East Meets West: Pakistani Professional Journeys
§ The goal of this podcast is to provide stories and experiences of Pakistani professionals in their respective industries and to allow listeners to be more informed of their field of interest.
§ A common connection being Pakistani roots allows for relatable stories for individuals who are looking to grow in their profession or simply want to learn more about a particular field.
§ There will be no industry left untouched from start-ups, traditional careers paths or newer outlets such as podcasts, YouTube or side hustles. Join me as we explore the various careers that Pakistani professionals are working at in the West.
East Meets West: Pakistani Professional Journeys
S2 EP 16 | Senior Project Manager at Confiz | Ft. Hassam Nadeem
Navigating Professional Journeys: Hassam Nadeem's Path from Pakistan to Canada
Welcome to the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Hassam Nadeem, a seasoned technology consultant with over 13 years of experience. Hassam talks about his educational journey, starting from IIU in Islamabad, to Linkoping University in Sweden, and his varied roles from IT business analyst to senior project manager. He shares his experiences working in Pakistan, the Middle East, and ultimately his move to Canada through the express entry program. Hassam provides valuable insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of self-belief, the cultural nuances in the professional world, and maintaining relationships. Tune in to learn about his strategic approach to job hunting, the significance of empathy in the workplace, and the balance between consulting work and full-time commitments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate their career path successfully from one continent to another.
0:00 Introduction
00:19 Hassam Nadeem's Educational Background
01:36 Early Career in Pakistan and Middle East
03:10 Challenges and Successes in Dubai
03:43 Decision to Move to Canada
04:43 Preparing for the Canadian Job Market
07:52 Landing the First Job in Canada
08:27 First Job Experience and Initial Struggles
09:07 Setting Up HNA Consulting
10:40 Transition to Fujitsu and Beyond
11:25 The Importance of Empathy in the Workplace
11:53 Reconnecting with an Old Boss
13:22 Balancing Multiple Roles
13:30 Navigating Job Transitions
14:21 Managing Time Effectively
15:17 Prioritizing Work and Avoiding Distractions
16:53 Advice for Newcomers to Canada
18:47 Cultural Adaptation and Networking
23:46 Defining Success and Final Thoughts