The Edge | 1

editor’s letter | ambition

As one of the pillars of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, higher education is an integral part of the country’s future. A career, of course, only begins when one completes secondary education and enters the workforce, which is largely the focus of Ambition, The Edge magazine’s new special annual supplement, focusing on the opportunities and challenges in the Qatari working environment.

Finding the best people to fill the many positions constantly opening up in Qatar is an ongoing challenge for all local businesses and public sector entities, but there are ever-increasing opportunities here to enjoy a satisfying career in many sectors in the country, both for Qataris and expatriates.

The main feature of this debut edition of Ambition, The Edge’s Aparajita Mukherjee on page 12 primarily covers issues facing young nationals when entering the workforce.

Then, as the working world becomes more competitive, ongoing education is a necessity and many are increasingly turning to the Internet as an alternative to brick and mortar institutions. Shehan Mashood investigates the merits and challenges of doing so in or from Qatar on page 2.

Finally on page 21 Aparajita Mukherjee interviews six Qatari role models who have achieved great things in the working world, and whose insight and wisdom we hope will serve as inspiration and motivation – for not just young nationals new to the local workforce, but for everyone working in the vibrant and rapidly growing economy that is modern-day Qatar.

Miles Masterson Managing Editor

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Ongoing education

Ongoing education

Ongoing

Can anyone afford not to continue studying?

Whether you have just completed your undergraduate degree and are looking for further options, or are a working professional wanting to develop your skills to advance your career, considering which ongoing education to pursue can be a daunting task. By Shehan Mashood

The Edge | 3

I f you have been a student for the better part of two decades, the sense of relief and freedom from deadlines and exams can certainly be a

strong force in convincing you to avoid returning to the world of academia immediately.

However, the reality is different for working professionals, many of whom cannot take the time off to complete a degree or a professional qualification even if they want to. This means studying after work, and in some cases sacrificing personal time – at least in the short-term – for the sake of career development.

Abdulla Al Ajail is a Qatari student currently doing his executive MBA at HEC Paris Qatar. He says, for him, taking on the workload of an executive MBA meant having to compromise one for the other. “My family understood,” he explains, “you find a way to make it happen but it is a challenge.” Now in his final year of the course, Ajail says it has really helped him grow. He also points out the advantages of being able to network with CEOs and other entry-level executives as an advantage.

These are not the only considerations that one needs to take into account when deciding whether to pursue further education. The cost of education has only increased over recent years, making the justification for continuing education much harder. When considering the costs of either taking on another degree or qualification, it is important to consider it as an investment in yourself. For a working professional, for example, taking on an MBA could deliver measurable payback in terms of job opportunities and salary.

With more people coming into Qatar and the pace at which the economy is expected to grow, the workplace is likely to get more competitive with each passing year. A college degree is not what it once used to be. In fact as more people around the world, and indeed in Qatar enrol for undergraduate programmes, to stand out in the marketplace might mean having that extra qualification to nudge out the competition.

So perhaps it might be good to ask another question: can one afford not to consider further education programmes?

Developing human capitalIt is also pertinent to note that individuals pursuing higher education have a positive impact on the nation. A report by the General Secretariat for Development Planning (GSDP) in Qatar, entitled

Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, the president of Qatar University, has pointed out that in an increasingly internationalised labour market, the need for an educated and skilled workforce is greater than ever.

When considering

the costs of either taking on

another degree or qualification, it is

important to think of it as an investment

in yourself.

ongoing education | ambition

4 | The Edge

An Educated Population in 2030, references a study that shows a one-year increase in average education can raise the level of a country’s output per capita by between three and six percent, with tertiary education appearing to be the most important level of education for the growth of OECD (Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development)countries. Numerous studies have led to the development of a concept known as ‘human capital theory’ that suggests the income of workers with more education is greater than that of others.

According to the same GSDP report, younger Qatari males with secondary schooling earned an average of QR 116,751, while those with university degrees were paid an average of QR 193,039 per annum, an increase of 65 percent. Qatari women on the other hand earned significantly less at QR 82,595 and QR 104,141 respectively with an increase of 26 percent.

