ACTING MANAGING EDITORMohammed Salim Mohamed

ADVERTISING MANAGERAli Wahba

CHAIRMANSheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDr. Khalid Mubarak Al-Shafi

DESIGNAbraham Augusthy

PRODUCTIONViswanath Sarma

SUPPLEMENT COORDINATOR Renu Malhotra

In more than two decades after its inception, Qatar Foundation (QF) has created the foundations for education, research and develop-ment , and community

development and is continuing on its journey to make a positive impact locally and internationally.

Education City, QF’s flagship devel-opment, serves as a hub of academic excellence and houses a range of edu-cational facilities, from QF schools to partner universities and the homegrown research institution, Hamad Bin Khal-ifa University (HBKU). Through partnership model with international universities, QF has brought top-rank-ing programs and specializations to Education City that reflect the areas of relevance to Qatar.

Together, these offer high-quality education opportunities and enable QF to empower and support young people from their first day of school, all the way through to advanced post-graduate studies.

HBKU provides access to high-quality education that caters to the needs of Qatar, promoting a culture of national excellence. It houses three

national research institutes including Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), and Qatar Environ-ment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI). HBKU Press, which publishes fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as educational books, for adults and

children, also operates under HBKU. As an integral part of culture of

excellence; QF also collaborates with world-class international academic institutions, hosting specialist branch campuses within Education City.

These partnerships provide the n a t i o n a l e c o n o m y w i t h

high-quality students and graduates, capable of leading Qatar into a new era of diversification and progress in areas of study most compatible with the needs of an advancing Qatari economy.

The universities that offer special-ist undergraduate and graduate degrees include: Carnegie Mellon University in

Qatar, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, Geor-getown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, HEC Paris in Qatar, and UCL Qatar.

Turn to page 4

Nurturing the future leaders of Qatar

Qatar Foundation's Convocation 2017 ceremony held at QNCC recently.

T H U R S D AY 1 1 M AY 2 0 1 7

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 II

About 40 business-minded high school students gather on a Saturday in the bright and airy maj-

lis area at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. They are divided into buyers and sellers and then released onto a make-shift trading floor. The buzz in the air grows as the students gain confidence. Nazli Bhatia, visit-ing assistant teaching professor of organizational behavior, says: “The kids were so enthusiastic, the ones who finished first turned to their friends to help them. It was a great learning experience.”

The Qatar campuses in Edu-cation City have a unique mandate: to prepare the next generation for an economy that is actively under construction. With many sectors of the knowl-edge-based economy still developing, how can young peo-ple understand the types of careers that they can pursue?

CMU-Q takes a novel approach to the problem. Through a suite of carefully crafted workshops, outreach workshops let young people experience life as a stock trader, a computer programmer, an entrepreneur, an information systems analyst, or a laboratory scientist.

A glimpse into the future

Young people face an almost limitless choice of careers, so outreach workshops offer a glimpse into the four fields at CMU-Q: Biological sciences, business administration, com-puter science and information systems. “As the STEM fields of science, technology, engineer-ing and mathematics infuse nearly every industry, including business, the choice can be daunting. CMU-Q’s outreach workshops give high schoolers a little taste of what is possible,” says John O’Brien, associate dean of CMU-Q.

Workshops include Tajer, the stock exchange simulation; Young Entrepreneurs; Biotech-nology Explorers, whichgets students into the lab to solve problems; Ibtikar, where stu-dents use tech tools to solve business problems; and Mind-craft, an introduction to computing and programming.

“Each of the workshops is designed to bring living exam-ples to different STEM careers,

so when students decide what they want to study in university, they have an idea of what is out there for them,” says Damian Dourado, director of pre-college programs at CMU-Q.

Essential computing skills for a new generation

The Winter Institute is held each year at the end of January: an invitation-only program for Qatari high school students where over the course of a week, they explore the field of computer sci-ence, learn basic computational skills, and see how computer sci-entists can shape the future of

Qatar. Computing is such an essen-

tial skill, CMU-Q has adapted the Alice interactive educational soft-ware for a Middle East audience. The original Alice software was developed at the Pittsburgh cam-pus of Carnegie Mellon, and guides students through the basics of pro-gramming as they create virtual worlds and animations.

In 2008, Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser expressed an interest in bring-ing the software to Qatar, so CMU-Q submitted a proposal to localize Alice for a Middle East audience. Qatar National Research Fund’s National Priorities Research Program

(NPRP) funded the project in 2012.

In the 2016-17 academic year, Alice was used in 12 gov-ernment and international schools in Qatar. CMU-Q pro-vides training workshops for teachers, as well as ongoing school support. In the spring, CMU-Q holds a programming competition to showcase the skills the Alice students have acquired.

Saquib Razak, an associate teaching professor of computer science and the lead principle investigator of the Alice Middle East project, says: “Each year we are delighted to see such a bril-liant effort from the students. We are amazed by what they can do, including a number of projects that we didn’t think were possi-ble with Alice.”

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education is planning to roll out Alice ME in all Qatar schools that offer courses in ICT

in the 2017-18 academic year.

Easing the transition to university

For Ilker Baybars, Dean and CEO of CMU-Q, the outreach workshops lay the groundwork as for a successful transition to university: “Our goal is to get stu-dents excited about these areas of study, to inspire them to pur-sue fields that will ultimately drive the future of Qatar.”

To ease the transition, CMU-Q offers a capstone outreach work-shop called the Summer College Preview Program (SCPP). Held over three weeks, secondary stu-dents entering their last two years of school can experience univer-sity life while strengthening their college applications.

“The students learn what will be expected of them at the uni-versity level. They take classes, improve test-taking skills, and do a project in their specific area of interest. Each year I see students

leave SCPP energized to study and get into a good, challenging university program,” says Dourado.

The outreach workshops are working. Nearly one quarter of CMU-Q students in last year’s incoming class completed SCPP; some students did the program twice to learn about a second field of study. Ilker Baybars remarks: “We put significant resources into our outreach efforts: our fac-ulty, staff and students continually tweak and tailor the experience so young people will be enlightened and inspired. It is worth it: The more we can show them now, the stronger and more directed the young people of Qatar will be as they begin their post-secondary studies and launch their careers in a knowl-edge-based economy.”

Applications are now being accepted for the Summer Col-lege Preview Program. Visit www.qatar.cmu.edu/scpp for more information.

CMU-Q programs show high school students a world of possibility

Young people face an almost limitless choice of careers, so outreach workshops offer a glimpse into the four fields at CMU-Q: Biological sciences, business administration, computer science and information systems.

Outreach initiatives highlight new academic and career paths

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017III

Continued from page 1

The multi-disciplinary environment produces a highly competent and diverse workforce that serves the needs of the country, and thrives in a global environment.

This year's QF Convocation saw a record number of 765 students graduating. Since 2008, QF has collectively celebrated the graduation of students from its partner universities and HBKU. The total number of students graduating has shown an increase from 122 in 2008 to 765 this year. The Class of 2017 included students quali-fying from 19 undergraduate programs and 20 graduate programs.

“These men and women represent the future, and I am proud to stand alongside them today as they embark on a new phase of responsibil-ity and challenge. Together these young people will play a crucial role in furthering this coun-try’s long-term ambitions and contributing to Qatar’s sustainable development,” said Moham-med Abdulaziz Al Naimi, Chief Operations Officer (COO) at QF.

