produce The workshop is aimed at • TO ASSIST the internal responsibility and hard work. a strong and disciplined character, providing practical guidance on security forces in BETTER QATARIS giving them better chances when how best to return to work. Topics strengthening the internal applying for a job,” says Abduljabbar. include developing career audit, front he target group of the program the overall National Service Program culture, self-development and The positive learning experiences balancing work and life, re-skilling are Qatari males between 18 greatly contribute to increasing a religious programs. In addition, and personal development ‘side- process, boosting confidence and • TO PARTICIPATE in the to 35 years old, who undergo student’s sense of responsibility, there is a proposal to establish an effects’ that are derived from the managing the process of returning development of the State's Ta three-month national service self-confidence, and self-discipline,” academy that covers a number of Program easily dismiss concerns of to work. economy training program in Qatar. This year’s says Abduljabbar. curricula, so that the national service those who might experience trouble Meanwhile, Abduljabbar points • TO ADDRESS the recruitment batch includes 800 students who Initiated in 2014 upon the wise may become inclusive of all aspects transitioning back to their day out that although mandatory, the needs of the reserve force in will undergo not just military and directive of HH the Emir Sheikh of life. jobs after this three-month period. National Service initiative has been terms of personnel physical training, but programs that Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the “Besides supporting armed forces The applicant's right to bonuses, welcomed by Qataris who express will positively mold and shape their Program was a move aimed at in crisis and emergency, the Program promotions, and salary payments is readiness to participate in the • TO DEVELOP the individual personalities. mobilizing Qataris for the defense of helps recruits acquire many skills, guaranteed in accordance with the Program with many developing a skills of the recruited youth According to Brigadier General the country and to get young Qataris starting from tactics of attack in National Service Law. passion for doing military service • TO HELP the recruited Nasser Abduljabbar, Head of to rely on themselves. It is also civilian areas and of dispersing However, no two person’s journey in the armed forces or the Ministry individuals achieve self- Recruitment at Qatar National aimed at teaching recruits how to be demonstrations, and other skills is the same. “There are recruits who of Interior upon completion of the discipline Service Authority, the National responsible citizens and to deliver related to weaponry and barriers, choose to join the military force after training period. Service Program does not just public service for the good of the like how to shoot and how to aim the training period, but for some of Exemptions to the Program • TO RAISE their proficiency in benefit the young men who nation. at targets. All these skills prove to those returning to their regular jobs, include those with disability, only military tactics and strengthen participate but also the country as Recruits traditionally receive be useful when the student is later the process can be difficult,” says children, those who are medically their knowledge and a whole, as they will both reap the military training and academic summoned to do military service,” Dr Taj Kardaman, Career Counseling unfit, and family providers who capabilities benefits of the Program. programs that include lectures on says Abduljabbar. Consultant at Qatar Career are sons of martyrs. Moreover, “In addition to supporting the all aspects of the armed forces. They An important, and often Development Center (QCDC). study is postponed for sole family • TO DEVELOP physical training national defense needs, the National are also trained in infantry, fitness, overlooked benefit of national service For those who struggle getting providers, except for students of that enables young people to Service Program goes a long way light weapons, shooting, field battle is how it also trains participants to back into the swing of things at military schools and colleges who perform their duties efficiently towards helping young recruits. The skills, and civil defense, along with better prepare themselves for the work, QCDC offers help in the form of are assigned to military titles or any and professionally individual programs that make up programs on first aid, community job market. As it turns out, the skills counseling and workshops. other titles of public interest.