The speed at which Qatar has developed has left a mismatch in the local population, with the skill levels not meeting the speed of job creation. While this gap is filled by expatriates, the government hopes that locals – in the future – will be able to progress to these positions. There are however barriers to this happening, according to a study in 2007, commissioned by the Supreme Education Council (SEC) of Qatar, which shows that although there is good coverage in high-demand fields at the diploma and undergraduate degree level, for those looking to pursue

master’s degrees there is a lack of opportunities. Hatem Alismail is a computer science graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), who is currently pursuing a PhD at the Carnegie Mellon campus in Pittsburgh, United States. Graduate school was excellent at preparing him for tackling challenging problems, Alismail tells The Edge Ambition, but he hopes that pursuing advanced courses will garner him a greater advantage in terms of job opportunities. One of the recommendations made in the report to the SEC was to add master’s degrees in high-demand fields to current offerings at Education City campuses. This would benefit not only students who do not wish to study abroad, but also increase the research done in the country, which in turn could benefit Qatar’s industry and economy, states the report.

Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, the president of Qatar University, wrote in a journal published by the Middle East Institute on ‘The dearth of Qatari men in higher education: reasons and implications’, “Nowhere is the gap more apparent than in the Gulf states which, though blessed with energy resources, suffer from a severe imbalance in their demographic makeup. In some Gulf

ambition | ongoing education

Dr. Abdulazziz Al Horr, tells The Edge Ambitionthat the QFBA was established to serve the educational needs of the entire financial industry.

Notesa weightedb employment and self - employment income of those workingSource of data: Computed from QSA’s HIES, 2006/2007

Table 1Educational Attainment and Incomes by Gender, Qatari Individuals Aged 25 and above, HIES 2006/7

Males

Frequency(%)

22.7 148,812 18.0 81,950

Frequency(%)

Mean Income(QR)

Mean Income(QR)Educational Attainment

Secondary

3.8 215,650 2.3 110,597Diploma

24.4 237,796 35.6 112,732University

3.1 302,068 0.8 183,241Postgraduate

Females

Source of data: Computed from QSA’s HIES, 2006/2007

Table 1.1

100

150

200

250

50

20 30 40 50 60

Educational Attainment and Incomesa by Sex, Qatari Individuals Aged 25 and above, HIES 2006/7

Primary Secondary Tertiary

6 | The Edge

states, nationals comprise no more than a fifth to a quarter of the total population...challenging as this demographic fact may be, it puts into sharp focus the need to maximise the contribution of the national population.”

Building educational institutionsTo match the growth of Qatar’s economy with human capital locally and regionally, numerous educational institutions have been set up over the past few years. One such example is the Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA), which was created in 2009. Dr. Abdulazziz Al

Although there is good coverage in high-

demand fields at the diploma and

undergraduate degree level, for those looking to pursue master’s

degrees there is a lack of opportunities.

Horr, the CEO of QFBA, explains to The Edge Ambition that Qatar – which is now promoting itself as a financial hub to attract international banks, insurance companies, asset and wealth managers – will require training for the new jobs that are created. “To leverage, protect and develop the wealth we have, we need talents. Foreigners can help you, but they cannot do your job, it is ours as Qataris to do this,” he says. The QFBA offers courses and accredited professional qualifications for the whole financial industry. For example in conventional banking courses – one of the most popular – they cover everything from the front desk to executive programmes, according to Dr. Al Horr.

The importance of professional qualifications are often overlooked by people seeking to improve their job prospects. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for example is one of many professional bodies that offer certification – in this case management accountancy. A professional accreditation from an industry-governing body means acknowledgment of professional status within the industry.

Accreditation within a particular field also means a person has met a certain industry standard in competence for their field, a plus for employers. There are numerous professional qualifications being offered in Qatar much like the CIMA, from marketing to technology accreditation, where students have the choice of studying with various professional accreditor bodies.

It is also worthwhile mentioning that less considered and unlikely specialisations could lead to job opportunities in Qatar. For example,

Business executives in classroom at the Qatar Finance and Business Academy.

ambition | ongoing education

QSA (resized)1 new.pdf 1 3/25/13 1:07 PM

8 | The Edge

Are overseas distance learning programmes

recognised in Qatar? Universities from all over the world are offering distance education programmes in which physical attendance is not mandatory; and Qatar is no exception, with several universities offering distance learning.

