Job-shadowing initiative opens cyber pathways for youth

Doha, Qatar witnessed the launch of the eighth edition of the 'My Career - My Future' job-shadowing programme yesterday, organized by the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and the National Cyber Security Academy (NCSA). This initiative aimed to provide secondary students with immersive experiences in various cyber specialisations, fostering a secure and home-grown digital workforce.

The programme, run by the Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC) under Qatar Foundation, attracted over 350 students from across the nation, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities. Remarkably, students with disabilities and additional educational needs were also integrated into the programme, ensuring broad access to professional exposure.

Participating entities included 33 public and private sector organisations, providing direct training and customised job-shadowing sessions across multiple operational sectors. The NCSA's involvement was particularly notable for students interested in technology and digital defense, offering them a glimpse into the dynamic nature of cyber-related professions and specialisations.

Industry experts and educators introduced students to the fundamentals of digital safety, threat landscape analysis, and modern cybersecurity protocols. This exposure aims to demystify the process of securing Qatar's critical digital infrastructure, encouraging young scholars to pursue specialised degree programmes and professional certifications in technology fields.

By exposing students to real-world cyber operations early in their academic journeys, the NCSA seeks to inspire students to pursue career paths in cybersecurity. This strategy directly supports Qatar's vision of cultivating a qualified national workforce capable of driving the country's cybersecurity ecosystem forward.

Officials noted that such programs are crucial in bridging the gap between theoretical classroom learning and practical industry requirements. By empowering students to observe workplace dynamics firsthand and interact with practicing professionals, the initiative equips Qatari youth with broader horizons and practical insight required to make informed academic decisions.

Through these strategic collaborations between educational entities and national cybersecurity authorities, Qatar continues to fortify its human capital and prepare for the digital demands of the future.