But education is just the beginning of what QF does. QF recognizes that the only guarantee of prosperity for any country is the ability of its peo-ple to develop, adapt and innovate. Its particular emphasis on science and research enables stu-dents to become researchers in areas of priority for the country. From energy and environment to computing and biomedical research, QF contin-ues to make breakthroughs as it aims to establish an innovation hub for Qatar, the region and the world.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENTIn Research and Development (R&D), QF is

contributing to the creation and sustainability of a competitive and diversified economy, and is ena-bling homegrown researchers to address local and global research and development challenges. Among the research institutions, Qatar Founda-tion Research and Development (QF R&D) aims to build and maintain a competitive and diversi-fied economy, improving quality of life in the long-term by focusing on the specific needs of Qatar.

Some of the initiatives that fall under the R&D

ecosystem include Qatar National Research Fund. QNRF is a leading scientific research funding organization that fosters original, competitively selected research in engineering and technology, physical and life sciences, medicine, humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) is the main incubator for technological develop-ment in the country. It aims to create an environment conducive to accelerating market research, as well as supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Qatar Biobank, Qatar’s long-term medical health initiative, was created to give Qatar’s peo-ple better chances of avoiding serious illnesses, and to promote better health for our future generations.

Stars of Science, an initiative of QF, is the Arab world’s leading scientific ’edutainment’ reality TV program. Candidates are competitively selected from across the Arab world to present project ideas that offer potential solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTFurther in Community Development, QF pro-

vides a platform for social engagement through many outreach programs. Community Develop-ment also lies at the heart of everything QF does. Its various initiatives and projects are designed to address the needs of the society by promoting lifelong learning and fostering social engagement whilst embodying Qatari culture and heritage. The partnerships with local and international organizations help achieve social and economic prosperity by building stronger communities.

As Community Development is an important component in fostering social engagement, QF’s centers aim to strengthen community and cul-tural bonds, developing a nation of active citizens.

QF’s initiatives aim to preserve and promote national culture and the Arabic language. Creat-ing an active, healthy lifestyle for the residents of Qatar is part of the collaborative nature of QF’s Community Development efforts. QF has placed sustainability firmly at the forefront of its agenda, boasting a series of environmentally-friendly initiatives.

Fazeena SaleemThe Peninsula

Qatar Foundation (QF), by offering lifelong learning opportuni-ties, fostering a culture of innova-

tion and empowering the local community, is investing in Qatar’s future and contribut-ing to a better world.

It provides outstanding services for the advancement of Qatar and its people through unique, innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

Among those, Qatar Foun-dation’s Pre-University Education (PUE) delivers a range of education specialties catering for Qatar’s diverse community. It lays the founda-tion for lifelong learning, and empower future generations to thrive in a global environment.

“At QF everything starts with education. It’s how we began. We’re committed to the concept of lifelong learning, and to providing an ecosystem where education can impact the life of every person, empowering future genera-tions to thrive in a global environment, while inspiring positive change in their com-munities and beyond,” said Buthaina Al Nuaimi, PUE Pres-ident at QF.

“Lifelong learning is at the heart of everything we do at QF, and the inspiration behind how we started. A few exam-ples include The Education Development Institute, EDI, which is the powerhouse

behind our Continuing Profes-sional Development programs. Courses and qualifications are developed and offered for edu-cators drawn from across Qatar, the region as well as from within Qatar Foundation. Additionally, The World Inno-vation Summit for Education (WISE) attracts the best minds in education to Qatar to stim-ulate as well as to educate in a biannual summit that act as a global reference in new approaches to education. Through both the Summit and a range of ongoing programs WISE promotes innovation and helps to build the future of education through collabora-tion,” she added.

PUE is the beginning of QF’s education cycle, and for-tifies the organization’s commitment to lifelong learn-ing. The unique education cycle at QF caters to infants from six months old through to postgraduate students. This range of academic diversity is unlike any other system in the world, and offers residents of Qatar and the region meaning-ful and unique learning opportunities.

“At QF, we believe innova-tion in education is vital for success in an ever-evolving world. We therefore continu-ously strive to reimagine the academic landscape in Qatar in order to build creative educa-tional strategies that will equip today’s young men and women with the skills, knowledge, and tools to help them face the chal-lenges of tomorrow,” said Al Nuaimi.

PUE has created schools and devised curricula in Qatar that support diversity, catering

for the needs of Qatar’s varied community. These include Qatar Academy, and its five branches in different geograph-ical locations throughout Qatar and Renad Academy, a school dedicated to children who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Renad Academy’s early intervention services support families and inspire acceptance, trust and success, reflecting QF’s on-going commitment to helping all students reach their full potential; cater for children with a broad range of additional needs that can’t readily be sup-ported in our mainstream schools;

The Learning Center (TLC) is a service that operates across the whole family of schools providing specialist assessment and support services, often working through staff embed-ded in the schools.

Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA), another one of the spe-cialized schools, is a residential school for boys and promotes personal growth in our students by engaging them in an environ-ment that promotes excellence in academics, leadership, ath-letics and character to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.

The Academic Bridge Pro-gram, a one- or two-year pre-university program, was established for high school graduates to further develop language skills, improve numeracy and hone subject knowledge, to better equip stu-dents for admission to and success in degree programs at our QF partner universities and other English-language world-class universities worldwide.

Different universities are offering several pro-grams during summer. Below are some of the courses offered at some branch cam-

puses of Qatar Foundation.

VCUQatar

JULY 2017: Summer Art Program 2017 for chil-dren and high school students. Students can choose from 16 different art, design and fashion design courses targeting various age groups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Choice of 16 different courses for children and high school students of various age groups from the age of 4, exposing par-ticipants to a wide range of different art techniques, including drawing, painting, collage and print mak-ing, fashion illustration, collection and portfolio making, photography, 3D sculpture and creative thinking.

Classes are open to both genders and are taught in English at VCUQatar campus. It is recommended to register early, as seats are limited and classes may fill up quickly. Students can register securely online on the VCUQatar website or can visit VCU-Qatar during normal office hours Sundays to Thursdays from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 3.45 pm.

Price: Varies according to the classDate: Starting from the week of July 9, 2017

over a four week program period. Registration began early April.

Timings: VariesLocation: VCUQatarInformation: vcuqcommunity@vcu.edu(4402 0639 / 44020555)http://www.qatar.vcu.edu/community/

summer-program

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY IN QATAR (CMU-Q)

CMU-Q ‘s summer programe is held under the theme ‘Challenge yourself. Find your path. Get an edge.’ Students in year 10 (sophomore) or year 11 (junior) with strong academic potential and aspire to attend an elite university such as Carnegie Mel-lon, the Summer College Preview Program (SCPP) is a wonderful first step in achieving their goals.

The SCPP is an opportunity for students from Qatar and the surrounding region to visit our cam-pus and put their skills to the test within a community of other bright young scholars.

The next SCPP will run from July 16–August 3, 2017.

Interested students can apply via - https://www.qatar.cmu.edu/future-students/workshops-events/scpp/

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY IN QATAR (GUQ)

Georgetown Pre-College Summer (GPS): A three week program for highly motivated local high school students. Preparing for the challenges of university life starts now. GUQ offers an uniquely inclusive preparatory program for local students in Qatar who seek a competitive edge in the uni-versity application process during their final years of high school. The Georgetown Pre-College Sum-mer (GPS) Program features three weeks of full-time classes taught completely in an English-speaking, coeducational setting.

Applications are closed and the program will be held in July.