20 www.qcdc.org.qa 21 FEATURES

get, the better, so cast your net as your CV as well. It will also leave a Build Experience far as possible. You never know favorable impression on potential Notice how every job opening what will come back your way. You employers as it shows great asks for experience? Well, may be able to pick up some work initiative on your part. it’s important. To make a experience, or even be notified of a breakthrough into your desired job opening. Sell Your Skills field, you’ll probably need to gain It is not uncommon for graduates to some experience. This could Get a Hobby or Volunteer apply for positions outside their field be entry level or even unpaid, Don’t have a hobby? It’s never too of study. For example, a qualified such as internships or graduate YOU’VE late to get one. Employers like lawyer might have a keen interest work experience opportunities. to know what interests you have in marketing, or an engineer might You might not be earning at this outside your studies, and watching pursue his passion for writing. If stage, but the experience will TV is not going to carry any weight you are considering applying for definitely add weight to your CV. on your CV. Make use of your free a job outside your qualification, time now to get involved in a charity don’t think that you might not be a Stay Positive of your choice, or take up a hobby suitable candidate. Look past the This might be difficult if your GRADUATED. that will set you apart from other title of your degree and think about CV keeps being rejected, but candidates. what skills you’ve picked up along a certain amount of rejection the way. Research and analytical is inevitable. The point is to Take Up a Short Course skills, working to deadlines, persevere, and to keep trying. You can also consider a short creating and giving presentations, Focus on both the positives and course that might give you an edge demonstrating good interpersonal negatives of your application, over others. Mini courses like a skills are all great attributes often and ask recruiters why you were WHAT'S NEXT?your CV through to your LinkedIn profile computer software course or a gained through higher education. unsuccessful. This might help Recognize Your Worth As you embark on establishing a career and other social media platforms. If language course will not only boost It’s all about how you present and you put in better formulated for yourself, it’s important to know what you are looking for a corporate role your skills set, but add weight to communicate them. applications in future. you want to do, and what you have to for example, everything you present offer a potential employer. In addition needs to be smart and professional. to considering how a job will benefit Your profile photo, for instance, should you’veo you, looking at it from an employer’s preferably be of you in business attire. Highway To Success point of view will give you a valuable If you are looking for a creative role, a perspective so that you can present more casual profile photo might suit. The following roadmap might • Identify jobs that celebrated match your skills yourself as the candidate who is able Remember that the tone and context of be useful in helping you chart GO THROUGH THE • Write applications S to solve their problem. (Also read the your social media profiles also have an out your career options. It is APPLICATION graduation day, • Sit for interviews (FOR ENTREPRENEURS: PROCESS article titled Pursuing Your Dream impact on how you portray yourself to a recommended that you work • Repeat after filling WORK WITH INCUBATORS, thrown your mortar Career on page 26). potential employer. closely with a mentor or coach in the gaps MENTORS AND SPONSORS) who will be able to guide you • University placement offices accordingly. • Advertisements board in the air and Craft a Strong CV Do your homework HAVE • Career fairs As a graduate, you will now need a The more planning and research you A JOB • Networking professional CV. A good CV will need do, the more you will benefit in the SEARCH • Recruitment agencies enjoyed a break STRATEGY to highlight both your academic long run. Learning about companies from studies. Now achievements and your experience, that interest you will help make your including all volunteer work. In addition CV more relevant, helping you match ROADMAP TO SUCCESSFULLY IDENTIFY JOINING THE WORKFORCE MARKET it’s time to get to listing your qualification, include yourself to their values and goals. If POSSIBILITIES & the names of any modules or courses you make it to the interview stage, you OPPORTUNITIES cracking on what’s you took which will help you in a will already be equipped with all the WORK WITH A MENTOR/ AN EXPERT professional scenario. This will help background information. • Sectors/Occupations/ employers envisage you in a specific next on your career REPARE A Labor market info role. When including your experience, Build Your Network COMPETENCIES • Career ideas exercise start with the most relevant (recent Never underestimate the power of DEVELOPMENT »» Employment horizon. To help you PLAN • Public internship or volunteer work), then networking. There’s no point in creating IDENTIFY YOUR • Private move along, , here include roles that may be less relevant. a stellar CV only to keep it hidden. As a STRENGTHS & »» Entrepreneurship For help with CV writing, attend one of jobseeker, you will now need to make WEAKNESSES • Franchise/existing QCDC’s Career Development Workshop yourself and your CV as easy to find as business are some • Completely new Series. possible. Make use of every opportunity business suggestions offered to get yourself out there: Maintain Work on Your Personal Brand your LinkedIn profile, establish a • Have a • How to capitalize on/ by Qatar Career This is about how you want to sell professional blog or Twitter account, comprehensive leverage your strengths yourself to potential employers, and it upload your CV on various job boards capacity • How to mitigate your Development really depends on the type of industry and databases, and don’t forget to tell assessment weaknesses you wish to venture into. Your personal just about everyone that you’re seeking Center (QCDC): brand needs to be consistent right from employment. The more exposure you 22 www.qcdc.org.qa 23 FEATURES

Job interviews are nerve-wrecking no REBUILD YOUR matter how MANAGING prepared or qualified you are. If YOUR CONFIDENCE your confidence has taken a dent AFTER AN after a bad FINANCES interview, these You’ve landed your first job. Well done! You’re pointers will help likely to blow your first paycheck on something UNSUCCESSFUL you restore it. you’ve had your eye on for a long time (go on, you deserve it!), but as the months pass, the Chin up! task of handling your finances can be overwhelming. To help you manage your INTERVIEW money well, here are some tips:

