Dean Trick to Class of 2021: Trust that your career, like your education at CMU-Q, is a journey

Michael Trick, the dean of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, shared with Al Raya newspaper the significant achievements of the Class of 2021 during challenging times. This interview was published in Al Raya on May 23, 2021.

On May 6, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, a Qatar Foundation partner university, celebrated the graduates of 2021 at a virtual event.

Al Raya: What are the most prominent characteristics of the class of 2021? 

The Class of 2021 includes 95 young men and women. One of the most notable things about the class is that 49.5% are Qatari, which is the largest proportion of Qatari graduates in a CMU-Q class since 2009. The class is exceptionally diverse, with graduates representing 23 countries and nearly all speaking multiple languages. They have shown tremendous commitment to their community, with more than a third of the class participating in community outreach. Nearly half have started or led a student club or organization during their time at CMU-Q.

Al Raya: What are the most significant opportunities that await the graduates of this class?

With an undergraduate degree from Carnegie Mellon, and the experience of studying in the multiversity environment of Education City, our graduates have many options as they look to their next steps. Since 2008, more than 1000 graduates have completed their studies at CMU-Q. Most are living and working in Qatar in a multitude of industries, and many continue their studies at top educational institutions, both within Qatar and around the world.

As these graduates begin their careers, I believe the most significant opportunity they have is to join the CMU-Q alumni network. So many of our new graduates turn to organizations where alumni are already working, or they stay in touch with other graduates to learn about new opportunities. They have a built-in support system, which is a tremendous advantage when you are navigating the work world for the first time.

Al Raya: Does the university provide help to graduates who want to learn about graduate studies or find job opportunities?

As I just mentioned, we have a very active alumni network, where graduates provide guidance, advice and support to one another. In addition to this, we have a busy Career Development Office that provides information about job opportunities and graduate programs around the world. Our Career Development Office also provides training in job-search skills like interviewing, networking and preparing a resume.

One other thing I would like to mention is the strong relationship our faculty members have with the graduates. We often hear about alumni who, years after graduating, stay in touch with their professors and turn to them for career advice. I believe that CMU-Q encourages mentorship like this with a low student-to-professor ratio, and an emphasis on educating and developing the whole person during the undergraduate years.

Al Raya: Did the graduation ceremony only take place virtually, or will graduates be honored at another ceremony in the future?

We were planning an in-person ceremony, but due to the pandemic restrictions, and our concern for the health and safety of our community, we shifted to a virtual celebration for the graduates. When it is safe to do so, we will have an in-person ceremony so we can celebrate this remarkable class in person.

Al Raya: What are the class of 2021’s most prominent achievements?

I would first like to say that the most prominent achievement of this class is to graduate under the challenging circumstances of a pandemic. These are challenging times for everyone, and especially for students in their final year. I am so proud of each and every one of these students for prioritizing their learning, adapting, and thriving.

There are many, many accomplishments of this class. We had 15 students complete senior honors theses this year, which are in-depth research projects under the guidance of a faculty member. We have several budding entrepreneurs, and a team of business administration students just won the Qatar Stock Exchange Financial Education Competition. We have one student who is graduating with dual degrees in business administration and information systems. They are an exceptional class in so many ways.

Al Raya: What advice do you give to the graduates?

New graduates often feel overwhelmed by the choices that face them. They have learned how to study and thrive in university, but now they face entirely new challenges.

To our new graduates, I say this: At Carnegie Mellon, we describe what we do as “work that matters.” Find the work that matters to you. It may take some time. Be adaptable. Be open to new opportunities. Trust that your career, like your education at CMU-Q, is a journey, and you will find the unique way that you can make an impact.