By Ramesh Mathew
More than 100 students of Indian schools based in Qatar gained valuable insights from a two-day career guidance-cum-orientation programme conducted by veteran Indian career counselor B S Warrier recently.
B S Warrier speaking at the career guidance-cum-orientation programme organised by Mar Thoma College (Thiruvalla) Alumni Association-Qatar
The programme held at Doha Modern Indian School (DMIS) was held under the aegis of Mar Thoma College (Thiruvalla) Alumni Association–Qatar chapter. Along with students, a large number of parents also attended the sessions, which has been termed as the first of its kind for the Indian community in Qatar.
Along with Warrier, who has held similar sessions for Indian children in different parts of the world, recruitment co-ordinator at Qatar Foundation Lana Asfour also addressed different sessions held as part of the programme.
The speakers told the students to explore those areas of work that they would find appealing to their interests rather than wasting their energies on those subjects “imposed” on them by parents. “A student alone should decide on the educational stream that would eventually help him build a career,” said Warrier, while making a presentation on the range of academic choices that students have in different parts of the world.
The career guidance expert minced no words while appealing to parents to allow children decide on their higher studies after completing their schooling. “At no stage after their schooling should children let their academic choice be influenced by their parents’ interests,” said Warrier.
Warrier later spoke on the objective and scope of various courses available at different institutions all over the world. He also explained about ways to identify the most suitable course for a student and also spoke about how different factors influenced the selection of a course.
The counselor also spoke about emerging disciplines, career opportunities and quality institutions for studies, as well as about ways to prepare effectively for professional examinations.
Later, Asfour spoke on the role of the QF as an education facilitator, giving a talk on the courses at the Education City universities. “Admission to any of the six US universities will immediately connect the students with a broad academic community that lives in the Education City,” she said.
Asfour also gave information about the courses on offer in the respective universities and explained about the advantages for students while joining the programmes.
The QF recruitment co-ordinator said that though studying at the Education City is a little expensive, she said the Foundation offers students an array of financial assistance.
The speakers later answered questions posed by the students.
Later speaking to this newspaper, an office-bearer of the Mar Thoma College Alumni Association said the forum would continue to contribute liberally to projects which would help students develop their personality and also enable them to decide on their career.
“Interests are the most natural starting point while exploring work. When we first start to ask ourselves ‘what do I want to do?’, our answers reveal what we view as being exciting, challenging and fun. In short, what we are interested in,” he said.
He said the alumni is exploring interests, competencies and work styles and is trying to provide a multifaceted tool for supporting career building through such events.
The programme organisers later revealed their plans to hold similar sessions at intervals in future, to benefit students of the Indian community. “We were overwhelmed by the response from students and parents. Initially we were expecting only about 50 students. But more than double that number ultimately turned up to attend,” said an organiser. “This is exactly why we are planning more of such sessions in future,” he explained.
