Hi my name is Ashjan Bin Mahfouz and I will share my Global Shapers: Generation 2015 story so far.
When I heard that I was selected for Global Shapers: Generation 2015 I was so pleased and excited. I realized that I would be part of this year’s generation! It was not my first time to apply, I did apply the year before already. But this year Global Shapers was part of my development plan, I can say it was my main goal.
The Golden Ticket
When the Organizing Team announced that there would be a golden ticket to be in the program I believe every young professional in Arcadis got excited. The Crack the Safe challenge made us connect with each other and in that phase I made a lot of friends from all over the world. We never met, but we just connected through Yammer.
To be honest, it was a bit disappointing when I couldn’t finish all the steps to crack the safe. But again I re-gained my enthusiasm when the application phase started.
Being selected
The announcement of the 99 participating Global Shapers was published at a time I could not see it myself straight away, but I found congratulations emails from my colleagues. I could not believe it until I saw the announcement myself and my name was there. Yeah, this year I made it!
I can say that I will remember this feeling. It was so good to know I could participate in the program. Even though I know that a lot of work is ahead, but I have the confidence that I can do it.
Virtual Phase
Currently we are working on assignment in the second phase of this virtual challenge. We have been working on group assignments and individual tasks as well. I learned more about our business and got more involved with my colleagues. The challenge made me realize the importance of global collaboration. It connected me with different people within our business and I am sure I have made friends and connections for a life time already.
Going abroad
Being a Saudi lady it was a bit difficult to get ready for the face-to-face meeting. Culture wise I cannot travel by myself, I need to be accompanied by a family member. But I am really grateful to all the people who have understood my culture and helped in this (thank you organizing team, Middle East Head of Talent Amy Baxendale and my line manager Derek Roy).
I am really looking for the face-to-face meeting in October to see all my friends and colleagues who I have not yet met.
Ashjan Bin Mahfouz, Arcadis Middle East
