“Yeah, I think I’m a warrior” – that’s how Wassim summarizes himself when reflecting on his journey up to this point. Our alumnus Wassim’s journey is indeed a remarkable tale of resilience and determination, vividly illustrating the transformative power of perseverance. From his early struggles with financial constraints to navigating language barriers and juggling odd jobs, Wassim never allowed life’s challenges to defeat him. Despite facing setbacks, including bankruptcy and strained family ties, he courageously embraced entrepreneurship and successfully transitioned into the corporate world. His relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth eventually led him to Luxembourg, where he encountered fresh opportunities and trials. Even amid the adversity of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wassim’s unwavering resilience shone brightly as he pursued an Executive MBA. His story serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit that propels individuals toward greatness, inspiring us all to pursue our dreams against all odds. We invite you to delve deeper into Wassim’s journey and discover the boundless inspiration it holds.
Overcoming Adversity: from Education to Employment
Early in his career, after completing his BAC, Wassim embarked on IT studies, driven by his passion for information technologies. However, life threw him curveballs, forcing him to pause his education due to financial hardships. Determined to carve a path forward, he delved into various jobs, from cleaning to manufacturing, to make ends meet. Despite the daunting language barriers in Belgium, where proficiency in Dutch and French was crucial for employment, Wassim persisted.
“I had a very difficult moment at that time,” Wassim recalls. “There were moments when I didn’t have a place to live, so I was living everywhere.”
But adversity only fueled Wassim’s resolve. He made the tough decision to halt his studies and focus on finding employment to build a more stable life. His relentless work ethic led him to hold three jobs simultaneously, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to creating a better future.
Starting his own business
The difficulties in the job market led him to the idea of establishing his own business.
„People didn’t want to choose me because I didn’t have any diploma or any experience or languages, so I said, ‘OK, let me build my business.’ And for that, I needed capital, so I decided to work very hard. I was young, I had nothing to lose. I already lost everything, so what may I lose?“
At just 22-23 years old, he launched a computer shop with a cyber café and gaming center, leveraging his passion for technology and self-taught expertise. Despite initial success, unforeseen challenges led to bankruptcy in 2008, yet Wassim remained undeterred.
Evolution in Corporate Dynamics
That was the point where Wassim‘s corporate career started. After some networking, he managed to land a job with the help of acquaintances who recognized his dedication. With peoples assistance, he secured a role in a consultancy firm, marking his first significant employment opportunity at the age of 30. This marked the beginning of the corporate journey. Recognizing the gaps in his knowledge and skills, he resolved to immerse himyself in the corporate world to learn and grow. The ultimate aim was to return to entrepreneurship, which motivated his decision to pursue an International Executive MBA.
From there, his career trajectory varied – he began as a programmer, fueled his my passion for technology. The company he joined provided extensive training, sending him to their Paris headquarters for a year to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Progressing from a support role to a functional analyst, Wassim discovered inclination towards analyzing and problem-solving. This led him through various roles from business analyst to project coordinator, eventually culminating in his current position as a project manager, amassing over 13 years of experience in the field.
In 2015, an opportunity arose in Luxembourg, prompting his move, as maintaining a decent standard of living proved challenging in Belgium, especially with growing family of three boys.
Career Reinvention
Accepting a job opportunity in Luxembourg while still residing in Brussels, Wassim embarked on a daunting daily commute spanning approximately 500 kilometers. Rising at 4 am, he hit the road by 5 am to navigate the border traffic, often not returning home until 9 pm. After enduring this taxing routine for a year, Wassim and his wife made the bold decision to relocate closer to Luxembourg, near the Belgian border, despite the challenges of moving with their newborn son. This pivotal transition marked the inception of Wassim’s career in Luxembourg, thrusting him into the realm of financial institutions and management.
Despite lacking formal education in this domain, Wassim embarked on a journey of self-learning and training to bridge the gap between his IT background and the demands of his new role. Since 2015, Wassim has been diligently serving as a consultant, persistently seeking avenues for growth and advancement. However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought an abrupt halt to his contract with Société Générale, leaving him without a job and grappling with financial strain as his family expanded. Despite receiving job offers at considerably reduced rates, Wassim remained resolute in his refusal to compromise on his value and expertise, challenging the conventional belief that one’s worth is defined solely by academic credentials. Driven by a determination to take charge of his career trajectory, Wassim seized the opportunity to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations, recognizing the urgency of the moment.
International Executive MBA Journey
His thoughts were redirected when individuals from the BMI Executive Institute reached out to him with an invitation to join their program. He successfully secured admission after delivering an outstanding performance during the admissions process.
It was undeniably the most demanding period in Wassim’s life, compounded by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and his wife’s pregnancy. Despite the circumstances, Wassim secured a new job at BNP Paribas, albeit facing the harsh realities of corporate politics that he detested. Nevertheless, he accepted the role out of necessity. Balancing his job with ongoing MBA studies and his wife’s high-risk pregnancy proved to be an arduous juggling act. With his wife hospitalized and kids at home due to the lockdown, Wassim found himself playing multiple roles simultaneously — caregiver, student, employee, and supportive spouse. The pressure was relentless, compounded by the stringent hospital protocols and the absence of familial support due to COVID restrictions. Yet, amid the chaos, Wassim persevered, drawing on his reservoir of resilience and determination. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Wassim emerged victorious, embodying the spirit of a warrior in both his personal and professional endeavors.
Regarding what Wassim gained from the program, he highlights:
“I acquired valuable insights into strategy, finance, and economics. While I already had experience in digital transformation from an operational perspective, the program helped me understand its strategic aspects better. Despite facing some challenges, particularly with remote learning, I found the courses on finance, strategy, corporate strategy, and global economy particularly enriching. However, I still feel there’s room for growth, especially in the investment realm.”
Lessons learned
Wassim attributes much of his journey to his father’s influence, acknowledging that without his father’s guidance and push, he might not be the person he is today. „I owe much of who I am today to my father’s influence. His encouragement and push during crucial moments shaped my journey profoundly. Now, as a parent myself, I strive to provide my children with the opportunities I never had. Take basketball, for example; it was my passion, yet my father never enrolled me in a club. So, I took matters into my own hands, joining a team without his knowledge. Despite facing his disapproval whenever I came home late from practice, I remained dedicated to my dream. Recently, my child asked me why I’m so invested in their activities. I explained that I lacked such support growing up. I vividly recall a missed chance to play basketball in the US due to language barriers and knee injuries. Though I believe I could’ve pursued it further with the right guidance, I harbor no regrets. It’s all because of my father’s influence, for which I am grateful. Today, when recruiters struggle to place me due to my unconventional profile, I remember my journey’s uniqueness and seek opportunities that align with my diverse experiences.“
