In the words of Hagar Gamal: As a young woman who once felt lost in the corporate world, I advise all graduates to never allow intimidation or self-doubt to hinder their progress.

Freshly minted with a bachelor's degree in agriculture, Hagar Gamal found herself adrift between the world of academia and corporate reality. Yearning for a compass to navigate her professional journey, the 23-year-old Hagar turned to FEMpower training, seeking the mentorship and direction she needed to chart a course toward her aspirations.

"My dream of living in an environmentally sustainable world ignited my passion for agricultural studies. However, soon after graduating, I found myself lost in the new life of the corporate world, a huge shift from the familiar academic studies. Despite seeking advice from family and friends, I still needed expert counseling and strategic guidance from seasoned professionals. That's when I learned of the FEMpower training through social media – it emerged as my beacon of light.

As I delved into the FEMpower training, I discovered that many of my fellow participants shared my post-graduation uncertainty. This realization was comforting, dismissing the illusion that I was experiencing something odd. I learned that the key to navigating my career crossroads was to take charge of my career planning, adopt a proactive attitude, and seize every opportunity that comes my way. I also understood that rejection is a normal part of the job-hunting process, and that perseverance is essential.

FEMpower training simplified concepts and tasks that had previously seemed too complex and challenging. For instance, I effortlessly grasped the art of creating compelling resumes and LinkedIn profiles. As a result of thorough guidance, I overcame my fear of drafting professional emails, a skill that had once intimidated me. The training also equipped me with the confidence and knowledge to negotiate job offers, a skill I would have never dared to attempt before. By studying market trends and utilizing available tools, I am now able to assess job offers with a clear judgement and ensure that my contributions are adequately valued.

Being exposed to the diverse experiences of my peers and trainers broadened my horizons even more. I had previously confined my career aspirations to traditional jobs in the agricultural field, but now I have embraced a more comprehensive perspective, exploring opportunities that align with my studies from unconventional angles.

With newly honed abilities and a surge of confidence, I began an active job search – no longer intimidated by complex forms or drafting unprofessional emails. I now approach potential employers with a sense of certainty – something that I have received impressive results from with numerous interview requests and job offers. After careful consideration, I accepted an internship opportunity with a tourism company that has a program on environmental volunteerism, cultural exchange and adventure. This internship helped rapidly develop my communication and professional skills.

The skills I gained throughout the FEMpower training have also proven invaluable in my pursuit of a master's degree. After a rigorous application process, I am thrilled to have been accepted into two prestigious programs abroad. My studies will focus on environmental sustainability as well as entrepreneurship in agrifood and agricultural systems. With this prospect of gaining new knowledge in the field of my passion, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable world, combat climate change, and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

As a young woman who once felt lost in the corporate world, I advise all graduates to never allow intimidation or self-doubt to hinder their progress. Take charge of your career journey, embrace every opportunity that comes your way, and let your determination and resilience guide you to success.

^{The FEMpower training is organized and delivered by iSpark Egypt & iCareer and 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, the Ministry of Labour and the National Council for Women, with the generous support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency.}