QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad at Internship Day event.
Qatar University (QU) held its annual 4-day Sponsorship & Internship Day which bought together students and companies from a wide range of sectors in Qatar to discuss opportunities for training, externships/internships, sponsorships and scholarships.
The event was organised by QU Career Services Center to provide the channel of communication between the two groups wherein companies can get a better perspective on students’ interests and concerns, and students are updated on the needs and requirements of the labour market, new and emerging trends in the various sectors and advised on the expectations of prospective employers.
QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad inaugurated the event along with QU VP and Chief Financial Officer Dr Humaid Al Midfaa. The first two days were open to female students, followed by two days for male students.
The event, which is now in its seventh year, was the largest-ever, with some 50 organisations taking part, attracting significant interest from female students. Students had the opportunity to talk to representatives from the oil and gas sector, banking and finance, academia, ICT, hospitality, security forces, healthcare, government, infrastructure and construction, aviation, and telecommunications.
The organisers see this event as an invaluable opportunity for students to plan their future career path based on the advice and guidance offered by the participating companies.
Career Services Center Director Haya Al Attiyah said: “This event affords students a good look into career possibilities in Qatar. It also makes them aware of how training and on-site placements can prepare them for the world of work as well as strengthen their skills and competencies which will add value to their résumés. Employers are keen to hire students who have demonstrated a wider vision for their future than just getting a degree. They want to know that they are employing someone who is invested in his/her career and who has made the extra effort to gain more knowledge and experience”.
Aldana Al Sowaidi from Oryx GTL, said the event offered the oil and gas company an unrivalled opportunity to cherry-pick the very best students in Qatar. She said: “We have just signed up a law student and are looking for four more students for this year. This is a great opportunity for us to talk to the students and explain what opportunities we can offer”.
HSBC’s head of retail banking Kris Werner, explained that this is the third such event in which his bank has participated. He said: “We are supporting the development of Qatar by providing meaningful opportunities to graduates. It is important for us to provide a strong foundation for young people’s careers. We have no specific targets here – we are just looking for good people. You can’t have too many good staff.”
College of Arts & Sciences student Amani Al Yafei, in her third year in the Social Work Programme, said: “I have had very positive encouragement from at least one of the organisations here, and I plan to apply. Internships are important to gain practical skills outside of the classroom, learning what a job is really like and improving your leadership skills”.
The Peninsula
