My name is Gemechis Bizuayehu, and I am currently serving as a WaSH Technical Coordinator at Relief International. With extensive experience in managing and executing WaSH programs, I have dedicated my career to improving community health standards. I chose the Master in Engineering Management program at UniAthena to enhance my skills in both domains. This advanced degree will be instrumental in building my strategic program development and quality assurance skills, ultimately aiding my career progression in the humanitarian sector.

I am particularly excited to delve into advanced concepts in Engineering Management. Acquiring knowledge in this field will enable me to manage projects more efficiently and lead teams with greater effectiveness. This exploration will not only broaden my expertise but also equip me with the tools necessary to tackle complex challenges in my field.

Upon completing my academic journey, I aspire to assume more significant leadership roles within humanitarian organizations. My primary focus will be on enhancing community health standards through innovative WASH programs. I aim to leverage my expanded skill set to drive impactful initiatives that address critical health and sanitation issues in vulnerable communities.

Balancing studies with professional and personal commitments requires meticulous planning and discipline. I manage this balance by prioritizing tasks effectively, maintaining a disciplined schedule, and leveraging my strong time management skills. This approach allows me to fulfill my academic requirements while continuing to excel in my professional role.

One of the most challenging goals I set for myself was founding the Engineers Without Borders Ethiopia Chapter. This endeavor required significant perseverance, leadership, and collaboration. Successfully establishing the Chapter taught me the importance of resilience and the power of collective efforts in achieving humanitarian goals. This experience reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact through engineering and community development.

I believe that several personal qualities are crucial for achieving success, including technical expertise, leadership, commitment to humanitarian principles, and the ability to mentor and lead teams. These qualities enable individuals to navigate complex challenges, inspire others, and drive meaningful change in their respective fields.

Stepping outside my comfort zone, I took on the role of WASH Technical Coordinator at Relief International. This position required me to lead strategic program development and quality assurance initiatives. The outcome was highly positive, as I successfully implemented programs that significantly improved community health standards. This experience highlighted the value of stepping up to leadership roles and the impact one can make through dedicated efforts.

I would recommend "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries. This book offers valuable insights into innovation and effective management, making it a must-read for anyone interested in driving change and achieving success in their professional endeavors. Its principles are particularly relevant for those in the humanitarian sector, where innovative solutions are essential for addressing complex challenges.

My dream job is to hold a senior leadership position in a humanitarian organization where I can make a significant impact on community health and development. I am motivated by the opportunity to improve lives and contribute to sustainable development. The prospect of leading initiatives that bring about tangible improvements in health and sanitation drives my passion and commitment to my work.

Based on my experiences, I would advise new professionals to stay committed to their goals, continuously seek learning opportunities, and be open to stepping outside their comfort zones. Embracing challenges and taking on leadership roles can lead to significant personal and professional growth.