The first thing you need to do is give you great insight for future interviews. Remember to reflect on what went well. It is not to burn your bridges, so remain professional. You Have a Budget (and stick to it) into your account, check your pay bills, as well as loan amounts need important to focus on this so that might end up applying for another role at the company If you don’t learn to manage your slip. Ensure that you have received to be paid off early to avoid late 1 you can see the negatives in a more one day. money well, you’ll soon realize that all that is due to you, i.e. your payment charges. A hassle-free Reflect positive light. After reflecting on living from paycheck to paycheck basic salary, car, travel or medical way of paying your bills on time is the positives, jot down what didn't go Practice is no fun. To avoid getting into allowances and reimbursements. to arrange for a direct debit facility so well. Then look at the overall experience from an answering a financial rut, draw up a basic Any discrepancies should be with your bank. outsider’s perspective. some monthly budget. Simply list addressed with your Finance or 5 interview down your monthly salary, and Human Resources department. Savings Practice Your Response questions the amount you need to allocate While errors are uncommon, they You’ll appreciate the money you Mistakes are human nature, so don't by recording for your fixed expenses, lifestyle do happen, so it is best to be safe put aside in a savings account stress about what went wrong in your it on your mobile phone to gauge what the interviewer expenses and savings. Knowing than sorry. when your car breaks down or your interview. Focus instead on how you sees during a job interview. If need be, you can improve how to allocate your money helps laptop needs an overhaul. The best 2 can better prepare for your next the professional image you project. If you don’t look control overspending. Honor Your Commitments way to ensure that you save is to Learn interview. Analyze the mistakes you enthusiastic enough or if you have an expressionless The first thing you need to do with immediately transfer your savings listed down, and come up with ways face when answering questions, work on your body Check Your Pay Slip your salary is to pay off all your sum into a separate account as on how you would handle them next time. Preparing language. These things can come across negatively. As soon as your salary is credited monthly bills. Credit card or phone soon as you get your paycheck. yourself will empower you for your next interview. Remember that actions speak louder than words. What’s better is to arrange for an automatic payment into your savings account – this way you’re Wallowing in self-pity and denying Keep looking for jobs and keep An easy way of creating a monthly budget not able to spend the money, and yourself the chance to further applying for vacancies in your field. you will soon build up a healthy 3 interviews is not the best way to Persistence pays, because the more is to adopt the 50/20/30 rule. savings fund. Move On handle rejection. Don’t let these 6 interviews you go for, the more feelings hold you back, and don’t Don’t Stop confident you'll become. Keep your Allocate 50% of your earnings for If you get a bonus… waste time wondering if you’ll get the job. What’s better head in the game and don’t give up! HOT essential expenses, such as groceries, rent and Save it! You can spend 20 percent is to contact the interviewer for feedback. of your bonus on something special Physical activity in any form boosts transportation. 20% should be put aside for yourself, but the rest should be Calling your interviewer confidence. Exercise will clear your TIP as savings (it’s never too early to start saving) saved. Think of the freedom you to ask for feedback head and break the chain of negative will have to spontaneously go on is a professional 7 thoughts, especially if you keep and 30% can be put towards other lifestyle an exotic vacation! The bottom line 4 move. This shows Exercise cringing about your interview mistakes spending such as entertainment, shopping, phone plans, donations, is: you just never know when the Get Feedback initiative on your part. over and over again. When you exercise, hobbies and other miscellaneous spending. additional funds will come in handy. Acknowledge your your body releases endorphins that relieve stress and mistakes and ask why you were unsuccessful. Get make you feel good. So put on your exercise gear and feedback on what areas you should work on. This can spend an hour a day getting your heartbeat up.

