Get to know our senior software engineer Abir Asem, who hails from glorious Egypt. Her passion for IT began at a young age and grew through the years. Read on to learn more about her beautiful country, her decision to pursue a career in IT and why she loves Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics365. Abir will share what characteristics she is looking for in an ideal teammate, the most significant lesson she has learned at work and more. Let’s meet Abir!
AP: Hi Abir, we would like to get to know you better. Tell us more about yourself.
AS: I am Abir Assem, Senior Software Engineer, 30 years old. I am from Egypt, and I like to introduce myself as a fighter.
AP: Tell us three things we have to know about your country.
AS: Egypt contains some of the oldest, grandest archaeological sites in the world. Sure, everyone is familiar with the grand pyramids on the Giza Plateau, but there’s a lot more to Egypt than just the pyramids. Dahab is a small Egyptian town in the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It’s famous for its golden sandy beaches, from which the city took its name. This is besides its fascinating diving spots, as diving is the most popular activity to do in Dahab. The city is also famous for being the cheapest diving resort in Sinai compared to other resorts like Sharm El Sheikh and Ras Sudr. Dahab is an alluring destination that many have opted to make their home soon after visiting. Once a small Bedouin fishing town, it’s now one of the Red Sea’s top diving resorts, attracting thrill seekers and nature lovers. Dahab is bursting with activity, yet it also provides a stress-free seaside atmosphere where visitors can just sit back and enjoy the many shades of blue of its waters.
AP: Why IT? What motivated you to become an IT professional?
AS: When I was 15 years old, we had a programming class at school. I fell in love with it at first sight, and I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I like the idea of making things happen magically by just typing a few lines of code and helping people make their life much easier by using my apps.
AP: Finish the sentence: If I was not a software developer, I would be…
AS: A writer. I generally love all kinds of art as much as I love programming. As a shy kid, I had an issue expressing my feelings, so I used to write daily letters to my parents telling them how much I love them. They used to write me back, so writing became a daily habit.
Later on, I started to write poetries (silly ones!), my dairies, short stories and songs. I even started my imaginary TV channel where I used to be the producer, TV host, scriptwriter, singer and actor!
AP: Which new technologies are you most excited about?
AS: Microsoft Power Platform and Dynamics 365. Microsoft Dynamics 365 has been around for more than 19 years now. It has grown over the years dramatically in a way that helped us finish what we used to develop in months and sometimes years in just a few weeks or even days!
AP: What is the most significant lesson you’ve learned in the workplace?
AS: It’s ok to say NO! Working can provide us with the motivation to strive for success in our lives. However, life shouldn’t revolve around our jobs. We should be making the most out of our careers while also living our lives to the fullest.
AP: What do you like most about working as a consultant at Authority Partners?
AS: The flat organizational structure. It provides better communication and relationships between different roles and better team spirit as there is less hierarchy. I also admire people’s consideration and support when any team member goes through a tough time, whether financial, psychological or otherwise. I remember how accommodating they were when I lost my parents. They approved an extended bereavement leave and offered their complete support, which I really appreciated.
AP: Share with us advice from your younger self for all girls planning to pursue a career in the IT industry.
AS: Sexism is real! Women are fighting barriers to enter in a male-dominated field, but women are fighters by nature. Especially in the Middle East, we fight almost every day for the bare minimum of basic human rights, so just be sure that you will always find your way and make it out. We always do.
AP: What would you change about the IT industry if you had a magic wand?
AS: Sexism.
AP: If you were to recruit your dream team, what personality traits would you look for?
AS: Confident, Clever, Humble, Kind, Friendly, Helpful, Forgiving, Reliable, Flexible, Serious, Fun-loving, Organized, Disciplined, and Fair.
AP: Thank you Abir!