Carnegie programme: a glimpse into careers

More than 60 secondary school students from across Qatar explored career paths in business, science and technology at the annual Summer College Preview Programme (SCPP) hosted by Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q). Students in the three-week programme study, explore and prepare projects in one of the areas in which CMU-Q offers degrees: biological sciences, business administration, computer science and information systems. “We are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of SCPP. Students who participate in SCPP get a greater understanding of what CMU-Q is about: they learn about our work ethic and our unique approach to study and problem solving,” said Damian Dourado, CMU-Q’s director of pre-college programmes.Based on a programme at Carnegie Mellon’s main campus in Pittsburgh, US, SCPP offers students an opportunity to explore emerging fields and areas of study. Designed for students in their last few years of secondary school, SCPP has been proven to hone students’ planning and preparation for college. In the 2016 incoming class at CMU-Q, nearly a quarter of students had completed SCPP. Ayah al-Ansari, a grade 12 student at Raba’a Al Adewiya School, said: “Taking part in SCPP has been an amazing experience – I have learned how to work in a group and take ownership of my learning. I look forward to applying to CMU-Q and becoming a biological sciences student.” The programme also includes a series of workshops on how to become a master student by learning to set goals and effectively manage time – all challenges the SCPP participants will face when they embark on their university careers.Maryam al-Thani, a grade 10 student at Qatar Academy, said: “When I first learned about the programme, I was intrigued as I wanted to learn more about the computer science major CMU-Q offers. I now know what to expect when I become a student at CMU-Q.”Workshops and programmes for secondary school students interested in studying biological sciences, business administration, computer science and information systems are held throughout the year. One can learn more at www.qatar.cmu.edu/outreach