24 www.qcdc.org.qa 25 BOOSTING YOUR CAREER

Why did you consider Why volunteerism? Mainly for my personal Volunteer? development. I was considerably shy and somewhat of an introvert, Aside from being a truly rewarding THE BENEFITS OF and I wanted to improve myself. I and enriching personal experience, felt that volunteer work, and the here’s how volunteering is going to opportunity to meet and interact with new people from different benefit your career: cultures, would take me out of my comfort zone. Learn Life and Leadership Skills VOLUNTEERING Volunteering will help you develop From gaining confidence to being independent, volunteering goes a What roles have you taken new job skills as well as apply current on as a volunteer? long way towards boosting your career. We speak to Amna J. Al Depending on the organization, the country, which is far more skills in new ways. Everything from Rumaihi, Operations Officer at Qatar Career Development Center, who I have volunteered in the media rewarding. organizing events and fundraising tells us about the impact volunteering has had on her life and career department, done ticketing and to working in teams goes towards accreditation, and also helped in the Was there anything that making you more employable. spectator area. you didn’t like about Because volunteering also gives you volunteering? a chance to tackle a range of issues olunteering has many Simply put, if an employer is faced the Best Volunteer), said that her What have you learnt There were some people who did pluses. You get to form with two very similar candidates, volunteering experience has gone from your experience as a not take their roles seriously, and from human trafficking to animal lifelong friendships, your volunteering work is going to a long way towards helping her in volunteer? this affected other volunteers who conservation, the life skills you self-confidenceV gets a boost, and give you an edge over the next her current role as an Operations I learnt to work under pressure, had to take on the extra workload. will learn from the experience will you benefit from being a part candidate. Officer. improve my communication skills, impress potential employers. of something empowering that Amna J. Al Rumaihi, who “I developed people management and develop patience. I also met How has volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and volunteered for several charitable skills, learnt how to work and formed friendships with changed you? perspective. On top of that, you organizations such as the UNCTAD with teams and improved my people from various backgrounds People who know me personally Become Independent learn new skills and interests that XIII United Nations Conference coordination and communication that enhanced and developed my can see the change in my Volunteering means that you will need you can take into the workplace. on Trade and Development, IPC skills,” she says. knowledge about people and the personality. I am also remembered to adapt to an unknown culture and What’s also important to know Athletics World Championships, In this interview, she speaks to world. by people whom I worked with environment. This experience helps is that volunteer work on your Doha and the Doha Film Festival us about her experience, and the during my volunteering stints, so build confidence, and coming out on resume carries a lot of weight. (in which she was recognized as rewards of volunteer work. What was the most that’s a very warm and rewarding challenging aspect of feeling. top says a lot about you as a person, volunteering? particularly to potential employers. The first days are always a bit of a What advice would you challenge. It’s a new environment, give someone who is Expand your network and there are new volunteers to thinking about becoming a You get to meet people from all walks work with. volunteer? Well, they will need to be patient of life, and you could just bump into What’s your biggest and be open to last minutes people with similar interests or that takeaway from changes, and should never hesitate have jobs similar to the one you want. volunteering? to go the extra mile. Mostly, they Those already working in your target It’s not about the money. It’s about should enjoy the experience as it is giving back to the community and truly rewarding. field are a great source of information about job opportunities, and this could open up doors for you. And don’t Gain volunteering experience at some forget, if you have good experience volunteering, your supervisor might of these organization: serve as a reference when you’re applying to jobs. Reach Out To Asia (ROTA): www.reachouttoasia.org Qatar Voluntary Center: www.qvoluntary.qa Qatar Charity: www.qcharity.org/en/qa Hope Qatar: www.hope-qatar.org Sustainable QATAR: www.sustainableqatar.com Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS): www.qrcs.org.qa