TEXAS A & M QATAR

Qatar-Summer 2017 (for students from out-side Qatar)

This program is very competitive and offers sophomores, juniors and seniors an experience to live and study in Doha for a seven week summer term. Students will live in dorms with students from various parts of the world. This gives students an opportunity to learn about different nationalities.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY–QATAR (NU-Q)

Northwestern Summer Media Program: The Northwestern Summer Media Program is a series of weeklong media immersion experiences for high school students in Qatar. Seats are reserved for students who are rising seniors (years 12 or 13) and graduating high school in spring 2018. Participants are awarded the exclusive opportunity to apply Early Action to NU-Q for freshmen admission in 2018.

Summer 2017 Program: July 2 to 13: Apply for the summer 2017 program. The application dead-line is May 15. Admissions decisions will be announced by June 1. http://www.qatar.northwest-ern.edu/education/pre-college-programs/summer-media-institute/

QU SUMMER STUDY ABROAD

Qatar University students are allowed to study courses in other institutions as visiting students and have their credits transferred to their records at QU, according to University policy.

Students submit course syllabus to the Student Records Section. Each student can submit up to nine syllabi. Please note that if a course is

considered equivalent in a previous semester that does NOT mean that the course is automatically considered equivalent for the following semesters. It has to be re-evaluated by the relevant academic department.

Similarly, if a course is considered not equiv-alent in a previous semester, that does NOT mean that the course is automatically considered not equivalent for the following semesters. It has to be re-evaluated by the relevant academic department.

The universities you can join are not limited to those in the list mentioned in the university site. You can request studying in different universities in your current summer session.

Syllabus Requirements: Students need to sub-mit a course syllabus to be evaluated for equivalency. The syllabus needs to meet the fol-lowing criteria:

• Original and stamped by the Issuing Department.

• Should be issued recently for Summer 2017.Any syllabus that is either incomplete or lacks

the required information will not be accepted since all information is mandatory for the College to make a decision.

EventsISL QATAR

‘Imagined Reality’ Exhibition — May 9-21, 2017: The ISL Qatar's 2nd annual art exhibition, Imagined Reality, is on exhibit in Katara until May 21 and is open to the public. The rationale: Through sensory exploration and interaction, students learn to explore their feelings and con-firm their understanding of the world through the senses. Visual Arts provide a means whereby the student can explore alternative means of communicating, understanding and interacting with his or her peers, his or her environment, and the wider world. The resulting works become part of a personal journey of ‘imagined reality’.

The works exhibited are selected from ISL Qatar’s IB Middle Years and Diploma Programme students and represent a wide range of ages and stages of artistic development. Opening hour are weekdays from 10am to 9pm and weekends from 2pm to 9pm. Katara, Building 5.

Movie Magic - Your Favourite Hollywood Hits: The Doha Singers, the US Air Force Central Command Band and the International School of London Qatar Choir will present a selection of much loved Hollywood Hits and Movie Magic at the QNCC on May 19 at 4pm.

Record 765 students graduate this year at Qatar Foundation

Education specialties at PUE

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 IV

Summer programs of select universities

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017V

In a region known for its energy resources, Texas A&M University is developing some-

thing even more valuable: A new gener-ation of engineers who will provide solutions to critical challenges in Qatar and the region.

Texas A&M at Qatar’s master’s pro-gram in chemical engineering attracts the brightest minds to sup-port Qatar in its goal of building a knowledge-based economy and establishing the country as a global research hub.The first of its kind in Qatar, the program offers two graduate degrees in chem-ical engineering, a Master of Science (M.S.) and a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.).

The program is an example of Texas A&M at Qatar’s commitment to address the needs of the State of Qatar in partnership with Qatar Foundation and industry, and is crit-ical to the success of Texas A&M at Qatar’s ambitious research program. The inception of the master’s pro-gram represented the start of a new era for Texas A&M, Qatar Founda-tion and the State of Qatar’s thriving industrial and commercial sectors, as Texas A&M at Qatar seeks to fur-ther build the nation’s technical and scientific capacity through its tal-ented human capital. Research is a fundamental element of this capac-ity building, and this program promotes Texas A&M at Qatar’s

dynamic research initiatives and takes advanced knowledge into industry, the field and the energy sector.

HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PROGRAM

• Flexible course schedule • Financial assistance• Renowned, respected faculty• World-class facilities • Research with impact

APPLY TODAY

Texas A&M at Qatar’s core mis-sion of teaching, research and scholarship is cultivating a new gen-eration of engineering leaders and researchers who will have a direct impact on the State of Qatar’s growth

and development. Master’s students in chemical engineering at Texas A&M at Qatar are a valuable part of this mission. The master’s program in chemical engineering reinforces Texas A&M at Qatar’s mission of building a culture of knowledge by supporting academic excellence and providing students with unique, hands-on learning and research opportunities that yield solutions that make a difference to industry and the community.

The graduate program at Texas A&M at Qatar is critical to the devel-opment of the human capital that Qatar needs to support Qatar National Vision 2030 and the coun-try’s future. If you’re ready to further your education and help build national capacity and research infra-structure in Qatar, join us.

www.qatar.tamu.edu

Graduate studies at Texas A&M University at Qatar: A world of opportunity

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 VI

If you’re a recent graduate, you have lots of reasons to be cheerful. Degree in hand, you’re ready to embark on your post-university life. The weeks following your

graduation can be difficult as you adjust to life after university.

Although initially daunting, coming to the end of a three- or four-year course actually opens up a number of different opportunities. You might want to search for a graduate job, study at postgradu-ate level, or take some time out to go travelling or volunteer. The digital rev-olution is creating new opportunities across all industries, and new graduates are best placed to fill these gaps.

Whichever path you choose, the competitive nature of the jobs market means that it's important to take full advantage of any free time you have to make your plans and start putting them into action. This process can be hard work and take time. Try to set a struc-ture to your day to help you stay motivated and focused

The majority of new graduates will be looking for a job. The first step is to be prepared, mentally, for the task ahead. Very few people get the first job they apply for, or are interviewed for. The key thing is to learn from those experiences.

Focus is important. Graduates who fire off applications in all directions do themselves a disservice. By looking for work in fields and industries in which you don’t have experience, you’re more likely to get rejections. By narrowing your search you can focus your energy on the jobs you really want.

If you haven't yet decided on the precise career you want to pursue, take a look at what can I do with my degree? and job sectors for some ideas. Also, remember that your first job doesn't tie you to a particular career forever, so don't be too cautious about widening your search.

With potential targets mapped out, prep your professional arsenal. This means a killer CV. Getting advice is cru-cial. A professional adviser can really make a difference. One area to get help

is with your CV, which is still essential despite the age of the online applica-tion. A key job is to eliminate gaps. When reading through CVs, employers will be looking for reasons to dismiss jobseek-ers. Gaps are a red flag, so it’s important to have reasons for why you weren’t studying or working during certain periods.

Alongside your spruced-up online persona, an expanded knowledge of cur-rent affairs is vital. In between applying for roles and preparing for interviews, take the time to consume as much national and international news as pos-sible. Enthusiasm and passion are key qualities to get across during the appli-cation process.

Unfortunately knock-backs and rejection are an inevitable part of the job seeking process and feeling disheart-ened is natural. Find a mentor and develop your professional network. Another area to focus your energies on is seeking relevant work experience and internships, which are great ways to develop workplace knowledge, trans-ferable skills and useful contacts.

Career advisers are good sounding boards when it comes to seeking full-time and work experience positions or you could try online resources. Impor-tance of your existing connections is the key. Make the most of your personal net-work. Friends of friends, and even parents of friends, may be able to

create important links between you and potential employers. Don’t be nervous about asking for help, as persistence often pays off.

