Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…
After returning to my employer - SIDF - I was promoted to Team Leader then Division Manager in the Credit department funding multi-billion pound projects. I was then promoted to Department Manager of the Strategy department where I created the function from scratch, including PMO & risk functions. In 2016 I was approached by the biggest non-profitable organisation to be the Assistant Security General, managing the Finance, Programs, IT, HR, and Investment functions. I also handled senior positions in the Programs and Investment functions linked to the foundation.
What does an average day at work involve for you?
Dividing my time to facilitate the organisations leader’s meetings to make sure that all of the functions are steered in the same direction; many authorities are assigned to me, so they require regular updates. I’m working on improving processes and shifting to the digital platforms to facilitate the services and products.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I became a specialist in transforming several organisations and increasing their value in money and social impact in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, philanthropic, education, printing, and manufacturing - working in more than one organisation to fulfil the vision. I’m also known as an expert in development, linking to the positions that I was handling and am currently holding.
How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?
Having the mix of topics, the culture of the University and having experts from the field to teach and give feedback. The student mix gave great value to my experience. My dissertation topic and the supervisor follow-up impacted my knowledge and understanding on work and strategy. The Brunel Library has a credit as well.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
Ranking and the fact of being in London, which helped me to improve my connections and eased my career shift. I am very happy that I joined Brunel, as they proved that they are much more than a well ranked University; they gave me very good attention and value received as a student.
What is your best memory of studying here?
I don’t know where I should start! To be honest, I would say all of it, especially while working on class assignments with my colleagues as we worked until late together for days and weeks as a team, including the break and entertainments.
If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?
Work hard and enjoy it. Give attention to all of the advice. Take notes and try to get the value of being there. Start building your connections. Try to understand your strengths and weaknesses and improve the weakness during the academic year. Look for opportunities while studying and prepare yourself for the opportunities when they arrive.
What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?
Implement what you have learned; it might not work at the beginning, but you will succeed. Always give attention to human behaviour and culture; I call it work politics, and such attention will accelerate your growth. Read, read and read; you will never stop learning! And finally, pay attention to everything new with products, services, and methods for the industry you are in.
#IamBrunel