Meet Shahad Al Mousa a graduate process engineer from Iraq who has been working at Wood since 2019.
Building Capability, Seizing Global Opportunities and Expanding Responsibilities
After graduating from university, I began my professional career at Wood as a graduate process engineer. As part of the Basrah Graduate Program, I was assigned a specific development plan to further my knowledge and skills within the process engineering discipline. I can't express enough how much I've learned during this time which set me on the right path for my career.
I was born and raised in Iraq, and I have always aspired to experience working and living in a different country. When Wood introduced its placement program, I took the opportunity to transfer from Basra to Dubai. This transition marked a significant milestone in my career and personal life, opening doors to new experiences and opportunities.
Since February 2022, I have been based in the Dubai office, where I continue to work. I am fortunate to be involved in multiple projects, which keeps me engaged and excited. Recently I have been a focal point on one of the projects which exposed me to new areas, such as working directly with clients and managing scope and deliverables. This part of my role challenges me to develop new skills and enhances my professional growth.
Purpose, Mentorship and Designing the Future
What truly excites me about coming to work every day is the opportunity to engage in work that fosters personal and professional development. The hours I spend at work feel truly worthwhile because of this. A supportive team and an exceptional leader are key to this positive experience. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have Lalit Kumar as my lead—a remarkable mentor who guides and supports me wholeheartedly on my professional journey.
Over the years, working at Wood has opened many doors for me. The company’s mission to design the future deeply resonates with my beliefs as designing the future begins with caring. I strongly believe that by caring for people and the environment, we can shape a future that benefits all. This philosophy drives me to give my best to create an inspired culture for all where everyone gets the opportunity to be their best.
Developing Leadership Ambitions and Shaping What Comes Next
Recently, I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a member of the Shadow Leadership Team (SLT), which has ignited my passion for the world of management. This is an area I am very keen to develop in the years to come with the support and guidance of my mentors and leaders.
Overall, my journey at Wood has been one of growth and exploration. From navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic to seizing opportunities and embracing new roles, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped my professional and personal life. As I continue to design my future, I am driven by a sense of care, curiosity, and the pursuit of happiness, all while embracing the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Continuing to Grow Through Leadership and Community
Since we originally published this article in June 2023, Shahad has continued to grow within the company.
"One of the highlights for me has been stepping into leadership roles through Wood’s internal Developing Professionals Network (DPN) and becoming the Middle East & Iraq lead for our Women of Wood (WOW) community. Wood has continued to present opportunities for me to gain invaluable leadership experience and I’m incredibly grateful and excited to keep shaping my career here.”
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