In the words of Zeina Mostafa: “I received valuable career search skills from professionals during the training.”

Driven by a strong passion for science, Zeina Mostafa was determined to build a career in biotechnology. As her sophomore year drew to a close, the 20-year-old felt a growing urgency to prepare herself for the competitive professional landscape. Recognizing that she had a critical knowledge gap, Zeina eagerly sought out FEMpower training as a catalyst for her professional development.

Zeina Mostafa, a biotechnology student and participant of 2023 FEMpower training, looks into a microscope in her university lab. Photo: Courtesy of Zeina Mostafa

“With each passing semester, I saw my technical knowledge and proficiency grow exponentially. I love biotechnology and would always enjoy my time in the lab surrounded by microscopes and petri dishes or analysing complex research papers about the latest breakthrough studies. However, I needed to compliment my scientific expertise with essential professional skills that would support me in launching my career on solid ground.

When I came across the FEMpower training on social media, the prospect of joining a dynamic group of young women was incredibly appealing. I was confident that connecting with new perspectives would be invaluable as I prepared to enter the workforce.

During the FEMpower training, I realized the importance of networking. Interacting with women from diverse backgrounds offered rich insights. Sharing experiences and knowledge, even across different fields, proved to be a rich source of inspiration and guidance.

Beyond networking, I was fortunate to receive hands-on guidance from professionals during the training on how to effectively search for and apply to internships and job opportunities. I learned first-hand that a well-crafted CV is vital in making a positive first impression on recruiters. Through one-on-one sessions, I transformed my CV from a chaotic document into a polished, professional tool that successfully helped me in advancing to the interview stage in several applications.

Interviewing was another major cornerstone of the FEMpower training. We gained invaluable insights into the mindset of HR interviewers, understanding their key criteria for candidates. Armed with this knowledge, I now meticulously prepare for each interview, conducting in-depth company and job description research. I now approach interviews with a proactive attitude, rather than a reactive one, demonstrating my hardworking and results-oriented demeanour.

The impact of FEMpower training on my skill set is evident when compared to my peers. Many of my colleagues lack foundational knowledge in CV writing, interviewing and career-goal alignment. Colleagues and friends often seek my advice, and I am always eager to share the invaluable insights I gained from the training and empower others to reach their full potential.

I am ecstatic to share that I have been recently accepted for an internship opportunity at the prestigious National Research Center. This, of course, was only possible with my new exceptional CV and sharp interviewing skills. This extraordinary opportunity will allow me to transition from the academic realm to the dynamic world of applied biotechnology.

I am eager to start this new chapter, where I will collaborate with seasoned scientists and doctors in the workplace and get a sense of how the field operates. The opportunity to immerse myself in a real-world laboratory setting, operating different machinery and analysing diverse samples, is exhilarating. I am sure that I will see a sharp incline in my learning curve that will undoubtedly expand my technical proficiency.

I feel that this is the first step on my journey to becoming an experienced biotechnology professional, where I will learn and grow exponentially. I am confident that this strong foundation will drive me towards a successful and impactful career.”

The FEMpower training is organized and delivered by iSpark Egypt & iCareer and it falls under. UN Women Egypt’s programme on “Women’s Economic Empowerment”, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Ministry of Labour and the National Council for Women, , with the generous support of the Korean International Cooperation Agency.