26 www.qcdc.org.qa 27 CAREER TALK

Second-year Northwestern University in Qatar student, Abdulla Yousef Al-Horr THE SUMMER tells us about his experience at QCDC’s Summer Career Camp which he attended PURSUING YOUR CAMP EXPERIENCE in search for some career guidance. Why did you decide to go for for the rest of their lives. It is not easy to learn the Summer Camp? about the many different universities and I was already at my senior year of high school majors available, and to choose one before you and I had no clue of what to major in, so I decided graduate from high school, but QCDC makes DREAM CAREER to sign up for it. it easier. With all the information, training, If you could be or do anything workshops and field trips that they arrange, a What impact did the experience have student should be ready to collect his or her in the world, what would it be? on your career and study choices? thoughts and decide on a major that would fit I was able to understand different majors and how them very well. It is a unique opportunity that Answer this, and you could be they work. The camp wasn’t just limited to the everyone should consider in order to make on your way towards securing major itself, but also explored our own personality. the right decision regarding their major. We were able to determine what type of a person a happy, fulfilling career each one of us was, and what is likely to be a What are your career goals suitable work place for us. In addition, we visited and aspirations for the the Al Jazeera Media Institute (formerly known future? ot everyone lands a dream Acknowledge Your Dream as Al Jazeera Training and Development Center). I plan to have a suitable job that job right after graduation. What is that thing you’ve always where I was able to learn more about my major in I enjoy; something I don’t mind For a lot of graduates, wanted to do? Was it to travel the Media studies. doing for the rest of my life. Ndeciding on a career that will world, write a book or launch your This means that as a student, interest and satisfy them takes own business? No matter what Who would you recommend the it is important to choose some figuring out. But deciding your dreams are, don’t dismiss Summer Camp to? your major carefully, as it on which path to follow doesn’t them. List down what these are It is for anyone who wants to learn about their will have an impact on your just involve choosing the right and move on to the next step. something, what would you future job and what they are interested in doing career. educational route. A lot of it choose and why? involves figuring out who you are What are your interests? as a person and what you want out To determine what your interests Learn About Yourself The Career Planning Model is a systematic Getting On The Right Track of life. In other words, it’s about are, make a list of all the things There are numerous personality approach to establishing the right career, and is finding your passion. you enjoy doing, like travelling, assessment tools that can provide used in QCDC’s Career Advisor Training Course. Effective career planning starts with finding out what your According to Dr Taj Kardaman, writing, sports, etc. There are insights into your values, how you like to interests, skills and work values are. The Career Advising Career Counseling Consultant at no right or wrong answer so list work and what you’d be compelled to do System offered by QCDC, developed in partnership with Qatar Career Development Center whatever that piques your interest. even if you never got paid. Some of these Kuder Inc., a world leader in career planning services, is a (QCDC), discovering your dream Next, think of types of work you include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator comprehensive career assessing and planning solution for career can be easy if one follows could do that would involve your or the Keirsey Temperament Sorter. Self-Assessment students, instructors, advisors, counselors, HR executives • Personality and parents, and is used for reliable assessments to explore a guided career pathway, and by interest. These personality assessment tools go a • Values asking some basic questions. long way towards learning about yourself. • Interests extensive educational and occupational choices, and search “You essentially need to answer Assess Your Skills • Skills for substantial scholarship programs in order to identify three questions concerning who The next step in identifying a the career path that is most suitable to you or those you are Values and Beliefs Career you are: What do you most love career choice is to know what you Take some time to evaluate and responsible for. Exploration to do, where would you most love are skilled at. Skills are not the recognize your values and beliefs. In The Job The Career Advising System aims to equip individuals with • Consider your • Research career/ to use your skills, and how to find most important indicator of what doing this, ask yourself what you believe current position, is job market the basic skills and essential knowledge of career advising those jobs,” he says. career you should get into because in, what you stand for, what values you it right for you? • Participate in and planning, and provide them with tools and activities • Where will it co-operative education For those of you who are like abilities (which come more admire and make a list of your top 10 lead to? • Research educational to help them embark on an ultimate career journey. The struggling to find answers to naturally), they can be developed values. Some examples of values include • Are you in the The Career • opportunitites assessments don’t just define who you are or what your these questions, Dr Kardaman with some amount of guidance trustworthiness, respect, fairness and right place now? Planning Model career should be, but they also help you narrow your search advises seeking guidance from and nurturing. Understanding your community involvement. Your values and consider options you may not have previously considered QCDC. “QCDC has unique programs abilities and skills can guide you have a major influence on your behavior by helping you visualize which industry or career or field of designed to help provide graduates to a career that would be easier and attitude, and will serve as a guide in Making study to pursue. • a Decision with some concrete guidance. for you to enter, but they need to choosing a suitable career. • Conduct active job search The Career Advising System is an online activity that • Write resumes/cover letters These programs will help you be competitive and desired in the • Develop personal marketing plans contains six modules which systematically take you from Job• SearchResearch employees identify the skills you most enjoy workforce. In accessing your skills Your Education Interview assessing skills and interests to occupational choices, using, as well as the field in which and abilities, ask yourself these Of course, your education is the gateway educational and training choices, finding schools and you will most enjoy using them,” questions: to many career options. Together with scholarship, planning for work, and finding a career. You says Dr Kardaman. • What are you naturally good at? your educational qualification, and an get help from everything from discovering suitable career Evaluate career options • Set career objectives To help you get started, he • What activities give you the most insight into your core self, you can easily • options to finding job openings and crafting great resumes recommends deliberating on these challenge? establish a dream career route for and cover letters. points: • If you could be better at yourself.

