Human resource professionals from throughout Qatar’s public and private sectors gathered in Doha for the second annual Qatar Career Development Forum, which began yesterday.

The two-day event, co-organised by Silatech and the Bedaya Centre for Entrepreneurship and Career Development, and sponsored by Maersk Oil, is being attended by over 100 HR professionals.

Focused around attracting, developing and retaining employees from the early stages of their careers, the theme of this year’s Forum is ‘Help Them to Grow’.

“At Silatech, we believe that everyone stands to benefit from opening new opportunities for our youth,” said Silatech Qatar country representative Alanoud al-Thani.

“Moreover, all of us — including governments, the private sector, NGOs and others — have a role to play in unlocking doors that have been closed for too long.

“Successful career development programmes not only benefit young people; they also work to the advantage of innovative, proactive organisations who reach out to more effectively utilise the full potential of our youth.”

Saleh al-Khulaifi, board member of the Bedaya Centre, stressed the importance of career development.

“At the Bedaya Centre, we believe that effective career development strategies empower both individuals and the organisations that employ them,” he said.

“The Qatar Career Development Forum is an ideal platform for advisers, counsellors and those interested in human development to gain insights into innovative career development programmes.

“By bringing together world class trainers and covering a broad range of career-related topics, we believe that we can create a positive impact for those seeking to develop themselves, and those who can support them.”

Sheikh Jassim al-Thani, head of Qatarisation at Maersk Oil Qatar, said that developing and nurturing the next generations of young people is vital for the continuing success of Qatar and the companies, organisations and institutions within it.

“This forum has been designed to support human development, build capacity and promote ways to maximise human potential,” Sheikh Jassim said.

“The forum addresses a key component in this by supporting HR professionals facilitate better career development opportunities for young people in the workforce, and we are proud to be part of it.”

Sheikh Jassim delivered the opening address, while Dr Norman Amundson, Professor in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia, outlined how workplace attraction can be an effective method for assessing organisational climate, as well as the career motivation and satisfaction of young people.

TypeFocus president David Wood spoke on the importance of competency frameworks, performance reviews and career development in achieving organisational success, as well as on challenges involved in attracting and retaining young adult employees.

Silatech senior career guidance manager Salwa Atiyyah and Bedaya Centre career development manager Maged Fathallah provided a brief overview of new initiatives from both the organisations, while Silatech programme manager Yehia Houry moderated a panel discussion focusing on best practices with newly-appointed young employees.

Another panel discussion explored the role of career development, and approaches taken, in leading Qatari organisations.

‘Local Best Practices in Career Development’ had Sheikh Jassim, Dr Jamal al-Ammari (talent and organisation manager, Shell Qatar), Mashaal al-Muhannadi (Qatari development and support manager, Ooredoo), Abdulrahman al-Mannai (learning and development manager, RasGas) and Hessa Buhusain (HR manager, Hamad Medical Corp) share their views.

One of the main outcomes resulting from the First Qatar Career Development Forum — held in May 2013 — was the establishment of an informal advisory body consisting of human resources experts and professionals, as well as young Qataris.

This group advised on the topical content of the Second Career Development Forum, and assisted with outreach efforts. After the conclusion of the event, a recognised advisory group will be formed, bringing representatives from general and higher education together with industry leaders to further improve career development opportunities within Qatar.

 

 

 

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