International Women in Engineering Day 2024 - Houda Arami

Name: Houda Arami
Location: Dubai
Job Title: Operations Support Engineer 

What did you do before joining Expro?
After studying Petroleum engineering at University, I then worked as a math teacher. I was responsible for planning and delivering engaging and effective math lessons to students from various grade levels. My duties included creating lesson plans, assessing student performance, and providing extra support to ensure all students reached their full potential.

Your Expro career so far?
Throughout my career, I have continuously sought opportunities to grow and adapt, leveraging my skills in new and challenging environments. This journey has equipped me with a unique blend of educational expertise and technical proficiency, enabling me to contribute effectively to my current role and any future endeavours. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 
The road ahead is filled with obstacles, so stay focused on your objectives.

This advice has taught me the importance of maintaining a clear vision of my goals and not letting temporary difficulties derail my progress. It’s a mindset that has enabled me to stay motivated, overcome challenges, and achieve success in various aspects of my life. 

Best piece of advice you would give? 
My advice is simple: never stop learning. Whether you're just starting your career or have decades of experience, there's always something new to discover and explore. Embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve, and you'll find yourself empowered to tackle any challenge and achieve your fullest potential 

What advice would you give yourself at the start of your career? 
If I could go back and give myself advice at the start of my career, it would be to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Every new role and responsibility comes with a learning curve. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by what you don't know, see each challenge as a chance to learn and develop new skills. The discomfort you feel is a sign of growth, pushing you out of your comfort zone and making you more capable and resilient. 

What’s been your biggest career challenge so far? 
Working in an environment where the culture was predominantly male-oriented, which sometimes led to exclusion from informal networks and decision-making processes. 

What keeps you motivated? 
What keeps me motivated as an engineer is my personal passion for the field. I am deeply fascinated by the challenges and complexities of engineering problems, and I find immense satisfaction in creating innovative solutions. This passion drives me to continuously learn, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of what is possible. 

What would you say to someone considering a career in engineering? 
If you're considering a career in engineering, I would say go for it! Engineering offers a unique opportunity to solve real-world problems, innovate, and make a tangible impact on society. It's a field that constantly evolves, providing endless learning opportunities and career growth. Plus, the sense of accomplishment and the ability to work on cutting-edge projects make it an incredibly rewarding profession. 

What’s a skill or hobby you’ve always wanted to learn and why? 
I've always wanted to learn is photography. Capturing moments and scenes through the lens seems like a beautiful way to express creativity and perspective. It's an art form that allows for continuous learning and exploration, from mastering composition and lighting to experimenting with different subjects and styles. Plus, it offers a means to preserve memories and share stories visually, which I find incredibly appealing.