“Once again, it is my turn for this month’s blog. A lot has changed in the recent years for me. For those who I have not crossed paths with yet, I have known Angela Forbes for 8 years now since my secondary school days and not only has she mentored me, but she is the figure I look up to, the person who creates change and provided support that was priceless for the ‘younger’ version of me. She showed me I was capable of things I had not even envisioned for myself. That is exactly what BuildForce practices too – the team constantly work incredibly hard to ensure a smooth transition for service leavers or veterans into civilian jobs.
Back to my update, after my masters at Cambridge (I am due to graduate at the end of this month!), I went to Dubai on an incredible 9-months programme combining study and work simultaneously. I leapt at the opportunity with the motivation to just learn and absorb as much knowledge, culture and opportunity as I could. I definitely experienced moments of imposter syndrome and also the fear beforehand of making the ‘wrong decision’. But there never is anything like that, as long as you give it a try (I quote Angela and Bernie here). On the other side of this experience now, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, I presented the final project in a room full of senior staff from CEO to VPs, and I loved it. I graduated and won the Faculty Award in front of my parents who encouraged me to study abroad and pave my own path.
But I had to go through the uncertainty and the ‘what if this happens’ or ‘what if I don’t like it’ moments – I had left a job for this programme so of course the uncertainty creeped in before I had even left. But I would have never experienced all of the above achievements if I didn’t have a go. That is what I want everyone to take away from this blog. There is so much bravery in letting go of your comfort zone or what feels safe, to push yourself that one bit further and it ending up being the best decision that I could have made, prioritising myself and my learning.
I was very fortunate to secure a full-time job at the Emirates Group so although I am in Dubai, I am 100% certain you will see me on Insight Days in 2025 because BuildForce fosters relationships that last and I could not imagine my personal and work journey without the team.
Do remember to sign up to the Insight Day on the 9th of October if you haven’t already – it is not too late to sign up and it will be invaluable!”
Leya Ali