In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) and US Embassy Doha, Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), kicked off the 2023 Career Counsellors Hub (CCH) at Multaqa in Education City.
This year’s two-day event brought together around 250 career practitioners for a comprehensive programme featuring workshops, presentations, and practicums designed to meet the evolving demands of student guidance.
The opening ceremony featured several dignitaries from QCDC’s partner institutions, including the United States ambassador, Timmy Davis, the director of Education Supervision Department at MoEHE, Maryam Noman al-Emadi, along with Francisco Marmolejo, president of Higher Education at QF, Dr Hayat Abdullah Marafi, executive director of Qatar Debate, and QCDC director, Abdulla al-Mansoori.
During his opening remarks, al-Mansoori, highlighted the significance of the Career Counsellors Hub 2023, saying: "The Hub has evolved into a dynamic force that unites career practitioners from diverse backgrounds. It's a bridge where experience meets innovation, and where seasoned professionals collaborate with emerging talents. This synergy is vital for our counselors as well as for the entire career development ecosystem in Qatar. The Career Counsellors Hub 2023 has become the catalyst for forging connections, fostering mentorship, and driving the evolution of career guidance practices. It's an indispensable asset to our nation's sustainable human capital growth."
US envoy Davis, stressed the importance of such collaborations to the bilateral relation of Qatar and the US saying: "Today, I'm proud to say that our relationship is stronger than ever thanks to our shared values, interests, and goals. Education is a key component of this relationship, and I want to acknowledge everyone here today for your steadfast commitment to enhancing educational programmes and opportunities for students in both Qatar and the United States."
Al-Emadi noted: "The aim of our meeting is to enhance the quality of academic and career guidance in Qatar's schools, elevate the proficiency of academic counselors, improve the level of guidance and career awareness services provided by MoEHE to our students, prepare them for higher education, guide them towards academic paths that suit their abilities and interests, and introduce them to the future professions that Qatar will need in the present and future."
Participants engaged in diverse workshops and presentations in Arabic and English on topics such as "Effective Communication with Parents", Technology and Career Counselling, and “Tips on Managing Universities and Colleges Admissions Service." Additionally, participants attended a networking exhibition for local universities, government, and educational institutions to explore admission requirements, national service updates, scholarship, internship, and volunteer opportunities.
Dignitaries at QCDC Career Counselors Hub 2023