Online degrees, even when offered by reputable universities in the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States (US), have a question mark surrounding their credibility and whether they represent accredited programmes.

Although universities’ websites promoting these programmes confirm the recognition of their online degrees, the only criterion for their credibility is being certified by the Higher Education Institute – part of the Supreme Education Council in Qatar. To clarify the status of such degrees, the Higher Education Institute offers a list of recognised schools, degrees, and majors on its website. For instance, it is noteworthy that the Supreme Education Council recognises only seven universities in the UK.

Not only this, the US embassy in Qatar announced that although distance learning is very popular in the US, Qataris should be aware that not all universities and colleges are accredited. The embassy advised Qataris to refer to the Supreme Education Council in Qatar before considering any distance learning programme. Also, the US embassy in Qatar does not certify any degree obtained from the US; graduates should head to the Qatari embassy in the US instead.

– Mayssa Nehlawi

ambition | ongoing education

the Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII) at Hamad bin Khalifa University, offers postgraduate degrees in translation studies and conference interpreting. With Qatar pushing to place itself as a MICE destination, there could be significant opportunities available in the future job market. Another is the Faculty of Islamic Studies, which offers masters in programmes like the science of Islamic finance, a sector in which Qatar is becoming a regional hub.

“With the roles we are playing,” says Dr. Al Horr, “in the political arena, in the financial arena, in research and development, this country deserves the best. Therefore, it is our duty as Qataris, and the duties of the organisations to develop these people.”

The importance of professional qualifications is oftentimes overlooked, a professional accreditation means acknowledgment of professional status within an industry. a significant plus with employers.

Final VCU new.pdf 1 3/24/13 2:35 PM

10 | The Edge

MANAGEMENT EDUCATION ONLINE -

REGIONAL REALITIES AND RISKSMany in the GCC countries, as in the rest of the world, will have been considering this route to improving their management skills. Technology is having a profound effect on learning, and increasing numbers of courses from an increasing number of providers are available online. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online management education compared to a more conventional learning environment?

Let’s look at the pluses first. For those who do not have the right programmes nearby and cannot travel, the advantage is to provide what would not otherwise be available. Online is particularly good for the more technical courses, where material can be studied without the need for discussion. Finally there is the cost, which is likely to be a lot cheaper than learning from real life professors and tutors.

Now the disadvantages – with online degree programmes students are missing out on the educational experience of being with a group of people learning together. It is a whole lot easier to be motivated to learn knowing that others are having the same problems, and being able to share the learning experience with them. That particularly applies to subjects such as strategy or human resources, where there are huge benefits from the dynamics of personal discussion. The sheer excitement of a class getting right into the heart of a problem and coming up with solutions is hard to reproduce on the Internet. Added to that, talking outside the class to fellow students can be as valuable as what is learned in formal sessions.

An advantage of face-to-face learning for degree programmes is the opportunity for friendships, often life-long ones, which arise from people who have had the common experience of learning together. It is always a pleasure for me to find groups of people in touch with each other 10, 20

and 40 years after graduating and these friendships are also valuable sources of support, advice and contacts.

Assessment is always an issue in education, and online learning is no exception. It is often difficult to make sure quality standards are kept up, and good business schools are cautious about putting their names on qualifications that they have not supervised themselves. So while more programmes may be available online, I am not anticipating the world’s leading schools giving degrees unless they can be sure of the quality of the work and of the individual. A final disadvantage, then, is that it is going to be difficult to get the very best degree programmes.

So how should you decide? First, be very clear in your own mind why you want to do a particular programme and what you want to get out of it. Then look at the options available in terms of whether what you want is best done in person or not. At the moment I would go only for courses that are short and largely technical. If you are looking for a degree programme, if possible I would do it in person. And if you want to carry the name of the more prestigious schools, doing it online is not an option.

ambition | ongoing education

Sir Andrew Likierman is Dean of the London Business School. The London Business School opened the doors to its Middle East campus, based in Dubai, in December 2006, where it offers an executive MBA programme.

ExxonMobil (supp)16x22.5cm new.pdf 1 3/26/13 10:37 AM

By Aparajita Mukherjee

Career success has much do with individual dreams, apart from the kind of effort one puts in, the qualification that one has and the organisation that one ends up working for.