Ultimately, workplace experience will make your CV stand out and shows that you can apply yourself in a range of different roles and fields. Plus, it’s a chance to develop skills in teamwork, management and leadership, all of

which are important attributes to dis-play at interview.

In job applications, don't try to hide your result. Instead, highlight your strengths, ensuring that you emphasise work experience or other extra-curric-ular activities that demonstrate you have the right skills and motivation for the role. If there are genuine mitigating cir-cumstances that led to your grades being lower than expected, don't be afraid of explaining these to employers. Depend-ing on the career you are interested in, it could be worth improving your employability by taking postgraduate study.

Equally, it's important to leave enough space in your timetable for job hunting. The organisational skills you developed during your university course will be useful in managing your various activities - don't forget your social life too. If you're struggling, think outside the box a little. For example, have you considered working abroad, or self-employment?

If work isn’t the place for you just yet, further study is another avenue you could explore, whether for personal sat-isfaction or career advancement. Postgraduate study opens the door to deeper understanding of a subject and a radically different study experience, and there are professional advantages too. Embarking on a postgraduate qual-ification can help develop your specialist, in-depth knowledge of your undergraduate discipline.

If you’re heading further down the education route with a view to boost-ing your career prospects, it’s important to know from the outset how you expect the course to help you. This will help when you set out the benefits to employ-ers later on. You may also want to think about studying abroad. If you think that a Masters might generally be good for being employable, or if you want to stay at university for another year because you have no idea what to do with your life, then get some advice. Doing a Mas-ters is expensive and may or may not be helpful. It depends a lot on the sec-tor and the specific course you do, so speak to your careers service.

You might also want to consider shorter courses. Many universities offer massive open online courses, often free, which may enhance your knowledge and keep the grey cells ticking over. Languages are another valuable tool that employers value, or you could brush up your digital skills. Extra-curricular self-guided study demonstrates to employers that you are keen, willing to learn, and ambitious.

If work isn’t the place for you just yet, further study is another avenue you could explore, whether for personal satisfaction or career advancement. Embarking on a postgraduate qualification can help develop your specialist, in-depth knowledge of your undergraduate discipline.

In job applications, don't try to hide your result. Instead, highlight your strengths, ensuring that you emphasise work experience or other extra-curricular activities that demonstrate you have the right skills and motivation for the role.

The digital revolution is creating new job opportunities across all industries, and new graduates are best placed to fill these gaps.

After graduation what? Tips to ponder

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017VII

This month, the Class of 2017 became the ninth group of out-standing seniors to graduate from Geor-

getown University in Qatar (GU-Q). The 62 students from 18 nationalities now join the ranks of thousands of George-town University alumni across the globe, making their mark in every industry.

The recent graduation rep-resented the culmination of four years of academic endeavors, commitment, personal growth, and service to the community. This is the legacy GU-Q builds upon, by empowering students to become the next generation of regional leaders through its academic and extracurricular offerings at its Education City campus.

Established in 2005, GU-Q offers the same internationally recognized Bachelor of Science

in Foreign Service degree as its Main Campus in Washington, D.C. This unique interdiscipli-nary degree is designed to enable students to tackle glo-bal issues, handle uncertainties, and adapt to current global challenges. With a student body of 232 comprising 41 national-ities, GU-Q provides a diverse, international learning environ-ment at the crossroads of East and West.

A WORLD CLASS DEGREE

At GU-Q, students can major in one of four areas: international economics, international poli-tics, culture and politics, or international history. Students can also complement their stud-ies with a certificate in one of three concentrations: Arab and Regional Studies, American Studies, or Media and Politics, a unique certificate offered in

Georgetown University in Qatar: Developing Global Leaders

University offers expert faculty, outstanding facilities, and a respected degree“While Georgetown University in Qatar prides itself for providing an excellent education in international relations, it is not just a university for future diplomats. Students gain proficiency in multiple languages, analytical thinking, negotiation, cross-cultural understanding, and more—skills that are increasingly in demand in every sector.”

“Established in 2005, Georgetown University in Qatar offers the same internationally recog-nized Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service as its Main Campus in Washington, D.C.”

“Georgetown alumni have launched their careers across a broad spectrum of professions around the world, ranging from international affairs to sports management, energy, finance, healthcare, research and communications at international and Qatar-based firms.”

collaboration with Northwest-ern University in Qatar.

In 2015, Foreign Policy Mag-azine ranked Georgetown first in the world for graduate study and fourth for undergraduate programs in international affairs. The University also ranked first for its international affairs mas-ter’s degree programs in 2007, 2009, and 2012 in the magazine’s rankings.

While GU-Q prides itself for providing an excellent educa-tion in international relations, it is not just a university for future diplomats. Students gain proficiency in multiple lan-guages, analytical thinking, negotiation, cross-cultural understanding, and more—skills that are increasingly in demand in every sector. This allows students to make a dif-ference, no matter what path they choose after graduation.

DIVERSE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Georgetown alumni have launched their careers across a broad spectrum of professions around the world, ranging from international affairs to sports management, energy, finance, healthcare, research and com-munications at international and Qatar-based firms. Others have chosen to pursue graduate edu-cation in competitive programs at some of the world’s top grad-uate institutions, such as Columbia, Oxford, and Harvard University.

Even before graduation, GU-Q students have the oppor-tunity to gain experience in the workplace through internships offered in partnership with lead-ing companies in Qatar and abroad. Their career center works with potential employers, and helps students prepare for the working world and plan their next steps.

EXCEPTIONAL FACULTY AND FACILITIES

GU-Q’s respected faculty are experts in their field, contribut-ing to cutting edge research initiatives and hailing from international institutions such as Yale, Princeton, and Oxford University. With a faculty to stu-dent ratio of 1:5, the University’s small class sizes allow students many opportunities for in-depth interactions with their professors.

GU-Q’s Education City cam-pus provides a modern space that serves as the foundation for learning, research, and community engagement. The

university hosts a state-of-the-art auditorium, immersive classroom instruction facilities, a dedicated staff and internation-ally renowned scholars and teaching faculty, as well as the region’s leading library for inter-national affairs, which comprises a physical collection of over 100,000 items and more than 1.2 million electronic resources.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Through a commitment to its founding values, GU-Q focuses on providing a holistic educa-tional experience. In addition to its excellent academic program, GU-Q allows students to travel to new countries for service learning opportunities and com-munity engagement programs.

Students can complement their studies with a semester abroad at Georgetown’s Main Campus or a host of other respected institutions, providing students with an opportunity to engage with new cultures and countries.

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 VIII

With exams comes stress. It is natural. The pres-sure of performance, uncertainty about future and unlimited

expectations weigh heavy on students’ minds. However, stress does no good to improve your performance, it only harms it. So, it is important to beat the stress and appear for your exams in a relaxed and confident mode. Here are some effective and tested tips recom-mended by experts that are more often than not quite useful in keeping the stress at bay. So, try these stress-busters and be ready to face your exams in the right spirit.

Focus on one thing, not 10!

Students are expected to juggle the workloads of several different classes, and this can become difficult. It’s hard to know what to work on first. Before you get too frantic, take a moment to sit back and look at what needs to be done. Make a list of all your tasks, and then prioritize them. Once your list is in pri-ority order, start from the top and work your way methodically down, one by one. Focusing on one thing at a time will be the most efficient and least stressful way to get through your work.

