From Product Pivot to Data Dreams: My Journey of Passion and Purpose in MENA's Tech Landscape

In the dynamic tech scene of the MENA region, my career has transformed in remarkable ways—from product management to exploring the depths of data science. I would like to share my journey, which highlights not only the changes in my professional life but also the joy of pursuing what you truly love.

As you read through this post, I hope to spark inspiration in those considering a career shift or searching for clarity about their passions.

A New Beginning: From Careem to Self-Discovery

After several rewarding years in product management and operations at Careem, I reached a pivotal moment in my career. Being a founding team member at Careem Jordan and later collaborating with the regional team in Dubai provided me with vital insights into the product lifecycle, particularly as Careem aimed to be the first super app in MENA, a goal supported by a 60% market growth in the ride-hailing sector.

While being part of such an innovative journey was thrilling, I recognized the need to pause and reflect on my career direction.

I started meticulously tracking my daily activities and highlighting the aspects that excited me the most. To my surprise, a pattern emerged: my passion revolved around data. This discovery fueled my motivation to pivot toward a career that aligned more closely with my interests.

Embracing Data Science: Education at UT-Austin

Embracing this newfound passion led me to enroll in a remote master's program in data science at UT-Austin. This decision was crucial, establishing a strong foundation in technical skills and expanding my understanding of data analytics.

From the very first day, I realized that focusing solely on the technical aspects of data science was not my ultimate goal, even with my background in mechanical engineering. I wanted to do more than just analyze numbers; I craved the ability to leverage insights from data to create products that enhance user experiences and drive business growth.

An Exciting Role at Talabat

Upon graduation, I secured a position at Talabat, the leading Food Tech company in MENA. This role felt like the perfect alignment of my skills and passions. I became increasingly fascinated by concepts such as personalization, AI-driven products, and strategies for sales enhancement.

My time at Talabat is more than just a job; it was an opportunity to merge my love for data with product development. By collaborating with diverse teams, we built innovative solutions that met our customers' needs more effectively. Each day felt like a new adventure, with data guiding our efforts to craft products that truly resonated with users.

Passion Transformed into Purpose

Three years into this exciting chapter at Talabat, every day feels like a dream—a scenario where work no longer feels burdensome but is a genuine expression of my passion. Transforming insights from vast datasets into tangible, impactful products has defined my professional identity.

At Talabat, I have witnessed the transformative power of data in shaping user experiences. Deploying an AI product that personalizes user interactions or enhancing features based on data-driven insights has brought a sense of fulfillment that's hard to articulate. The connection between data and product innovation is not just technical; it’s fundamentally about improving lives and addressing customer needs in unprecedented ways.

Valuable Insights Along the Way

1. Dare to Pivot: Career changes can be intimidating, but they often lead to discovering your true passion. Take time to reflect on your interests and allow them to guide your next steps.

   
   

2. Embrace Continuous Learning: The tech landscape evolves rapidly, requiring a commitment to ongoing education and skills development. Whether through formal programs, such as my master's degree, or through industry experiences, continuous learning is essential.

   
   

3. Collaboration is Key: Great products often emerge from teamwork. Engaging with cross-functional teams enriches your perspective and ignites creativity in finding solutions to real-world problems.

   
   

4. Follow Your Passion: Aligning your work with what you love leads to naturally increased motivation and productivity. My enthusiasm for data has been a catalyst for my meaningful contributions to the tech industry.

   
   

Looking Ahead: A Future in Data and Product Management

As I continue my journey in MENA's tech landscape, I am keenly interested in future trends and innovations in data-driven technology. The potential for AI and machine learning to revolutionize businesses and enhance customer engagement is enormous.

Looking to the future, I remain focused on building impactful products through data. Whether refining personalization techniques or exploring how AI can enhance user experiences, my commitment is to push boundaries and create value.

Reflecting on my journey from product management to data science, I have experienced a profound transformation filled with learning and discovery. I encourage anyone reading this to fully embrace their passions and take the necessary leaps to pursue what truly excites them.

When your work aligns with your passions, it can become something extraordinary.

Reflecting on My Journey

Thinking back on where I started and how far I’ve come gives me a sense of pride and excitement. I hope my story inspires others at similar crossroads in their careers. Remember, extraordinary achievements can emerge when you listen to your passions and pursue them with determination.

Here’s to passion, purpose, and the incredible opportunities that await in this vibrant tech landscape!