Doha: Dean of Texas A and M University in Qatar, Dr. Cesar Octavio Malave, confirmed that over the past six years, the university has gradually increased the number of first-year admissions by 10-20%, which has contributed to a similar increase in the number of graduates. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Malave added that with the announcement of the closure of the campus in Qatar, the university’s priority until 2028 is focused on ensuring that all current students receive a high-quality engineering education, in line with its commitment to the student community and the State of Qatar.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Malave explained that the university’s graduates are distinguished by being well-rounded engineers, whose qualifications are not limited to technical skills only, but also include training in vital professional skills, such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, and negotiation. He pointed out that the university’s core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and dedication to service are instilled in all students, preparing them to assume leadership positions in the engineering sector both inside and outside Qatar.
The Dean of Texas A and M in Qatar explained that the university celebrates the professional successes of its graduates who hold senior administrative positions and, in turn, contribute to preparing future generations. He noted that there are at least three graduates among the faculty on campus. He also pointed out that the university pays great attention to communicating with its graduates, as it has created a comprehensive database to track their academic and professional careers, and communicates with them periodically via email, phone calls, meetings, and field visits, in addition to periodic questionnaires. This ensures the continuation of close ties between the university and its graduates, and reflects the university’s commitment to its strong relationship with Qatar.
Regarding cooperation with various sectors to provide job opportunities for graduates, Dr. Malave explained that the university works closely with government agencies and the private sector, and that its students complete field training or research and design projects during their studies, which gives them a practical understanding of the nature of the labor market. He added that fruitful cooperation with sector partners has led to a 50% increase in graduate employment rates following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Malave said the graduates received a world-class education at Texas A and M University and possess the core values that qualify them to lead the field of engineering, make a positive impact, and inspire future generations. Regarding the sectors that most attract university graduates, the dean explained that the energy sector remains the primary destination, but he also pointed to the growing demand for engineers in other sectors, such as consulting, aviation, manufacturing, infrastructure, and logistics. He explained that the university’s engineers possess strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which add significant value in diverse work environments.
Dr. Malave pointed to ongoing collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University institutes, including the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute and the Qatar Computing Research Institute, on distinguished research projects funded by national programs, contributing to the training of master’s and doctoral students and the publication of scientific research.
Regarding postgraduate studies, the dean noted that over the course of 14 years, the university has graduated batches of master’s degree holders in chemical engineering, and has collaborated with the main campus in Texas to launch a doctoral fellowship program that allows for joint supervision of student research, contributing to the development of highly qualified research cadres capable of meeting the needs of Qatar.
Dr. Malave concluded his remarks to QNA by pointing out that electrical engineering has the highest student turnout at Texas A and M University in Qatar, followed by mechanical engineering. He emphasized that there are no current plans to add new majors, as Hamad Bin Khalifa University will oversee the undergraduate engineering programs, while seeking to expand the options available in this field. He also emphasized the importance of raising awareness of the importance of higher education, given its significant impact on raising the efficiency of national cadres, providing job opportunities, and building a society more knowledgeable about technical and professional skills.