Before 10 years back in 2015, as a young professional landed in Dubai with set of ambitions and dreams. The most awaited beautiful landmark to witness was Burj Khalifa standing tall — defying and challenging odds, shining magical, defining new era of possibilities of engineering feet and proudly showcasing steadfastness of UAE leadership, especially his Highness, igniting and inspiring young minds like me among millions.
Dubai itself is a powerhouse of positive vibes which is hard to miss out, as it keeps beating the passion on its steady chords and strings, driving all dwelling souls in itself. The city is full of life — and definitely city of dreams that not only gives hope but means to achieve and channelize it with right method and energy.
As I reflect back to the journey of last decade, I feel compelled and gracious altogether to share my learning experience of voyage, hoping that somewhere, to someone, the experience of journey candles hope, courage and fuels determination — marching towards your goal and rise to who truly you believe in. This is dedicated especially to the freshers, professionals seeking momentum in career, and the fraternity of Engineering/STEM, along with the valuable reader of this post.
Lessons from the Journey
I have personally been through and witnessed that Dubai, UAE treats raw talent and knowledge unparallel in region with respect. The seamless flow mingles you in its compound journey — no matter what your color, accent, creed or religion is.
Along the journey, I have meticulously observed that there's no shortcut to hardwork. Smart techniques save time/efforts, but hard work goes on and pays off. Career is built up brick by brick over the course of time period.
Running behind empowering yourself with skills, information, knowledge and experience is plus. Fact is — eventually, they will help you in raising positions and withdrawals.
Most important part of journey is to keep learning — acquire additional qualifications, certifications and specialisation focusing on trending and upcoming technologies.
When time comes, don't hesitate to take calculative risks by brainstorming its impact. Think before you do, so you don't have to think after doing. No decision is made in the world without deciding against it in that time period. You decide and accept its impact — either you learn a lesson, or you progress. There's no "fail" in wiser dictionary.
Create your self-brand — which is cumulative thread of your own words, commitments, confidence, courage and ethics. It acts as a torch bearer in the testing time and helps in rising during progressive time.
Respect is a badge earned during career path by walking your talks, displaying and beaming by excelling at your assigned/led tasks, leading by examples, and staying humble with grace.
Learn to track tasks, rigorous follow-ups, documented trails and records proactively. It's the tool to navigate work efficiently — and work done which matters the most.
Read books, especially biographies or equivalent, as it opens different dimensions of thoughts and unchartered territories. In my words, books are windows holding power of time machine — to live and sneak through journeys of great minds, as nothing is more powerful message than storytelling/listening.
Practice patience and belief in the Almighty. Keep doing your part, and you won't believe how many doors are opened in later part of your life by the Master Planner for excellence.
Everybody tastes success — but at different time and phase of life. I believe success is personal, depending on what you have set forth in your life, aligning with your conscience.
Words That Lit the Way
Some of my favourite quotes — quoted by none other but a renowned great human being, late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who keeps igniting young brains like us, and believed that rays of hope beam through your personalized journey.
If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.
Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success.
Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.
If you fail, never give up — because F.A.I.L. means "First Attempt In Learning."
A Note of Gratitude
I take this opportunity to reflect back, conveying my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to valued mentors and public figures during my voyage — who have inspired and motivated me by sharing knowledge, work ethics, extraordinary traits, mentoring trails, navigation via course, knowledge, information and skills.
To everyone who walked some part of this journey with me — thank you.