QCDC Transforms Career Landscape With 28 Initiatives, Serving 1.5 Million People

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Fazeena Saleem | The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Over the years, Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC) has evolved significantly and at present it offers over 28 initiatives and programmes that have inspired greater career confidence and further education for 1.5 million people.

QCDC, founded by Qatar Foundation and initially focusing on connecting youth with career opportunities, has expanded its role into a fully fledged centre and now offers a wide array of programmes and services tailored to meet Qatar's critical need for structured career guidance, said Saad Abdulla Al Kharji, Career Programmes and Services Manager at QCDC in an interview with The Peninsula.

“QCDC is strongly aligned with Qatar's long-term vision and the national economic shift to a knowledge-based economy. On a global scale, QCDC has evolved to keep up with the increasing digitisation of services and materials. QCDC has created online platforms which provide career counselling services and access to educational materials, including the annual, specialised, and bilingual career guidance magazine,” said Al Kharji. He said each initiative and programme is followed with a comprehensive set of surveys to participating individuals, institutions, partners and internal evaluations to determine how successful QCDC's efforts were in reaching their audiences and enhancing their potential.

“Data from QCDC's surveys show a 91% satisfaction rate, backed by countless success stories of students finding their calling, graduates shifting their focus on fields that fulfil their career aspirations, and participants seeking a better understanding of the job market,” said Al Kharji.

Within the wide array of programmes and initiatives QCDC offers, different audiences are targeted to unlock the potential of every demographic.

One prominent initiative is 'Al Dileela: Your Career Navigator,' a personalised counseling programme tailored to diverse audiences including high school students, graduates, and career changers.

“This programme utilises a structured approach across five specialised phases, providing comprehensive guidance on academic and career paths in Arabic, English, and French,” said Al Kharji.

QCDC's annual 'Career Village' event attracts thousands to engage with activities which encourage informed academic and career path decisions; the 'Little Employee' introduces young children to the workplace through hands-on experiences, affording them early career insights; 'My Career My Future' offers high school students practical experience in various sectors to enhance career awareness and professional creativity; and the 'Career Guide Magazine', published annually in Arabic and English, offers expert advice and success stories across sectors, accessible through a dedicated mobile application and printed for international distribution.

Another QCDC initiative 'Career Counselors Hub', in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the US Embassy in Doha, enhances capabilities of career counsellors through knowledge exchange and comprehensive support systems.

“Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate QCDC's commitment to enhancing career development across Qatar, using diverse approaches to empower individuals in achieving their career goals and contributing to national growth,” said Al Kharji. QCDC also plays a crucial role in creating inclusive work environments through initiatives like the 'We Grow,' and 'Empower Ability' programmes.

QCDC partners with institutions like Renad Academy for the 'We Grow' programme and addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals, particularly those with autism, in entering the workforce. The 'Empower Ability' initiative integrates individuals with learning difficulties into communities and workplace experiences through work experience, cultural and sports events, enhancing their social and communication skills essential for workplace integration.

“Overall, QCDC's initiatives promote inclusivity by equipping individuals with necessary skills and opportunities, enhancing their prospects for meaningful employment and integration into the workforce. Through strategic partnerships and holistic support, QCDC reinforces Qatar's commitment to inclusivity outlined in Qatar's future vision, ensuring diverse talents contribute effectively to national development,” said Al Kharji.

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