Simplify and organize

Is your desk a mess? Do you have papers and clutter piled everywhere? Many people find that they feel less stressed if they take some time to organ-ize their lives. Simplifying your life may be the first step—throw away things you don’t need, cancel magazine and email subscriptions you don’t read, cut down on the number of feeds you follow.

Next, organize your college work so you always know where everything is. Get folders or binders to keep your sub-jects separate, and keep your online resources organized into folders and bookmarks. Use an online calendar and

reminder system to stay on top of your deadlines. Staying organized can help you feel less stressed, because you will avoid last-minute emergencies.

Vent to a friend

Stress is something that can get pent up inside of you and make you feel like a pressure cooker. Sometimes it helps to take a break from what you are doing and have a talk with a friend or family member. If you talk about what’s stress-ing you, sometimes you might find that your stresses don’t seem as large as you thought. Be sure to listen to your friend’s concerns too. Talk about fun things too, and find something to laugh about. Laughter can be the best medicine.

Take a break from social media

Social media is a fun and powerful tool. However, for many people, the pres-sure to conform with others’ images of

success and happiness can cause a great deal of stress. You may feel like you’re not measuring up to others. You may feel like you’re faking a happy life in order to post “like” - worthy pictures of yourself. If you are feeling this stress, then take a break. Just post that you’re signing out for a week, and see how it feels to be free from this stress. You might like it!

Don’t compromise on sleep

So, you feel you have 24 hours a day to study. You may be wrong. Spare those 7-8 hours to get adequate sleep and be at your best for the rest of the 16 hours. Students who skip sleep tend to be slow throughout the day and have very low concentration levels. Stress also auto-matically increases with paucity of sleep.

Take small, regular breaks

Studying for stretched hours with-out taking any breaks may lower your

retention power and make you more stressed. So, take short but regular breaks for fun after every two hours to remain fresh for longer and remain in good mood.

Make Realistic Targets

It is advisable to make realistic revision targets per day instead of try-ing to squeeze in a lot in one day. If you make unrealistic targets and are unable to achieve them, stress will def-initely shoot through the roof and lower your learning power.

Eat properly

Do anything but don’t skip your meals. Eating properly is as impor-tant as studying properly. However, avoid heavy meals that induce sleep and laziness. Avoid fried snacks and greasy delicacies, instead go for fresh fruit and vegetable. Also, drink lots

of juice or water and don’t overdo tea or coffee.

Move your limbs to scare the stress

Exercising and working out is a fan-tastic stress buster. If you feel too stressed at any point of time, just drop those books, wear your sports shoes and go running. Play any sport or just take a short walk. You will not just feel relaxed but more energized. Exercising can alleviate stress. Good hard exercise can get your mind off your mental stresses and push that energy into a physical workout. Aerobic exercise like running, fast walking, swimming, or team sports can trigger the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that bring about a feeling of well-being.

Take time out to unwind

Take out at least half an hour to watch your favorite TV programme or surf the Internet for fun or listen to your favorite music or just laze around. Get-ting bogged down with too much stress can ruin your positive energies so take that short break and don’t feel guilty about it.

Remain positive

Some stress is natural while most is self-created because you might want to beat yourself up about things that are not going right. Curb this urge to self-flagellate, instead be nice to yourself and keep reminding yourself of things about yourself that you are proud of. This will keep you in a good mood and help you learn more.

Keep boredom away

If one subject is getting on to you nerves or starting to bore you, take cue from the early symptoms. Take a break from that subject and take up something else. When feeling better, go back to the initial subject with renewed energies.

Don’t discuss syllabus

Last but not the least, don’t invite stress by talking to your friends about how much of the syllabus you have cov-ered and how much they have done. This may lead to unnecessary stress if your friend has done more. So, do avoid it and just focus on your studies.

If you are feeling extreme stress, anxiety, or depression, be sure to seek medical or psychological help. Your college may have counselors who can help. Following these small but effec-tive tips, you are sure to beat the stress and appear for your exams in a posi-tive and energetic frame of mind. All the best!

What is mindfulness?

Stress has been described as a modern epidemic and is the second most commonly reported work-related ill-ness. Increases have been reported in a wide variety of groups and occupations and higher education is no exception.

Evidence suggests that levels of student stress have risen sig-nificantly over the last 30 years or so. Moreover, there are particular reasons why stress can pose more problems for stu-dents than for other groups and occupations. The fact that academic study requires intensive and sustained intellectual performance throughout a programme of study which may last many years means that there is relatively little leeway for stu-dents to ease off when they are affected by the normal stresses and strains of life.

Difficult periods which reduce a student’s capacity to work effectively can quite easily spiral into a cycle of anxiety affect-ing performance in turn leading to greater anxiety. This problem is not new and was described by student health professionals in the 1960s

If students were particularly susceptible to the negative effects of stress on their work sixty years ago, the more competitive and demanding environment in which most students now study and the challenges faced in securing employment after graduation have inevitably compounded the danger that the effects of a short period of stress can escalate into a major problem which undermines a student’s capacity to work effectively.

People often look back at their time at university or college as the best years of their life. They often forget that being a stu-dent can be really tough. And today students are under more pressure than ever before. No matter what you’re studying, it’s guaranteed that at some points during your course, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, like when writing papers, per-forming on stage or preparing for exams, you will need high levels of cognitive control, emotional regulation and self-awareness.

At its heart, mindfulness training teaches students to pay

attention to the present moment through simple breathing and meditation practices which increase awareness of thoughts and feelings so as to reduce stress and anxiety and boost levels of atten-tion and concentration.

Mindfulness practice cultivates the ability to disengage from incapacitating worry and detrimental or self-defeating nega-tive thinking. This increased capacity for non judgmental, present moment awareness has the effect of giving the student choice to respond skilfully rather than to react in a knee jerk or auto-matic fashion to external or internal pressures.

Successful completion of a degree programme inevitably involves periods of stress, such as in the run up to examinations, that demand particularly high levels of cognitive control, emo-tional regulation and self-awareness. The aim of mindfulness training for students is to give students tools to help them remain calm, sustain their attention and to focus more consistently and appropriately in the face of these demands.

There is a growing focus and interest in universities and Higher Education to attend to student well being and flourish-ing, with initiatives such as ‘Healthy Universities’ recommending that institutions ‘embed health and well being into the core of their business and culture’. Furthermore a number of universi-ties both in the UK and elsewhere have begun to recognise the need to address the impact of student stress on learning. Mind-fulness training can offer all students tools that help:

a) Those students who are performing well to perform even better as well as assisting those who are struggling.

b) Minimise the negative effects of stress as and when they occur placing the goal of stress reduction within the normal teaching and learning curriculum as a resource available to all students not just to students in distress.

c) To manage low mood/depression and reduce anxietyd) Maximise general well being and flourishing, building

tools for life such as empathy, self-compassion, emotional resil-ience and tolerance.

http://mindfulnessforstudents.co.uk

Stress busters for busystudents oftomorrow

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017IX

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 X

In the 21st century, technology per-meates much of our lives. It has become essential in day-to-day activities, as well as one of the greatest driving forces for change.

Many of the digital devices we currently use did not exist even 10 years ago. It’s apparent that skills colleges and careers look for in students are changing to keep up with the pace of technology. Students are required to know different skills by the time they graduate compared to just 15 years ago.