Qatari nationals are no exceptions. To obtain an overview of the realities facing and opportunities for young Qatari jobseekers in Qatar, The Edge Ambition spoke to employers recruiting Qatari nationals who have just graduated in Doha or from universities abroad (primarily the United States and the United Kingdom). We also gained invaluable perspective on the topic from the faculty at some of the country’s top educational institutions .

Where dreamshave

Wings

career success | ambition

14 | The Edge

A ccording to the Qatar Career Fair (QCF) new data on education, employment, training and development, opportunities

across major economic sectors will be available for Qataris during the event between April 1 and 6, 2013. More than 4800 opportunities will be available in the education, health and sports sectors, followed by over 4200 in the business and finance sector, over 3600 in the government sector and 1871 in the energy sector, ample testimony for broad-basing of all sectors of the economy.

Recruiters who spoke to The Edge Ambition, such as ictQatar, RasGas, al khaliji, Standard Chartered Bank, Qatar Foundation and Qatar Airways, spanning sectors as diverse as education, telecom, banks, energy and airlines seem to vouch for the new realities of the employment market. Most agree that there is hardly any difference in calibre or qualification in whether an entrant has graduated from Qatar or from abroad. The recruitment process, they explain, is more to asses the values that the candidate expresses during

More than 4800

opportunities will be available

in Qatar in the education, health

and sports sectors, followed by 4200

in the business and finance sector, more

than 3600 in the government sector

and 1871 in the energy sector.

ambition | career success

Dr. Ibrahim Saleh K. -Alnaimi, acting president of Community College of Qatar says that he would much prefer students study their bachelor’s degree in Qatar.

The Edge | 15

career success | ambition

Dr. Kim Critchley, dean and chief executive officer, University of Calgary – Qatar told The Edge Ambition that thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza, world class education was brought to Qatar’s doorstep.

the process, though as an educationist himself Dr. Ibrahim Saleh K. Alnaimi, acting president of Community College of Qatar says that he would much prefer students taking their bachelor’s degree from a Qatar institution. “For one, at that age and stage in life students are too young to adjust to life in the West, without the care of parents,” he says. “For another, Qatar now offers the best of educational facilities at the bachelor’s level and students should take advantage of the facilities here, rather than travelling abroad which they can always do for higher education.”

Dr. Kim Critchley, dean and chief executive officer, University of Calgary – Qatar and Hamad Al Kubaisi, group head of human resources, al khaliji, agree that investing in education is a hallmark of great leadership. “Thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza, world class education was brought to Qatar’s doorstep,” says Dr. Critchley.

Abdulrahman Al Mannai, learning and development manager, employee development and welfare group, RasGas, talks about the advantages found in both – Qataris graduating from here and abroad – “but they do not necessarily place one above the other” adding that “at RasGas, we value graduates from both local and international universities as they enhance the diversity of our workforce’s knowledge and experience.”

Rabaa Al Hamad, human capital manager, ictQatar offers an alternate viewpoint and says that the Qatari student who graduates here “remains connected with the country, its development and opportunities available, hence better placed than one who is studying abroad.”

Fahad Zainal, chief administration officer, Qatar Financial Centre said, “I have worked with many young Qataris educated in Qatar and their knowledge base and work ethic does not differ from those educated abroad. International education opens certain horizons and has its advantages in terms of exposure to different cultures and practices but so does being educated in Qatar.”

Working overseasIf students go overseas for graduation, it naturally could follow that they might want to remain there to work.

16 | The Edge

Dr. Alnaimi adds that if some of the Qatari graduates go abroad to work as normal employees, gain experience and come back to enrich the economy here, that is fine since the State of Qatar eventually gains from this. “Many of the oil companies here send their young employees for stints in Japan, the United States or the United Kingdom, but they all need to come back here since Qatar needs them to come back, given the kind of facilities that the state gives its citizens – be it salaries, be it the kind of job opportunities that the Qatari graduates get.”

In Dr. Omar Al Ansari’s opinion, as the vice

Abdulrahman Al Mannai, learning and development manager, employee development and welfare group, RasGas talks about the advantages found in borh studying in Qatar and abroad.

Khalifa Al Kubaisi, press

office coordinator in Qatar Foundation’s

communication directorate

says, “Internship programmes allow

young Qataris to test out their areas of

interest, before fully committing

to a prospective career path.”

