Role models interact with students at GUTECH!
The orientation days for foundation year students of the German University of
Technology in Oman (GUtech) concluded this week with a formal dinner event at
the GUtech campus in Al Athaiba. Prof (Dr) Burkhard Rauhut, Rector of GUtech,
welcomed the students and their parents. GUtech offers an Intensive English
Programme, a Foundation Year Programme and four BSc study Programmes in
Regional Management and Tourism, Urban Planning and Architecture, Applied
Information Technology and Applied Geosciences.
“I am proud that many female students have joined the BSc study programme in
Geosciences. I believe your achievements and not your gender speak for you,”
said Salima al Mahruqi, Development Geologist at Petroleum Development Oman
during her speech. Al Mahruqi holds a BSc in Geology from Manchester
University. She has about four years of experience in the petroleum industry
and received several awards from Petroleum Development Oman. “I always
wondered about the mountains in Oman and out of curiosity I became a
geologist,” she said. Al Mahruqi is one of the founders of the young
professional network and the women’s network at PDO.
“A student must get work experience as soon as possible during their studies,”
said Christa Diener, Director of Architecture and Design for Muriya Tourism
Development. Diener, a German national, has been working in the Sultanate for
the past six years. She forsees a bright future for urban planners in the Gulf
region. “Oman will have the highest growth rate in the Gulf. About 18 marinas
will be developed in the Sultanate in the coming years,” said Diener, who is
currently doing her PhD in urban planning in the capital area of Muscat. “As
urban planners you can work in all kind of institutions. In the future the job
opportunities will be numerous and excellent,” she said. However, while
addressing the students she said: “All new projects should include the local
heritage and create and develop sustainable projects.”
Wael al Lawati, CEO of Omran Tourism Development, gave some general advice to
the students and their parents. “Think about networking, working under
pressure and broaden your horizon during your studies. If you study Tourism
and Regional Management learn as well about Geosciences and Information
Technology,” said Al Lawati, who is a member of the Young Arab Leaders
Organisation. Al Lawati has over 15 years of experience with numerous
ventures. Since there will never be a shortage in tourism jobs, he believes
that studying Tourism is the best choice.
Having a plan, being mentored by a role model and being interested in what you
do, are key aspects of successful careers, according to Tariq al Barwani,
popular IT expert. “You will be successful in the things you like and you are
interested in,” said Al Barwani. “My father is my role-model,” he said. Since
then he discovered his interest in IT and studied in Canada and Australia.
Today he is Nawras Online Manager and a popular IT icon in Oman. Al Barwani
has his own radio programme, Cyber Talk and an Internet portal
Knowledgeoman.com. GUtech is planning to involve all role models on a regular
basis in the programmes of study.