Educational technology is essential to rising to 21st century expectations of students. Today’s generation of students are expected to be digitally literate in order to thrive in a workforce where digital technology is often utilised. The most pressing question for many edu-cators is how educational technology impacts education and improves stu-dents’ readiness for college and the workforce. Today, educational technol-ogy allows students to learn more than ever before. They can use educational games to learn how to read, use tech-nology for research, complete distance education, and more.

The evolution of digital education is nothing short of a revolution. Educa-tional efficacy is changing digitally with each passing day. It has not only pro-vided teachers and students unlimited teaching and learning opportunities, respectively, but also improved students’ performance, participation in the learn-ing process and innovation. From chalk-and-talk lessons and assisted learning methods to advanced educa-tional tools, digital education continues to be the new wave of learning.

The proliferation of digital tools, including apps, tablets and laptops, has transformed learners’ communication, engagement, opportunity for collabora-tion and feedback, as also delivery procedures. This is owing to the fact that the online space is not just one of the most cost-effective ways to educate, but is also an appropriate platform to present a world-class learning experience to the ever-expanding workforce.

Multiple studies from education publishers reveal that digital learning materials are improving student per-formance in college, resulting in higher exam scores, better grades, and fewer students dropping out of classes.

Because the digital platforms are personalized to each student, they adapt to the individual’s needs and focus on the areas that are most critical to that student’s success. They offer practice questions and progress reports with immediate feedback that help students learn from their mistakes by testing where the student is and then provid-ing learning aids to get them to where they need to be. Learning and practic-ing concepts using tutorials, quizzing modules and multimedia provides skills that help students prepare for gradua-tion and future jobs.

Recent studies have shown that an increasing number of students are using digital learning products, which typi-cally cost half of the price of a printed textbook. Student Monitor reports that in Spring 2016, the share of students purchasing digital course materials for unlimited use increased 63% while the number of students renting a digital text-book increased 100%, compared to Spring 2015.

In addition to lower prices and improved grades, students also choose digital because it is more convenient than print books, more environmentally friendly and can often be purchased at the same time as tuition and fees.

The whole revolution of online edu-cation was devised to create resources just once and be used multiple times for the generations to come. Thus saving resources and efforts while still being personalised. Pioneering a concept where the best of the minds come together to bring about courses that would leave national boundaries behind is a task worth much applaud. Renowned universities have launched proprietary tools to bring education online in order to make a difference.

Social media has progressed from being a mere networking means to a learning tool. Today, many teachers and universities incorporate social media into their curriculum, making it an inte-gral part of the e-learning experience.

Apart from being able to share informa-tion anywhere, anytime, this relevant tool is also a responsive means of keep-ing learners engaged and interested. They are much aware of current affairs, trending issues, social activities and pro-spective employment opportunities, on a real-time basis. A report shows that 71% of academic leaders rate online learning outcomes as same or superior to face-to-face learning methods.

Digital education is no longer con-fined to a classroom. With the advent of the virtual classroom, terms like flipped classroom, formative assess-ment and mobile learning have become popular. The learning proc-ess over the years has been made more fun and engaging through these mod-els. In fact, according to a few studies, 90% of the students think that online learning leads to either a similar or even better learning experience that traditional classrooms. Various edu-cators have come up with interactive learning modules that demonstrate a good balance between proactive games that entertain and those that impart educational values.

Sitting in the comfort of one’s home, one can have access to the best authors, scientists and experts. This has enhanced learning and resulted in a rich teaching experience. In fact, 77% of institutions offering online learning say it is crucial to their long-term strategy.

Digital education: The new wave of learning

Education, like every other industry, is becoming more driven by technology than before. Many universities have quickly caught on that

students not only need to learn the necessary skills to succeed in their field but that they also need training in how to use technology to survive in today’s digital economy.

All fields incorporate technology in some way and the more students learn about how to use technology in their careers, the more likely they are to land their first job and foster their careers successfully. By incorporat-ing technology into the classroom many students get to use tools they may already be interacting with but now they can apply skills they already know to their studies and future work fields. Here are some ways digital skills can help college students in their future careers:

Learn New Skills

Through campus workshops and websites such as Lynda.com, students can quickly learn new digital skills that can help them advance in their field. Even learning basic skills such as Photoshop or using Excel can make a big difference in finding a job post-graduation. Employers are always looking for applicants that not only have knowledge in their field but also have technological skills that can be useful to their company. College stu-dents should take advantage of the time they have to learn these new dig-ital skills and take initiative in their learning by seeking out opportunities to learn more.

Apply Those Digital Skills

Once students have learned digital skills they can begin practice applying such digital skills before even applying for a job. Students can use these digital skills such as creating a blog, using Pho-toshop to create a unique resume, or even start their own company through social media. Many college students will find that practicing and perfecting these digital skills early on will help them impress recruiters once they begin their job search. Many companies also rely on college interns or newly graduated employees to apply digital know-how at work.

Networking Online

The digital economy involves more than just having digital knowl-edge but also using digital tools to network. Networking is key for stu-dents to land their first job straight out of college or gaining opportuni-ties that can help advance in their careers. Networking now does not have to mean going to meet-and-greet events or mixers but students can now conveniently reach out to professionals and experts online. Through websites such as LinkedIn, starting conversations with profes-sionals and experts is easier than ever. Many professionals are also very open to mentoring and speaking to college students and online communication makes it convenient for both their busy schedules and a student’s hec-tic schedule.

Create Digital Portfolios

Along with perfecting digital skills and networking, in order to be success-ful in today’s digital economy is to use online tools to create interesting and compelling digital portfolios and resumes. Digital portfolios and resumes are a great way for students to display the skills they have learned while at the same time use these skills in a career boosting way. Producing a creative dig-ital portfolio can also help college graduates stand out from the sea of applicants.

Become Social Media Experts

Social media has become a huge digital outlet for all companies in all fields to reach audiences and advance their brands. College stu-dents are already using social media to communicate, but learning how to use social media in their careers can put them a step ahead of other job candidates. Social media man-agement is one of the fastest growing careers and many companies look to newly graduated college students to take on the role of managing their social media accounts. Learning the most effective ways to monitor and use social media to advance a com-pany’s profits and branding can be a good way thriving in today’s digital economy.

Ways digital skills can

help college students

in their future careers

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017XI

When the British author L P Hartley wrote, “The past is a foreign country”, in his 1953 novel The Go-

between, he was talking about the problems inherent to memory and his-tory. Distant, intangible, unreliable or lost, our histories, whether these are personal or national histories, are at best half-remembered and at worst actively misrepresented.

In The Muqaddimah, Ibn Khaldoun (d.1406 C.E.) talks about how “History is a discipline widely cultivated among nations and races. It is eagerly sought after. The men in the street, the ordi-nary people, aspire to know it. Kings and leaders vie for it.”

Which all shows how our fascina-tion with the past is not a recent phenomenon, and has deep roots which resonate with us all. Our revisits, cata-loguing and study reveals the wonders of the untold stories. It tells of people who were there and the lives they lived. It speaks of the lessons they learned, and those they didn’t. But most of all the past shows us that we are all, in some way, connected with what has gone before and that which will come to pass.

In modern geopolitical terms Qatar is a young country, but one that knows that it has a long and rich past. It also recognises that its past is important to its future. Qatar’s 2030 National Vision clearly sets out how the Nation wants its past, its Heritage and its Culture to be preserved, studied and celebrated.

To help achieve this, University Col-lege London (UCL), in partnership with the Qatar Foundation, has created a series of bespoke Masters Programmes in cultural heritage. These help train the future leaders of Qatar on how to man-age the Nation’s heritage and how they can take informed decisions about how

to preserve its past and introduce that knowledge to future generations. But

UCL Qatar doesn’t just produce gradu-ates; we look to produce exceptional graduates who possess the skills and tal-ent to go on to do exceptional work in their chosen fields.

