Hundreds of Qatari school students preview Qatar Career Fair 2014

Qatar Career Fair (QCF) opened its doors to hundreds of Qatari high school students from across Qatar this week, giving them the opportunity to tour the fair and learn more about the available support in choosing and developing a career, ahead of the flagship event opening later this year. 

More than 290 Qatari students from 15 independent girls’ schools took part in the Open Day at the Qatar Foundation Recreation Centre within Education City on Monday and heard presentations from QCF as well as the Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development and ict Qatar. 

According to Qatar Career Fair Director Abdulla Al Mansoori, the Open Day provided a wonderful taster of what is to come later this year. “By visiting the QCF Open Day, students have been given the opportunity to hone in on the important decisions concerning their careers that they will no doubt make in the not too distant future,” he said.   

“QCF aims to support individuals make the right career choices through a number of initiatives and programs, and we are committed to ensuring they stay on track in order to reach their career aspirations,” added Abdulla Al Mansoori.  

The Open Day for girls’ Schools came after more than 280 Qatari students and 21 teachers from 16 independent boys’ schools participated in the first part of QCF’s Open Day on Sunday and met with a number of organisations including The Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), RasGas, Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development, ict Qatar, Community College Qatar, Supreme Education Council, QDVC, and the Academic Bridge Program.

Students were also treated to a sneak preview of the brand new element to the upcoming Fair – the ‘Career Village’. The Career Village, introduced to QCF 2014 for the first time, will provide young Qataris with simulations of the workplace that represent various careers, including a simulation of an oil refinery. A total of 14 Qatari organisations from different sectors are represented in the Village, providing an opportunity for visitors to prepare for their future studies and the pursuit of the right career path.     

Munther Saleh, a student at Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Al Mana Independent School for Boys, was pleased to attend the Open Day and said: “The event was more than great and I gained a great deal from it. Every person in my class has a better idea about their career path, where they want to study and what field they want to work in.” 

He added: “I feel better prepared for the Qatar Career Fair and ready to discover the various opportunities and activities that will happen there.” 

Aisha Al Hajri, an Admissions Officer at Community College Qatar said: “Open Day helps guide and advise students on having an accurate perspective about the different careers out there. This will allow them to choose wisely so they can achieve their goals and become productive members of society.” 

Qatar Career Fair hosts a number of programs and initiatives designed to spread career awareness and establish a solid career culture in Qatar. Its flagship event the Qatar Career Fair will take place at the Qatar National Convention Centre this year and is expected to attract more than 60,000 young people.