Doha: Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Dr. Safwan Masri announced that the university will celebrate this year the graduation of 111 students with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree and 20 with an Executive Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs (EMDIA) degree, a distinguished class that reflects the academic and cultural diversity that characterizes the university.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Masri explained that GU-Q is committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience that focuses not only on academics but also on developing students’ personal and professional skills. He expressed pride in the current batch of graduates, calling them ambassadors of cross-cultural understanding and are qualified to contribute effectively to their communities, both locally and internationally.
The dean of GU-Q underscored the great importance the university attaches to the post-graduation phase, as a new organizational structure has been established under the leadership of Executive Director of External Relations Khaled Al Yousuf with the aim of strengthening relations with graduates and providing them with sustainable professional support.
The team, which includes specialized units in employment and alumni relations, launched several new initiatives over the past year, including training workshops, individual career guidance, and leadership development programs, which led to an increase in graduate participation and enhanced their opportunities in the job market.
Regarding the university’s cooperation with national and international institutions to prepare graduates for the job market, Dr. Masri explained that GU-Q maintains effective partnerships with a number of government and private entities, providing students with opportunities for practical training and field experience.
Dr. Masri pointed out that the university closely cooperates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has a number of GU-Q graduates. They also work with the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority, along with prestigious international institutions such as the US Embassy in Doha, WISE and WISH, providing students with a wide professional network and valuable practical opportunities.
The dean addressed the new graduates, emphasizing that their education in the humanities has provided them with a solid foundation that will prepare them for excellence in various fields. He added that GU-Q believes the new graduates possess highly developed skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication, skills that are in high demand in modern workplaces.
Regarding the career paths of graduates, Dr. Masri pointed out that ministries, educational and financial institutions, and non-profit organizations remain the most prominent employers for them. However, he added that recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the interest of the private sector, particularly research and consulting firms, in the university’s graduates, given their deep understanding of the local context and ability to bridge academic analysis with practical application.
Dr. Masri reviewed the university’s contribution to promoting scientific research and innovation within Education City, and expressed pride in being part of a multidisciplinary academic environment. GU-Q co-presents three academic programs in collaboration with other prestigious universities within Education City. They have also participated in a number of joint educational initiatives, which have resulted in prominent research and scholarly publications. Research grants from the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council, the Sloan Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities are a testament to the quality of the university’s research and its importance in addressing local and global issues, he said.
Concluding his remarks to QNA, Dr. Masri referred to student trends at the undergraduate and graduate levels, explaining that enrollment rates in graduate programs have remained stable in recent years, while international politics and international economics continue to enjoy the highest rates of interest. He said that GU-Q is currently working on creating a new major, and looks forward to announcing it during the fall semester, in line with market requirements and students’ academic orientations.