At UCL Qatar, our programmes are deliberately designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. They are vocational courses that are informed by theory and discussion between highly qualified staff and highly motivated stu-dents; and brought to life through the real-time engagement with the field of study.

In order to enrol in our Masters Pro-grammes we, of course, expect that all our students fulfil our qualification standards. But more than this we look for individuals who are passionate about their subject. Passionate about the necessity, and importance, of learning and growing; who are committed to their craft and will contribute intellec-tually, emotionally, pragmatically and profoundly throughout their careers.

The exhibition currently running at the Msheireb Museum, ‘Back to Msheireb. Shared Streets – Shared

Stories’, was collected and curated by students on our Masters in Museum and Gallery Practice. It is a wonderful exam-ple of how advanced university education acts as a driver for delivering sustainable economic development by delivering a cultural attraction to Qatar’s citizens and to foreign visitors.

It is a tangible example of the con-tinued support UCL Qatar provides and which is enabling the evolution of Qatar’s economy away from a hydro-carbon driven economy towards one more knowledge-driven.

As a globally renowned university UCL is consistently among the top 20 world-ranking institutions for higher education. Through research-based education we are committed to support-ing Qatar Foundation in delivering academic excellence to the State of Qatar, enabling the delivery of its vision for 2030.

UCL Qatar: Creating a series of bespoke Masters Programmes in cultural heritage

The Masters Programmes in cultural heritage helps train the future leaders of Qatar on how to manage the Nation’s heritage and how they can take informed decisions about how to preserve its past and introduce that knowledge to future generations.

At UCL Qatar, our programmes are deliberately designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 XII

College should challenge you in a number of new and rewarding ways, from broad-ening your experience with unfamiliar classes to expand-

ing your horizons intellectually. Yet with all these new challenges, it's also impor-tant to develop the skills you need to be able to cope with stress, a hectic sched-ule and impending deadlines. Learning how to set realistic, productive goals for yourself throughout each term can help you stay on top of things and make the most of your education. Below are smart goals for college students, as well as some criteria for setting new goals for yourself.

Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals

One of the most important things about setting goals while you're in col-lege is that each one needs to be distinct, achievable, and rewarding in order to keep you moving forward. Before you set any major goals for yourself, try to ensure they meet the following criteria.

Specific – Know exactly what you need to accomplish and what you hope to gain from doing so, whether it's sim-ply finishing a paper, writing a personal statement for an internship or scholar-ship application or finishing some research for a larger project.

Measurable – Make sure you can easily evaluate whether or not your goal was met and how beneficial it ultimately was to you.

Achievable – Be realistic when set-ting goals. This can help you avoid missing deadlines and getting behind, as well as giving you a more accurate overview of how much time you have to invest in other tasks throughout the week.

Results-Focused – Have very clear, distinct outcomes for meeting your goals, and hold yourself to them.

Time-Bound – Set a deadline for each goal or, for more complex tasks with mul-tiple steps, establish deadlines for each major stage of the process.

Set a Goal for Grades in Each Class

While you always want to strive to do your best in every class, there are a number of factors that may impact how you're able to do from course to course. First, take into account the subject mat-ter, the level of the class, how essential the course is to your degree program

and the other courses you're taking dur-ing the same term. Then set a realistic goal for the grade you think you can earn if you work hard, and invest a reason-able amount of time working toward this goal. Some courses are just harder, or more relevant to your intended career path, than others, and setting a specific grade goal can help you prioritize effectively.

Plan Study Times for Every Course

At the beginning of the semester, try to plan out specific time blocks for each class throughout the week, and hold yourself accountable for spend-ing these time periods completing homework and studying. If something comes up and you're unable to devote the usual time to a course one week, make sure you can reschedule the entire block of time for that class to another day (which can help prevent you from getting behind or missing an assignment).

If you have trouble making good use of study time you set aside for a

specific class, consider rescheduling your study block for this course at another time when you're more pro-ductive. You may also set specific goals for each study block week-by-week, such as not stopping or moving onto your next task until a particular sec-tion of a book is read, or the assignment for the week is finished.

Visit with each professor once per

semester

This one can be helpful even if you're taking online or remote courses. Visit-ing an instructor during office hours or scheduling some time to talk over the phone or through email can be a good way to get to know someone who may be a great resource down the road. Pro-fessors who know you well can speak to your strengths in recommendation letters, and it's always good to have someone to go to for help and support during especially difficult periods like during finals or when you're approach-ing graduation. Try to get to know at least one professor well during each

semester, and make sure to take some time to speak personally with each one at some point.

Take an Extra Challenging Course

Look for courses that interest you out-side your degree program or current area of focus, and try to challenge yourself to move out of your comfort zone. While there may not be time to do this every ses-sion, you can calculate how many elective credits you need to take and then set aside a certain number of these for challeng-ing, unfamiliar courses. Pushing yourself to try something new can be a great way to keep yourself intellectually engaged, especially during semesters where your coursework is otherwise focus on general education credits or basic introductory classes in your degree program.

Join an Extracurricular Group

Getting an on-campus job or join-ing a student group (which you can also do when taking online classes) can be a great way to get to know other students

- and sometimes faculty - in your degree program. While this offers valuable net-working opportunities for when you eventually go on the job market, it can also be a great way to reduce stress and allow yourself to take much-needed breaks from studying and work. Just remember, you still need to make sure you have time and energy to invest in coursework, so try to set goals for what days you can spend on extracurriculars and how much time you can set aside for activities.

Visit the Career Services Center

Even if you're still in your first year, learning about your career options can be a valuable experience. Set aside some time to speak with someone from the career services center each year, and consider scheduling more frequent appointments the closer you get to grad-uation. Setting specific goals to visit each semester can help avoid procrastina-tion and ensure you start planning for the job market well in advance of actu-ally sending out applications.

It’s that time of the year again: new classes, futons to assemble, too much money spent on textbooks, and the first late nights of studying

and/or partying. But what’s also on your mind might be one of the reasons why you came to college

in the first place: To have a successful career after-wards! Whether you’re just starting college or will be graduating this year, here is a quick list of year-by-year career goals, complete with tips from a college career counselor. So grab a pen and take note, your future is calling!

Freshman Year

If you’re a freshman, the real world probably seems light-

years away, and in some ways it is! But there’s nothing wrong with starting the basics of planning for it. Orient yourself with academ-ics, activities, and work, just to begin to get you thinking about what you like.

GOALS: Explore areas that interest you by taking different classes and electives. Valinda Lee, a career counselor at Scripps Col-lege in Claremont, California says, “take a wide variety of classes your first year in college to explore the many academic options avail-able to you, but remember that picking a major (especially at lib-eral arts colleges) will rarely limit your career choices down the road.”

Meet with a career counselor to learn about the opportunities and events offered at your college career center—no harm in know-ing what’s out there, even if you’re not ready to dive in yet!

Sophomore Year

By your sophomore year you can begin refining some of the choices you made during your freshman year. Continue to explore and learn more about yourself, but keep in mind that you will probably need to choose a major by the end of the year.

GOALS: Start to hone in on a possible major when picking classes — which classes freshman year did you really enjoy? Talk with professors and advisors about requirements for different majors. Start researching your col-lege’s approved programs if you plan to study abroad your junior year. Begin researching careers. Learn about the necessary quali-fications and skills you would need for each job. Try talking with alums to learn more about differ-ent jobs and industries you might be interested in.

