11 hours ago
QF's Mehnaty and Al Meydan programmes create pathways to purposeful careers for students
Tribune News Network
Doha
At Qatar Foundation (QF), education doesn't start and finish at the classroom door. Through internship programmes like Mehnaty and Al Meydan, university students are gaining practical, hands-on experience that complements their academic journeys – and prepares them for an ever-evolving job market.
Available to QF university students, Mehnaty is a work-study programme offering part-time, paid opportunities for students to contribute to QF centres and departments, while Al Meydan is an internship programme that places students in hands-on roles related to their fields of study, giving them valuable professional experience.
Ahmad Kareem, head of Student Support and Outreach, Higher Education Division, QF, said: 'What makes these programmes so powerful is Qatar Foundation's unique ecosystem, which consists of a shared campus bringing together several world-class universities, leading research institutes, startup incubators, and corporate entities. This close proximity has created an environment students can seamlessly connect with a diverse range of internship and work-study opportunities, without ever leaving campus.
'Through this setting, both programmes aim to equip students with practical experience and professional readiness, foster initiative and a strong work ethic, and develop local talent across a wide range of sectors.'
Roles available through Mehnaty and Al Meydan span a wide range of fields, including administrative support, research assistance, communications, event coordination, IT and digital innovation, creative design, library services, and sustainability-focused projects.
Maryam Mostafawi, a student at QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar, participated in the Al Meydan initiative and spent three months working in the Multimedia Department within QF's communications team.
'It was like the first time I'd ever worked in a formal setting, so it really helped me build the confidence I needed. I obviously need confidence to work, but I also needed it at university. Now, I'm more comfortable sharing my opinions and speaking in public,' said Mostafawi.
'I also learned how a department operates and how a creative team functions. Beyond that, I gained real, practical skills – like conducting in-depth research, using Excel, and carrying out interviews.'
Mostafawi explained that the internship also played a pivotal role in shaping her future path, reaffirming her desire to pursue a career in a creative field with the goal of eventually teaching – inspired by the influence of her advisor.
Abdullah Alokar, a student at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, participated in the Mehnaty programme, working in the Outreach and Initiatives Department within QF's communications team.
'My internship was transformative in developing my professional capabilities. The experience enhanced my ability to work effectively under pressure and thrive in team-based environments, while the communication-focused nature of the role strengthened my interpersonal skills,' Alokar said.
'Under the exceptional mentorship of Leena, I discovered my passion for this career path and gained valuable insights from her expertise. The constant interaction with diverse individuals prepared me perfectly for my current position, where relationship-building and communication remain central to my daily responsibilities. This internship laid the foundation for my professional growth and continues to influence my approach to work.'
According to Kareem, Mehnaty and Al Meydan play a key role in QF's vision of producing graduates who are capable, confident, and ready to contribute meaningfully to Qatar's development and the wider world.
'In essence, the QF ecosystem is not just a place of learning - it's a dynamic launchpad where students become professionals, innovators, and leaders,' he said.
