Over 70 organisations from Qatar are showcasing various career options
and opportunities for graduates from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
and the partner universities at the 4th edition of the Education City
Career Fair that got under way yesterday at the Student Centre of HBKU.
The fair was inaugurated by HE the Minister of Administrative
Development, Labour and Social Affairs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi
and saw high-level ministerial attendance at the opening ceremony.
The two-day fair sponsored by Shell Qatar brings together students and
alumni of HBKU and all Education City partner universities with
prospective employers from more than 10 different sectors.
“We have got a great response from various sectors of employers. Over 70
organisations including ministries, semi-government organisations as
well as private companies are participating in the fair this year. The
students and the alumni will have a great opportunity to discuss with
them exciting options for their future,” Adam Ahmad al-Saadi, director,
Community Outreach and Student Relations, Student Affairs, HBKU told
Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event.
“This year, we had an intensive training for the students and the alumni
to make them more prepared for the fair. We had a full-day programme
with a ‘Get Prepared Event’ for a whole day with employees from Shell
Qatar. We also provided them training in CV review as well as mock
interview. The first and second-year students were prepared with the
necessary skills for prospective jobs.
After every career fair, we collect feedback from the students and the
exhibitors and accordingly, we make the changes in the fair,” added
al-Saadi.
At 2017 career fair, more than 75 students and alumni had successful
access to summer internship opportunities and more than 20 students were
able to secure jobs through the employment fair and take their careers
to the next level. As per participation requirements this year, all
organisations in attendance have declared vacancies and/or internship
opportunities against which they are seeking qualified candidates. In
this edition, more than 50 companies have provided full-time
opportunities for Education City graduates and approximately 40
companies have extended summer internship opportunities.
Prospective employers represent a diverse range of industries, including
airlines, banking, beverage, broadcasting and media, education and
research, management consulting, oil and gas, sports, technology, and
telecommunications sectors.
Michael Sandaluk, vice president of HR Operations at Qatar Shell, said,
“Qatar Shell is committed to contributing to the objectives of Qatar
National Vision 2030 through the development of national talent and
capabilities. We are proud to participate in the Education City Career
Fair, which is an ideal platform for us to connect with students and
graduates.
“Our aim is to become the employer of choice for the graduates who will
help Qatar Shell, the energy industry and the State of Qatar in
delivering the national vision.”
This year, a wide number of career opportunities have been made
available. From amongst the participating organisations, 46 companies
have made full-time opportunities available; 11 companies are looking to
fill part-time vacancies; 52 companies are offering various
internships; 14 companies are extending scholarships and sponsorships
and 12 companies have developed job-shadowing opportunities.
HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi inaugurates the Education City Career Fair as HBKU president Dr Ahmad Hasnah looks on. PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed