Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel.
After graduating from Brunel, I joined one of the leading real estate development companies in the Middle East where I became a Legal Advisor working on the development of multimillion hotel and real estate projects in Jordan. After a few years with the company, I went back into private practice. I was working as a Senior Associate at a leading Palestinian law firm, advising local and international clients on a range of corporate commercial and cross-border transactions. I am currently the Senior Legal Counsel at Accor, working on the development of the company's premium, midscale and economy brands in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey regions.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
I work on drafting and negotiating development agreements (mainly hotel management and franchising agreements) for Accor's premium, midscale and economy brands in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey regions.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
Joining a globally renowned company like Accor has definitely been a highlight of my career. Working on the development of hotels that provide unique and unforgettable experiences for travellers in the region is exciting, in addition to being part of a very diverse team and working with people from all walks of life.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
Brunel definitely prepared me and showed me what it was like to be in a diverse and highly creative environment. Meeting and working with students from different parts of the world during the program showed me the value of diversity and what it is like to bring one's unique perspective as well as learning and growing from others' experiences.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
Brunel is a well-renowned university known for its world-class courses and teaching methodologies.
What is your best memory of studying here?
Meeting lifelong friends that I got to have new experiences with. The first memory that comes to mind is meeting one of my best friends, Delfina, who was doing one of the documentary studies programs, and getting to help her out with one of her projects; which was very different to what I was used to, having been in law my entire life.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
I would say that the best advice I would give anyone is to live in the moment and try to take advantage of the program and the university as much as you can. Our time at the university is limited, and you will cherish those moments for the rest of your life, so try to enjoy it while you can.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
Don't be scared to take risks. No one is perfect, so no one expects you to know it all. Take one step at a time and know that with experience and persistence, you will eventually get where you want to be.
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