Al Faisal International for Investment (AFII), a private investment management company, recently hosted an interactive session with professor Andrew Garner, a career management expert, aimed at helping students identify their future goals.
Organised by AFII and Qatar University’s College of Business and Economics (QU-CBE), the session aims to contribute in realising the values and objectives outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Professor Garner was welcomed by AFII board member and members of QU’s Board of Trustees HE Sheikh Jassim bin Faisal al-Thani on behalf of his father, AFII Chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani. Dr Babiker Ibrahim, lecturer of management at QU-CBE also attended the event as a special guest.
Delivering the message of Sheikh Faisal, Sheikh Jassim said: “The investment in our youth is synonymous with investment in the future of Qatar.”
“In line with this, QU and other important universities in town are leading the progress of reforming, developing and enhancing the post-secondary levels, the scientific research field as well as cultural and intellectual field so that our economy will no longer be dependent on the energy sector alone,” he noted.
“We should, therefore, now become an economy based on education and sustainability where we will be the inner energy and engine driving it forward,” Sheikh Jassim added.
Speaking about career management and development, professor Garner, a mentor to several globally high profile CEOs, urged students to establish their unique brand identity and differentiate themselves from others.
He stressed the importance of goal setting and being in the right place at the right time.
“It is important to set goals and then take action once you are fairly certain about your career goals,” professor Garner said.
He also tacked details on job hunting such as preparing for interviews, as well as writing resumes and cover letters properly.
“The interviewers are looking for new skills and some unique factor from you. So, this is your chance to showcase yourself as a brand and display your talents,” said professor Garner, who taught career management at business schools around the world from Harvard University to Singapore.
He has also published an internationally regarded book on ‘Smart Moves,’ and done many long-term mentoring assignments.
QU-CBE Dean Nitham Hindi echoed the statement of the professor saying such interactive sessions will help their students build knowledge and understanding, and gain an insight into several aspects of career building and progression.