The right attitude and and being a team player contribute to career success.(image Arabicn Eye)

ambition | career success

The Edge | 17

Aysha Essa Al Shriem, head of human resources, Standard Chartered Qatar. told The Edge Ambition that she is aware of many Qataris who are based abroad, in countries such as the UK or Korea or Japan, contributing to business in Qatar.

Aysha Essa Al Shriem, head of human resources at Standard Chartered

Qatar says that young people feel the need to bepart of the

big picture.

president for student affairs, Qatar University, for QU students, presents many opportunities. “They are well-equipped to compete in a local, regional and international labour market,” he says. “However, our programmes and courses are tailored to meet the needs of the society in line with Qatar National Vision and the National Development Strategy. Therefore, we encourage our students to join the domestic labour market so that they can contribute their skills, knowledge and experience to the country’s development.”

Aysha Essa Al Shriem, head of human resources at Standard Chartered Qatar told The Edge Ambition that working overseas can also mean doing so for Qatari companies. “Qatar has diversified its economy and we have got so many expansions all over the world. In oil and gas we have so many expansions in the UK, in Korea, in Japan, and the Americas for example. There are so many Qataris that I know who are for example

career success | ambition

18 | The Edge

based in Korea in the shipyards, they are based in the UK South Hook terminal doing business for Qatar and with the newly acquired investments that Qatar has nowadays this actually opens a huge horizon for the young Qataris.”

Al Hamad offered a definitive perspective when she said, “With sufficient job opportunities available within Qatar, there is no need to look for jobs abroad, unless it is for personal reasons. Furthermore, most organisations in Qatar offer competitive pay, which is considered to be higher than other countries.”

Internship programme: Different career optionMany a times, an internship gives better insight and encourages students to branch out into a less-thought-of career option.

Dr. Ansari says that Qatar University encourages a “learning by doing” environment to provide students with practical learning experiences in the field. “We also collaborate with our partners to access internship and externship opportunities for our students to enable them to gain experience in the world of work in their various fields.”

For Khalifa Al Kubaisi, press office coordinator in Qatar Foundation’s communication directorate, the development of the Qatari workforce through

“With sufficient job

opportunities available within Qatar, there is no need to look for jobs abroad, unless it is for personal reasons.”– Rabaa Al Hamad, ictQatar.

Dr. Omar Al Ansari, vice-president for Student Affairs, Qatar University, feels that the world holds much opportunity for QU students,.

ambition | career success

The Edge | 19

proper education and training is a critical national objective. “Internship programmes therefore allow young Qataris to test out their areas of interest before fully committing to a prospective career path. It is important that the jobs Qataris pursue are ones that they are passionate about. This will help to foster sustainable national development.”

Al Mannai is of the opinion that working in a particular field is very different to studying theoretical principles and “internships provide students with opportunities to experience a particular field and thereby make more informed career decisions.”

According to Hamad Al Kubaisi of al khaliji, “An internship programme allows graduates to truly experience the industry firsthand. At al khaliji, we give interns inductions for six months, allowing them to understand all facets and segments of the banks so that they can find their own footing and direction.”

ChallengesThere are some challenges for obtaining jobs in sectors where the available recruits exceed the number of vacancies.

For Al Shriem that reality is fast changing and youngsters now want to try out things that they perceive as changing the surroundings such as volunteering or the environment. “Young people would actually feel the need of being the part of the big picture. They want to feel that they belong to an important place. They want to be part of something that you feel is changing, doing something to the society. They also would like to feel that they are proud of working for Standard Chartered because of some specific reasons. Young people, now care more about the environment, about volunteering work, stuff like that really attracts.”

career success | ambition

20 | The Edge

ambition | career success

Al Mannai forwards a different perspective when he says that “in the energy sector, we are always on the lookout for talent in the fields of engineering – chemical in particular.”

The importance of training is stressed by Al Hamad of ictQatar when she says, “In certain fields there are constraints in engaging Qataris due to oversupply, however, most government organisations, including oil and gas industries, banks, etcetera, do have training programmes, known as Individual Development Programmes that enables the engaged candidate to be trained in specialisation and/or functions that are different to what they have studied or been educated in.”

