Students at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) asked questions, received career guidance and learned about the job market at the third annual Dinner with Twelve Tartans. The event is an opportunity for students to connect with and learn from CMU-Q graduates who are pursuing careers in Doha.

The alumni mentors included graduates from the programs of biological sciences, business administration, computer science and information systems. Abdulla AlKhenji, Ahmad Al-Salama, Hanan Alshikhabobakr, Abdallah Darwish, Ettaib El-Marabti, Fatima Fakhro, Aya Gaballa, Fahad Islam, Marie-Joe Khachan, Sherif Mostafa and Marwa Zouzou are all studying or working within Qatar.

Marie-Joe Khachan, who graduated from the Business Administration Program in 2012, has remained engaged with CMU-Q since she entered the workforce. She advises students to trust their instincts: “If you really like something, then you should definitely pursue it. As well, it is important to explore and the best way to explore in the early years is to do as many internships as possible.” Khachan now works as an international retail officer at QNB Group.

While most of the graduates discussed their work experiences, some also shared their journey through further education. Several of the alumni have attended graduate school, including El-Marabti and Mostafa who are currently studying at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.