Qatar University (QU)'s Alumni Media Chapter launched the first edition of the “Media Forum” at the College of Education’s C306 auditorium. The forum aims to bridge the gap between theory and professional practice, providing a platform for media personalities to share their insights with students and graduates, thereby enriching their academic and professional journeys.
Mohammed Selaan Al-Marri, President of the QU Alumni Media Chapter, said, “The forum aims primarily to refine students and graduates experiences and provide them with practical skills in order to respond to the needs of the labor market.” He pointed out that the event has extended invitations to a distinguished group of media professionals who graduated from QU over the past two decades, as well as graduates from other universities. This collaborative gathering seeks to strengthen ties between media figures and graduates, drawing inspiration from their media experiences and motivating students and graduates to contribute actively to the media industry.
The forum will delve into the current state of media work and the challenges faced by professionals. Notably, the Alumni Media Chapter identified a growing demand for media administrative roles over operational roles, with Qatari nationals showing a greater inclination towards administrative positions like public relations and marketing, distancing themselves from technical roles such as journalists and reporters. The forum will also address pressing issues concerning students and graduates, including opportunities for media training and employment in the current landscape. Participants will share their experiences in the job market, discussing their integration into the industry. Additionally, the forum aims to explore the reasons behind some graduates veering away from media-related careers.
Al-Marri highlighted that the forum’s first edition aligns with the programs and events planned by the Alumni Media Chapter for the 2023-2024 academic year, serving as a vital communication link between students and the university. The forum promises interactive and informative activities for the audience, coupled with an opportunity for membership enrollment in the Alumni Media Chapter. Another edition is scheduled for early next year to present the outcomes and findings from the inaugural edition.
The “Media Forum” anticipates a dynamic exchange of ideas, providing a unique space for students, graduates, and media professionals to collaborate and shape the future of the media industry in Qatar.