This study utilized Clark and Estes' gap analysis framework to investigate barriers to building an academically and/or professionally trained Qatari student affairs workforce at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Data collection combined a survey of 32 respondents with nine in-depth interviews drawn from the same sample. The respondents' experience in the field spanned 0 to 10 years. The study revealed that respondents lacked education, training and mentorship that would have provided foundational and conceptual knowledge essential to providing professional service to students. Another finding was the absence of access to graduate studies programs in this field that could help build a career trajectory. Solutions developed from this study focus on growing a skilled Qatari workforce in the field by building an ecosystem within Qatar designed to support professional development at each stage of a student affairs career. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]