The role of career guidance in developing the national workforce and contributing to Qatar’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy was the topic of a seminar held by Qatar Career Development Centre (QCDC) recently.
The event, which took place at Hamad bin Khalifa University’s Student Centre, brought together a large number of participants, including government officials, school counsellors, professional consultants and representatives from the private sector.
The seminar outlined career planning and guidance practices in Qatar and provided suggestions on how to improve and enhance the nation’s career guidance system.
Participants also touched on global career guidance practices and discussed the advantages and challenges of implementing such practices.
Dr Tajalsir Ibrahim Kardaman, career counselling consultant at QCDC, said the seminar highlighted the importance of career guidance in supporting Qatar’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
“The event provided an excellent opportunity for career guidance specialists to establish and expand their networks. It also contributed to informing Qatar’s youth on career awareness.”
The seminar was moderated by Sylvia Nassar, a professor and doctoral programme co-ordinator, counsellor education at North Carolina State University.
Dr Nassar described students as one of the key stakeholders in the career guidance process, saying: “This student generation is technologically conscious so we really need to deliver information in a way that is appropriate to them. This includes offering online tutorials and various interactive courses.”
Dr Nassar has served in a variety of clinical mental health, school, and college settings over the past 30 years, and launched several initiatives to promote the professionalism of counselling and counsellor education.
She has published nearly 90 books, refereed articles, and other instructional materials and delivered more than 100 conference presentations.

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