Private sector versus the public sector With the predominant mindset of the Qatari nationals of feeling more comfortable in working in the public sector, the question is: is it stalling the growth of the private sector?

Dr. Alnaimi is of the opinion that the private sector is yet to develop fully here in Qatar. “What we have here is a semi-private sector, companies which have been floated and are owned by Qataris, but which employ primarily non-Qataris. If you look at banks, they have government stake and are not regarded as private sector as it is understood in the classical sense, since the security of these jobs is almost equal to that of the public sector entities.”

According to Dr. Kholode M. Al Obaidli, vice president nationalisation, human resources, Qatar Airways. “There is a need to encourage more Qataris

to join the private sector to experience what it takes to survive in a commercial environment.”

Giving an overview of the mental make up of the students these days, Dr. Al Ansari says, “Our students are very adventurous and from their many accomplishments, it is clear that they are seriously determined to pursue their life goals and be successful in their professional interests. Traditional subjects such as law and engineering are still very popular but other unconventional sectors are gaining considerable interest. Sport is one of those sectors that is growing very fast in Qatar and our Sport Science Programme aims to produce graduates who will contribute necessary skills towards the country’s preparation for World Cup 2022, and its reputation as a sporting capital.”

For Khalifa Al Kubaisi, the development of the national workforce is vital, and has become a prerequisite to ensure the wellbeing and prosperity of the country. “It is therefore important that career opportunities in both the private and public sector are advantageous. Since Qatari students can study a wide variety of subjects at Qatar Foundation, they are pursuing interests in medicine, stem cell research, and sustainable energy technologies, in addition to careers like journalism, media, graphic design and the arts. By fostering an environment of independence, this learning experience is preparing Qataris to pursue a career that is not only beneficial to the nation’s development, but is personally advantageous to them.”

Being able to arrive at quick decisions helps in achieving the desired goal. (image Arabian Eye)

The Edge | 21

Qatari Role Models

The Edge Ambition obtained quick takes from some prominent Qatari nationals who have been highly successful in their careers, spanning sectors as diverse as banking, aviation, education, marketing and entrepreneurship. Here’s a look at these Qatari Role Models and what they have learned from their success and how they might want to be rememembered by their successors.

Abdalla Al Ansari,Executive Director, TechnoQ

Ilham Al Qaradawi,Professor of Physics, Qatar

University

Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi,CEO, HSBC Qatar

Khalid Al Jaber,Chairman, Innovation Group

Hassan Al Mousawi,CEO, Rizon Jet

Saad Al Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer, Tasweeq

22 | The Edge

What would you attribute your success to?Well, first of all, I would say that I see it as a blessing from God. It is about paying your dues in terms of dedication, hard work, attention to detail, and adopting a strategy or a set of goals and making sure that you stick to it. Finally, I am a firm believer that luck or a set of circumstances play a pivotal role in our lives and in how successful one can become.

If there was an option for you to have worked abroad, instead of Qatar, would you have considered it?

This is Abdalla Al Ansari’s view on what partly contributes to one’s professional success, but not without hard work. He is the Executive Director, TechnoQ.

“Luck or a set of circumstances.”

When I was in my junior year of college studying in Texas in the United States, I was offered a scholarship by Chevron; they offered to cover my school tuition till graduation eventually leading to a fulltime position with Chevron after graduation. I had to politely turn down the offer because I did not have any intentions to live anywhere else.

What would you tell a young Qatari graduate who is embarking on their career?I would tell him to help your manager get that promotion. By doing so, you are creating an opportunity for yourself to move ahead and get your own promotion.

ambition | role models

The Edge | 23

role models | ambition

What would you attribute your success to?I started my career over 24 years ago with HSBC and from the start invested in good relationships with my colleagues, as I know that success can never be achieved on your own. Then it is important to work hard and be focused on your personal goals.

What would you tell a young Qatari graduate who is embarking on a career path?Firstly it is important to have a long-term vision and do not allow financial gain to be your only motivator. Your passion should drive your career choice and

you should strive to be an expert in the line of work that you have chosen.

Looking back, is there a professional choice or decision you would want to change?I am fortunate to say that my experiences gave me the opportunity to grow and develop in my career and as a person. I am grateful for the guidance I received from a number of mentors.

What would you want your successor to remember you as? I would like to be known as a team player who acted fair in all circumstances and somebody who was passionate about their work.

Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, CEO HSBC Qatar says youngsters who are just embarking on a career need to think about their future.

“Have a long-term vision.”“Have a long-term vision.”“Have a long-term

24 | The Edge

What would you attribute your success to?It is a combination of factors really. It is being there at a particular point in time, the people and systems that I have encountered over the years. There is no single factor that I could point out.

If there was an option for you to have worked abroad, instead of Qatar, would you have considered it?I have worked abroad in Bahrain and then in India and when I look back both these experiences have enriched the way I look at situations. I have learnt about cross-cultural

work environments and they have given me a breadth of vision. But it could not have been a lifelong thing, I had to come back to my country to work.

What would you tell a young Qatari graduate who is embarking on a career path?One, make use of every opportunity that comes your way. Two, when you get stuck, look around and work to find solutions – getting stuck is not an end; it is just a beginning. Three, get into a field that you love or get to love the field that you are about to get into.

Hassan Al Mousawi, CEO, Rizon Jet, has worked around every challenge and would like to say the same thing to young Qataris.

“Make use of every opportunity that “Make use of every opportunity that “Make use of every

comes your way.”opportunity that comes your way.”opportunity that

ambition | role models

The Edge | 25

role models | ambition

What would you attribute your success to?I have always worked towards some short and long-term goals but was flexible enough to change them along the way. Despite determination I made many mistakes but regarded them as learning experiences. I never regretted a decision I took as I must have learnt from it.

If there was an option for you to have worked abroad, instead of Qatar, would you have considered it?I would consider an option of working abroad as

a learning experience on a temporary basis but not on a permanent basis. I prefer to benefit my region from my expertise.

What things would you tell a young Qatari graduate who is embarking on a career path?The sky is the limit; don’t aim for rapid climbing of the corporate ladder; aim for steady growth and earn leadership; and don’t look under your feet. Look at the big picture. Compare yourself to the world and not to your next-door neighbour.

What you do you become. Moreover Ilham Al Qaradawi, professor of Physics at Qatar University believes that while there should be goals to guide one through, one also needs flexibility in order to succeed.

“Have goals but be flexible enough to “Have goals but be flexible enough to “Have goals but be

change them.”flexible enough to change them.”flexible enough to

26 | The Edge

If there was an option for you to have worked abroad, instead of Qatar, would you have considered it?Since I have started Innovation Technologies in Frankfurt – Germany years ago, I’ve always considered the option of expanding or moving to Germany to concentrate on the construction business. Although this would be a great opportunity, I would always remain true to my roots in Qatar.

What would you tell a young Qatari graduate who is embarking on a career path?To have a vision, to imagine themselves what they would be doing in 10 years from where

they are. The other thing is to concentrate on a career that they believe in, and would make a difference in. If they are looking to develop a personal business then they should identify a niche in the market and own the idea that they are presenting.

Where do you see yourself five years down the line?I see myself playing an instrumental role in developing the film industry in the region.

What would you want your successor to remember you for?I want to be remembered as an innovator; someone who broke the rules and became a success.

This is what Khalid Al Jaber, Chairman, Innovation Group, has to tell youngsters when they are embarking on their life’s working journey.

“Believe in your career.”

ambition | role models

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28 | The Edge

What would you attribute your success to?I attribute my success to my full commitment to get results without making any excuses. Through passion, dedication, and sheer hard work, I managed to have successful professional experiences and rise to the position that I am at now.

If there was an option for you to have worked abroad, instead of Qatar, would you have considered it?I don’t think I would give any consideration to the option of working abroad. Qatar is in my blood and I miss the country every time I go abroad. Under the wise leadership of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar

has achieved an exceptional pace of economic growth and prosperity.

What would you tell a young Qatari graduate who is embarking on a career path?First, you need to believe in yourself that you can achieve your goals at the various stages of your professional life. Then, you need to have commitment and dedication towards the implementation of those goals.

What would you want your successor to remember you for?I would like to be remembered as someone who made a contribution to the understanding of marketing in the State of Qatar.

Describing his mantra for working life, Saad Al Kuwari, chief executive officer, Tasweeq attributes success to a capacity for achieving without taking shortcuts.

“Get results without making excuses.”

ambition | role models