QF prioritises soft skills, professional development

Qatar Foundation (QF) prioritises the development of a unique educational ecosystem in Education City, focusing on academic excellence and equipping students with the soft and professional skills needed for future success.

This commitment was highlighted by Khalid S al-Menhali, acting director of Student Life at QF Higher Education, in an interview with *Gulf Times on the sidelines of the QF’s Marhaba event on Sunday at the Multaqa Centre.

He underlined the importance of going beyond traditional academic programmes.

“At the QF, we focus not only on the academic part but also what you call the soft skills and professional skills that are needed later on for employability,” al-Menhali said.

He said that the QF encourages students to explore opportunities outside their major, pursuing certifications or minors in other fields, building a strong CV and gaining professional experience even before graduation.

“By the time student’s graduate, they will have a long experience similar to professional life,” the official said.

The QF’s efforts are attracting interest from parents, who are increasingly choosing Education City over traditional overseas universities.

Al-Menhali acknowledged this trend and stressed that the QF’s goal is to retain graduates in Qatar, integrating them into the local workforce and supporting the nation’s future development.

“We offer a unique ecosystem that does not exist anywhere,” he stressed.

One of the QF’s flagship events, Marhaba, serves as a unified orientation day for all Education City students enrolled for the 2024-25 academic year.

This event allows students to explore the comprehensive support system available to them, including representation from all universities, primary healthcare, student financial aid, housing, and career services.

Al-Menhali said that Marhaba is crucial in introducing students to the vast resources available at the QF.

“We are trying to be proactive by co-ordinating with all these entities to introduce themselves from day one, because mostly students don't know what exist, what is there,” he said. “On the first day, before they start their orientation with their university, they start with us.”

Al-Menhali cited new programmes this academic year such as work-study and internship opportunities, designed to enhance students’ professional skills and career readiness.

These initiatives, he added, equip students with practical experience, further strengthening their employability and setting them up for success in the competitive job market.