28 www.qcdc.org.qa 29 EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

HEC Paris in Qatar WORLD CLASS EDUCATION • HEC Paris in Qatar was Northwestern established in 2010 University in Qatar (NU-Q) • Courses on offer include Master's programs, Summer AT YOUR DOORSTEP • NU-Q was founded in 2008 School, MBA, Ph.D., Executive MBA, TRIUM Global Executive MBA, open-enrolment and • It offers Bachelor of Science degrees in For top quality programs and custom executive education programs. HEC Journalism and Communication. It also specializations, just step into Paris launched Qatar’s first international offers students the opportunity to complete a Executive MBA. In addition to the EMBA, HEC certificate in Middle East studies and a minor in Education City Paris in Qatar provides a Specialized Master’s media and politics Degree in Strategic Business Unit Management • 181 students have graduated from NU-Q • A total of 346 students have graduated from HEC Paris in Qatar • There are 248 students currently enrolled at NU-Q • There are 179 students currently enrolled at the institution ducation City, Qatar Foundation’s areas of priority relevant to Qatar. Qatar (WCM-Q), Carnegie Mellon (QF) flagship development, is Among its partner universities University in Qatar (CMU-Q), HEC Paris home to a range of prestigious are Georgetown School of Foreign in Qatar and UCL Qatar, and its home- universitiesE and schools, cutting-edge Service in Qatar (GU-Q), Texas A&M grown institution, Hamad Bin Khalifa research centers and laboratories. University at Qatar (TAMUQ), Virginia University (HBKU). Through its partnership with Commonwealth University in Qatar Here’s a quick look at all these Texas A&M University international universities, QF has been (VCUQatar), Northwestern University in facilities, and what educational at Qatar (TAMUQ) UCL Qatar able to offer world-class education in Qatar (NU-Q), Weill Cornell Medicine- opportunities they have to offer: • TAMUQ’s campus was • UCL Qatar opened a established in 2003 campus in Qatar in 2010 • The university offers • It offers a rigorous and dynamic learning Hamad Bin Khalifa University Bachelor of Science degrees environment with an MA in Library and Information Studies and an MA in Museum and • Founded in 2010 in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Gallery Practice • It houses three national research institutes, including Qatar Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. • 102 students have graduated from UCL Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Qatar Computing Research It started offering graduate degree programs in Institute (QCRI), and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute Chemical Engineering in 2011 • There are 69 students currently enrolled at (QEERI) UCL Qatar • 725 students have graduated from TAMUQ since 2003 • HBKU has a string of colleges under its umbrella, namely the College of Science & Engineering, College of Islamic Studies, College of • There are 550 students currently enrolled at TAMUQ Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Law & Public Policy, and College of Health and Life Sciences • 314 students have graduated from HBKU • There are 500 students currently enrolled at HBKU

Georgetown School of Virginia Commonwealth Foreign Service in Qatar (GU-Q) University in Qatar (VCUQatar) Weill Cornell Carnegie Mellon • GU-Q was established in 2005 Medicine – Qatar • VCUQatar was the first (WCM-Q) University in Qatar • It offers a four-year liberal campus to open in Education City in 1998 (CMU-Q) arts education, focused on the multidisciplinary study of international • It offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion • WCM-Q was established in 2001 • CMU-Q joined Education City in 2004 affairs. Students major in four key areas: Culture Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and • WCM-Q’s innovative six-year program of studies leads • It offers undergraduate programs and Politics, International History, International Painting and Printmaking, as well as a Bachelor to the Cornell University MD degree. The two-year in Biological Sciences, Business Economics, and International Politics of Arts degree in Art History and a Master of Fine pre-medical curriculum focuses on basic sciences Arts degree in Design Administration, Computational Biology, • A total of 337 students have graduated from the relevant to medicine, while the four-year medical Computer Science, and Information Systems university • 556 students have graduated from VCUQatar curriculum follows the highly successful program of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York • With nine graduating classes, the total number of alumni is 570 • There are 238 students currently enrolled at GU-Q • There are currently 363 students enrolled at • A total of 256 students have graduated from WCM-Q • 413 students are currently enrolled at CMU-Q VCUQatar • There are 295 students currently enrolled at QCM-Q

