The discussion, organised by Tamuq Female Faculty Forum and the Graduate Studies Office was attended by students, faculty and staff from Tamuq and other universities in the Education city.
The panellists included Dr Lina Rueda (R&D manager, Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre), Dr Veronica Bermudez (senior research director for energy, Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute of Hamad Bin Khalifa University), Dr Majeda Khraisheh (head of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University) and Dr Annette Vincent (associate dean, Diversity and Climate at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar).
The session was moderated by Dr Ghada Salama, instructional professor and dean’s fellow for diversity, Tamuq and Dr Valentini Pappa, manager for graduate studies, Tamuq.
The panellists covered numerous questions including the importance of graduate studies for women, the need for inclusion and female representation, progress made over the last few decades, role models, and personal experiences. It explored how their own graduate study degrees shaped their individual career journeys including why they decided to pursue a graduate degree, and what can be done to make it better for female graduates.
Dr Khraisheh said: “Consideration of graduate studies should include your own personal development as a key factor. Graduate school has always been about specialising in a subject area. This specialisation enables you to stand out from others vying for the same positions and makes you eligible for positions that demand graduate degrees.”
“My graduate studies provided me with deep knowledge in my area of expertise and connected me with a network of professionals which has been invaluable throughout my career. My PhD was supported by an industry grant. Through this sponsorship, I connected with industry experts in my area of research who became mentors in my thesis committee,” Rueda highlighted.
Dr Bermudez, noted: “Some of the skills I acquired during my graduate studies helped me adapt to different styles of work, from an international perspective. These skills include critical thinking, analytic abilities, time management and presentation skills, all of which helped me to have a global mindset, work across different cultures, adapt to new environments and work in diverse teams.”
“Education is key towards achieving equality and inclusion in society. Pursuing graduate studies equips individuals with the skill set and growth mindset that facilitates the advancement of equality and inclusion in the academic community,” added, Dr Vincent.
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