The Career Development Center at the University of Zakho held two-seminars on the 16th of December 2015 at the Chemistry Hall of Faculty of Science at the University of Zakho. The first seminar was divided into two sessions. The first session dealt with Required Employability Skills and Soft Skills for the Job Market in the Private Sector, the second session with the Role of the Career Development Center at the University of Zakho for the University, Alumni, Employers, and Students. Both sessions were presented by Ms. Edi S. Kachal, the Director of the Career Development Center at the University of Zakho.

The second seminar entitled How to Write an Effective CV was presented by Mr. Sabah Suliman Haji, lecturer at the Department of English Language and a career specialist at CDC.

A large number of interested staff members and students of the University of Zakho visited the seminars. The seminars concentrated on the student’s awareness about launching a new center at the university’s campus and its role. Furthermore, soft skills (employability skills) that go beyond qualifications (university degree) and experience, which the private sector is often looking for, were discussed during the seminar.

The main ten top skills which are required for a job have been mentioned through these seminars and are the following:

1. Communication

2. Teamwork and Initiative / Self- Motivation

3. Problem Solving and Decision Making

4. Determination and Commercial Awareness

5. Planning and Organizing

6. Leadership Skills and Flexibility

7. English Language and Information Technological Skills (IT)

8. Presenting and Delivering Skills

9. Self- Confidence and Awareness

10. Time Management

Finally, the seminars ended with discussions on how students would be able to reach CDC and be aware of CDC events and activities, in addition to how they can be engaged with CDC when they become alumni.

CDC was established with the efforts of the KRG Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in cooperation with IREX, in order to provide professional career guidance for university students and alumni. CDC at the University of Zakho looks forward to support and pave the way for students and alumni to overcome the gap between their education and job market requirements through career management workshops and employability skills training.