30 www.qcdc.org.qa 31 ONE-TO-ONE

How long were you a pilot? thinking about this. I did a lot of the Leadership Journey. It is an BREAKING BOUNDARIES I spent 16 years as a pilot, having research and asked experienced experience worth trying and it allows joined Qatar Airways in 2000. In people in both industries for their individuals to become successful 2016, I decided to join the Leadership opinion. I then measured the pros transformational leaders who create It’s not often that one decides to embark on a Journey which allows me to do and cons, and made my decision sustainable impact in schools and something unique and helps accordingly. communities, and who hopefully life-changing journey that will impact the me develop my leadership and go on as alumni to enact long-term younger generation in the community after professional skills. I’m glad that I was What do you hope to change in Qatar and beyond. being in the same profession for almost two granted this opportunity. If it were not gain out of teaching? decades. However, that’s exactly what a Qatar for Teach For Qatar, I would not have I just hope that my contribution What advice would you give Airways pilot did when he realized that had the chance to become a teacher will help develop a responsible and people who are looking for a and better understand the education productive generation. career change that’s vastly teaching was something that he was system and the impact it has on different from what they passionate and curious about. our younger generations. I now fully Has your teaching experience currently do? understand and appreciate that it is been fulfilling so far? If someone has a strong desire for hen Jassim Shahbik our duty to influence future leaders I am very comfortable and a change, my advice to him or her decided to take the in Qatar, and Teach For Qatar has satisfied with the experience so is: don’t hesitate. In the case of the Wopportunity provided by Teach given me the opportunity to do so. far. It’s fulfilling to know that I educational sector, I can assure For Qatar by joining its two- am contributing towards a better them that the field is challenging year leadership program called Why did you decide on teaching? generation and instilling some yet rewarding. As a teacher, you are the Leadership Journey to I’ve always had a keen interest in values in them. I aim to achieve constantly learning and discovering become a teacher in one of the education and in teaching. Plus, I success in this field and contribute creative ways to engage your independent schools in Qatar, like taking on new challenges. I was to the mission and goals that the students in order for them to develop many scoffed at the idea. looking for a role that would enable Teach For Qatar Leadership Journey their understanding. “Friends and family were me to give back and to contribute to program has set for itself. I believe surprised by my decision. Some the development of the community. I this program should be adopted all How important do you think even expected me to fail as a realized I could do this through Teach over the region, as it offers a unique teachers are in shaping and teacher,” he says. However, after For Qatar’s Leadership Journey. opportunity for those outside the influencing future generations? months of training and teaching, What attracted me to the program education system to make a positive Teachers have the ability to mold they finally began supporting was not only its noble cause, but impact on the community. future generations, and unfortunately his decision. “They are now also its ability to help individuals the profession is not given the encouraging me after realizing discover their talents and achieve What subjects do you importance and credit it deserves. that I can really succeed in my their true potential. This is something teach currently? new role. Personally, I am very that I have witnessed first-hand I teach general science to Is your experience as a comfortable with my decision,” throughout my journey, and I am still preparatory school students. pilot contributing to your he adds. learning more and more each day, current role? In this interview, Shahbik not only from the professionals in the Have you had any form of My role and my personality as a speaks to us about his passion program who are assisting me, but informal teaching experience captain have greatly helped me in for teaching, his role as an from my students as well. in the past? teaching. My 'pilot charisma' and educator and how he aims to be I practiced teaching with my interpersonal skills helps me with a positive influence to the next Was it a difficult colleagues while I was at college, classroom management, and allows generation of leaders in Qatar. decision to make? and informally during my career me to get my message across and It was difficult in some aspects as a pilot. When I joined Teach For influence my students in a positive because of the economical and Qatar, I received intensive training manner. social impact it was going to have from competent professionals that on my life, but thankfully, the help strengthened my personal ability as The Leadership Journey and support I received from Teach a beginner teacher. program is a two-year initiative. For Qatar helped ease my mind and What are your plans after that? assured me of my decision. Who would you recommend I am looking forward to adding the Leadership Journey the experience I gained as a Did you seek guidance from a program to? teacher to the aviation sector one career counselor before If you have the desire to contribute day. I also look forward to taking making this decision? to the development of the country part in development and training Naturally, I spent a lot of time and Qatar’s future leaders, join programs.

32 www.qcdc.org.qa 33 الكلمة األخيرة LAST WORD عشر دقائق مع بطل السباحة القطري نوح الخليفي