Junior Year

You have officially declared your major! Now you can ponder life after graduation. Start think-ing about your different options and plan the necessary steps you will need to take to embark on your journey into the real world.

GOALS: Continue to refine

your resume and construct cover letters. Speak with alums in related fields and attend network-ing events. If you plan to continue your education after college, begin researching graduate schools and programs and start thinking about necessary graduate entrance exams such as the GRE, GMAT and LSAT.

Apply for a summer internship to gain some experience in your field and expand your network.

Senior Year

By your senior year you will begin to apply to grad school, start your job search, or both. Work closely with a career counselor to ensure everything goes smoothly. Applying for jobs and to grad school can be stressful, but hang in there! Soon, all of your hard work will pay off.

GOALS: Take the necessary entrance exams in the fall of your senior year. Begin applying for jobs. Consult a career counselor to ensure that your cover letters and resume are targeted towards the jobs you’re applying for. Con-duct a mock interview with an alum or a career counselor. Assess any weaknesses and try to improve on them before the real deal. Keep looking for a job until you have accepted an offer. Remember that finding a job is a difficult and time-consuming process, so don’t feel bad if your inbox isn’t overflowing with job offers come May — something will come through eventually!

Year-by-year career goals for freshers

Smart goals for college students

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017XIII

College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) is the State of Qatar’s premier tech-nical college of applied

learning, offering over 30 pro-grams tailored to Qatar’s workforce in Business Studies, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences and Information Technology.

At CNA-Q, our philosophy is to graduate students so they are ready to enter careers of their choice, as a Centre of Excellence for Technical and Vocational Education and Train-ing (TVET).

TVET refers to aspects of education that involve the study of technologies and related sciences, as well as acquisition of practical skills, attitudes and knowledge related to occupations in various sectors of economic life.

As one of the largest post-secondary insti-tutions in the State of Qatar, we have graduated over 5,000 students from our

two-year and three-year diploma programs.

All of our programs are designed to prepare students for a vocation, which is reinforced through applied learning. We offer world-class laboratories and class-rooms, where students learn the skills they will use in the labour force immediately after grad-uation. Some of our prized learning environ-ments include:

• Engineering Tech-nology pilot plant simulating a Qatar oil and gas production plant

• Health Sciences Pharmacy simulated clinic equipped with the latest technology

• Business Studies case competitions that allow students to find business solutions for their clients

• Information Technology server rooms where students can practice managing infor-mation systems infrastructure

OUR HISTORY

CNA-Q is a partnership between the State of Qatar and a Canadian post-second-ary institution based in Newfoundland and Labrador, College of the North Atlantic, which has 16 campuses. CNA-Q was estab-lished as a branch campus in 2002, after a world-wide search to bring the best tech-nical education to Qatar in support of the booming energy and industry sector.

CANADIAN INSTITUTION WITH QATARI VALUES

As we are a Canadian institution, the majority of our instructional staff are Cana-dian citizens who have industry experience in the subjects they are teaching. One of the defining characteristics of our campus are the helpful instructors who support our stu-dents through their educational journey.

All of our programs follow Canadian cur-riculum and are recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in the State of Qatar. The majority of our programs are fur-ther accredited by international governing bodies, including all of our Business Studies and Information Technology programs.

As English is the second language for the vast majority of our students, we have devel-oped a foundation English program to assist students in testing and strengthening their language skills. We have founded an IELTS center on our campus, which primarily serves our current and potential student base, and is open to the general public as well.

Our goal in offering an applied education is aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030: to transform the State into a knowledge-based economy and support the State’s strategic direc-tion to educate and retain young Qataris. In our 15th academic year, CNA-Q has carved out a niche as a student-centred post-secondary insti-tution with a vibrant on-campus culture that produces highly-skilled graduates to advance the growing and changing economy in Qatar.

CNA-Q: The premier choice for Applied Learning

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 XIV

Since its inception in 1973, Qatar University (QU) has served as Qatar’s primary institution of higher education. With

more than 17,000 students in its ranks, it is today a beacon of higher education and academic and research excellence.

HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION ALIGNED WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES

QU is committed to provid-ing high-quality education in areas of national priority. Under-pinning this commitment is the goal to align its colleges, pro-grams and courses with established international stand-ards and best practices. As a result, the University has been successful in its accreditation ini-tiatives, earning the endorsement of numerous leading interna-tional accrediting bodies.

With 79 specializations at the undergraduate and graduate lev-els, QU offers the widest range

of academic programs in Qatar tailoring them to meet the needs of Qatari society-- 45 Bachelors, 25 Masters, four PhD programs, four Diplomas, and one PharmD.

QU hosts nine colleges--Arts and Sciences (CAS); Business and Economics (CBE); Education (CED); Engineering (CENG); Health Sciences (CHS); Law (LAWC); Medicine (CMED); Phar-macy (CPH); and Sharia and Islamic Studies (CSIS).

The College of Health Sci-ences was a new addition in January 2016, emerging from the Health Sciences Department for-merly housed in the College of Arts and Sciences. Following this, a QU Health Cluster, which com-prises the colleges of Health Sciences (CHS), Medicine (CMED) and Pharmacy (CPH) and the Health Clinic, was established to promote interdisciplinary and inter-professional collaboration, and enhance the quality of health

education and research as well as institutional effectiveness at the University.

REGIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR DISTINCTIVE EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

QU has continued to develop a vibrant research culture that is reflected in its many graduate programs, accredited laboratory facilities, and a teaching and learning environment that places research at the core. This is buoyed by the success the organ-ization continues to enjoy in the National Priorities Research Pro-gram (NPRP) and Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) cycles.

The institution’s vibrant research culture is further enhanced by the establishment of a state-of-the-art Research Complex and 14 research cent-ers of excellence that reflect the responsibility and commitment of QU to support research that is responsive to national needs such as road safety, environ-m e n t a l c o n s e r v a t i o n , population surveys, biomedi-cal research, Gulf-related issues, and polymer research, to name a few. An ambitious five-year research roadmap entitled “Advancing Research for Qatar’s Future” launched in 2014, lists four priority research areas -- Energy, Environment and Resource Sustainability; Social Change and Identity; P o p u l a t i o n , H e a l t h

and Wellness; and Information, Communication and Technolo-gies (ICT) -- and is further reflection of QU’s engagement in national research priorities.

BUILDING STRONG LINKS WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY

Community engagement is an area which is at the heart of QU’s mission and vision. The University prides itself on the quality of its students and alumni, and is committed to ensuring that campus life is an enriching environment for encouraging academic excel-lence, volunteerism, civic responsibility and leadership. Its Alumni Association brings

together 40,000 alumni, current students and Qatari society.

Programs such as Al Bairaq, Life is Engineering Project, Gasna, and the Annual Comput-ing Contest are also aimed at raising school students’ aware-ness of their future role in contributing to the country’s development. Additionally, members of the community can gain further education and train-ing in various disciplines through professional development pro-grams across the University’s colleges.

QU is advancing its goal to become a leader of economic and social development in Qatar through signed agreements, aca-demic collaborations and partnerships with industry, gov-ernment, academia, business and civil society.

QU: Key driver of quality

education in Qatar and the region

With 79 specializations at the undergraduate and graduate levels, QU offers the widest range of academic programs in Qatar tailoring them to meet the needs of Qatari society.

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017XV

THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 XVI