قضاء 18 ساعة في "العمل" ليس يبـــدو أن األمـــور أضحـــت أكثـــر إثارة يقـــول الخليفـــي إن الطابـــع التنافســـي إن ًأمرا ًطبيعيا بالنسبة لشاب يافع، بيد بالنســـبة للخليفـــي بعـــد ّتخرجـــه فـــي للرياضـــة يســـاعده إلـــى حـــد كبيـــر فـــي أن األمر قد يقتضي ذلك أحيانً ا من أجل أن أكاديميـــة قطـــر، وقـــد قـــال فـــي هذا تحديـــد أهدافـــه وتحقيقهـــا، إذ تدفعـــه يصبح المرء ًالعبا ًأولمبيا، حيث ال بد من أن الصـــدد: "أخطـــط لللتحـــاق بإحـــدى الرياضـــة باســـتمرار نحـــو تحســـين نفســـه. يوزّ ع وقته بين ساعات الدراسة وساعات الجامعـــات األمريكيـــة ومزاولـــة مهنـــة وأضـــاف الخليفـــي قائـــاً : "تمنـــح التدريب. فـــي مجـــال الطـــب، وفـــي الوقت نفســـه الرياضـــة للمـــرء هدفً ـــا وكيانًـــا مـــن الصعـــب وفـــي هـــذا الصـــدد، قـــال البطل المضـــي ًقدمـــا فـــي الســـباحة بغيـــة أن يعثـــر عليـــه فـــي أي مـــكان آخـــر. ففـــي األولمبـــي نـــوح الخليفـــي: "فـــي أثنـــاء ّالتأهـــل ألولمبيـــاد 2020". رأيـــي، تســـاعد الرياضـــة فـــي توجيـــه التركيـــز االســـتعداد للســـباق، ُكنـــت أخـــرج مـــن قـــد يبـــدو األمـــر وكأن الخليفـــي يســـير نحـــو مهمـــة محـــددة، وهـــو أمـــر قـــد ال المدرســـة ّوأتـــدرب فـــي المســـبح بعـــد علـــى خطـــى والديـــه فـــي مزاولـــة مهنـــة نجـــده فـــي الحيـــاة اليوميـــة". الظهيـــرة ســـتة أيـــام فـــي األســـبوع، الطـــب )فكلهمـــا طبيبـــان(، لكنّـــه يوضّ ـــح وبالنســـبة للرياضييـــن الطموحيـــن، إلـــى جانـــب أربـــع فتـــرات صباحيـــة أن اهتمامـــه بهـــذا المجـــال يتجـــاوز ذلـــك، والذيـــن يتطلّعـــون إلـــى مزاولـــة مهنـــة أقضيهـــا فـــي الســـباحة قبـــل المدرســـة، قائـــاً : "إننـــي فـــي الواقـــع شـــغوف ًجدا تتناســـب مـــع اهتماماتهـــم، يقـــول وثـــاث جلســـات للياقـــة البدنيـــة بعـــد بمعرفـــة كيـــف يعمـــل جســـم اإلنســـان، الخليفـــي: "البـــد أن يتحلـــوا بـــروح المدرســـة، أي مـــا مجموعـــه عشـــر وأتطلـــع ألن أطـــرق ًأبوابـــا جديـــدة المثابـــرة، وأن يعلمـــوا أن األوقـــات مـــرات ســـباحة وثـــاث جلســـات لياقـــة فـــي عالـــم الطـــب؛ وأعتقـــد ًحاليـــا أننـــي الصعبـــة تخلـــف وراءهـــا أفضـــل بدنيـــة ًأســـبوعيا". ســـأتخصص فـــي علـــم الوراثـــة". األوقات".

10 MINUTES WITH utting in 18-hour ‘work’ days is an American university to pursue competitive nature of sports not what one would consider a career in medicine, while moving plays a big role in helping him Pordinary for a teenager, but that’s forward with my swimming with set and achieve goals, as it what it takes when you’re an the aim of qualifying for the 2020 constantly pushes him to improve Qatar’s swim champion, Olympian, juggling between studies Olympics,” he says. himself. “Sports give people a and training hours. While Al-Khulaifi’s pursuit of structure and a purpose that are “During preparation for a medicine seems like he is merely difficult to find elsewhere. In my competition, I spend six afternoons following in the footsteps of his opinion, sports helps direct focus training in the pool after school, four parents (both of whom are doctors), towards a specific task, which is morning sessions before school and he says that his interest in the field sometimes missing in everyday three gym sessions after school goes beyond that. life,” he says. NOAH AL-KHULAIFI every week. That’s a total of 10 “I have a great passion for how For aspiring sportsmen and for IN 2016, QATAR MADE HISTORY BY SENDING ITS YOUNGEST EVER OLYMPIAN TO swims and three gym sessions a the human body works and am those who are looking to pursue week,” says Noah Al-Khulaifi. looking forward to exploring more a career of interest, Al-Khulaifi RIO DE JANERIO – NOAH AL-KHULAIFI. NOW ON THE CUSP OF TURNING 18, THE And it looks like things are going deeply the nuances of the medical has this to say: “Be determined SOON TO BE QATAR ACADEMY (QA) GRADUATE WILL FOCUS ON ACHIEVING HIS to get busier and more exciting for world. For now, I think I might and understand that often, tough AMBITIONS OF BECOMING A DOCTOR. Al-Khulaifi after he graduates from specialize in genetics,” he says. times will lead to the best of Qatar Academy. “I plan to attend Al-Khulaifi says that the times.” ٣٤ 34