For the most part, people usually wait until after they graduate to start looking for what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Having a job in college can actually come with a lot of advantages, like knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life (duh!). While it can be very hard to find the balance between college and career (not to mention, also balancing your social life and hobbies), we’ve interviewed several women who were able to find that perfect balance. So, boys, take notes! What you’re about to read will inspire you to do the same.
Aya Hatem
Studies: Political Science
Job: Management Team in Caritas with UNHCR
“I was the kind of person who participated in so many activities and community service projects ever since I was in school. It then became more effective when I started college. I am the president of the Rotary Club, an international service organization that helps bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services. This is on one end; on the other, I manage events and operations in a business company. I also write for magazines because it is a talent of mine that I recently discovered and I really enjoy doing it.
I always ask myself ‘what is the purpose of doing this,’ it feels good working on a lot of projects but doing them with a purpose is what keeps me motivated all the time. You visualize a goal for yourself and you have to fully understand what this goal needs from you.
When things get a bit overwhelming, I believe that taking breaks is extremely necessary which is why I take a few days off for myself to do exactly that. This helps me feel refreshed and ready to grind when I come back.
We, as women, are emotional by nature but we need to remain strong and focus on what we want from life. This can be achieved in two ways:
One: Fully understanding our goals and what we want to be. What makes us happy. What kind of career are we willing to step into and spend the rest of our lives in. When we have the answers to all that we will understand what we need to do now. Women are also very smart by nature!
Two: As cliché as it sounds, it’s important to love, live and enjoy. It’s important to widen your social circle of friends and travel, take care of your skin and hair and shop but also save money. Do whatever makes you happy and don’t ever let anyone or anything control your path, especially during your college phase because it’s very critical!
Farah Mourad
Studies: Media Design
Job: Designer at MasterPeace
“I started trying out jobs since I was in high school. I worked at an event planning company and then after college, at a game development studio where I worked on some game and concept art. I am generally interested in peace building and conflict resolution and that is what made me work for MasterPeace, a peace organization. It combined my passion for design, art and peace building.
I had to go to college three days a week and work three days a week; it was really hard to manage at first but it was definitely doable. Surprisingly, my GPA that year was the best I ever got. I was so much more productive than any other time in my life. I feel like when I only have one thing on my plate, I tend to slack off and procrastinate.
To be able to find that balance, you have to first make sure that you are passionate about what you do and what you study. If you are not, then one thing will definitely affect the other. I also feel like having an understanding manager is very important for finding that balance. What keeps me going is that I feel like I am given a sense of purpose. I would advise that students start early on, because all my friends are now are graduating and they are getting a reality shock, so it gives people an edge. It makes you go like ‘been there, done that’, and most importantly, it makes you more knowledgeable about the job market.”
Rawan Bishara
Studies: MA in English and Comparative Literature, Diploma in Teaching Adolescent Learners
Job: English Teacher
“I try as much as possible to manage my time at work, to minimize the amount of work I have to do at home. And I usually try to dedicate the weekend to write my papers and do any other work related to university. What motivates me is that I can actually see the impact my studies have on me; I know that even though I’m overwhelmed and tired, I am actually developing at work because of my studies which in turn motivates me further to pursue my studies.
When I get overwhelmed, I actually drop everything I’m doing. If I have things to finish at home (related to work or university), I don’t do anything and just give myself a proper break to be able to pick up with the same efficiency the following day. The instructors/professors I have taken classes with at university are extremely understanding, and it helps a lot! I also try to exercise whenever possible to get rid of some of the stress!
My advice to women trying to start their careers early on is to absolutely go for it! Even a part time job would do. Work gives you a sense of purpose and achievement, and starting early helps you figure out what you want to do in your life.”
Salma El Feqy
Studies: Double Major in Finance and Accounting
Job: Writer at Identity, Financial Controller at Henkel and Manager’s Assistant at InkAndSilk
“The most important thing is time management and enjoying what you do. With this combo you can literally balance anything in life. It’s also a major plus if you have a good support system. It’s definitely not easy but it’s very doable, you just need to have strong will, patience and commitment. At times, you will feel like quitting, especially with all the deadlines and responsibilities but you have to fight in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Oh and let me tell you, seeing that light is very, very satisfying.”
Nurhan Allam
Studies: Computer Engineering
Job: Technical Advisor at Vodafone UK
“What motivates me is the challenge. I always remind myself of my goals and what I want to learn. I have a hunger for knowledge and I’m always afraid of getting old. The fear of age is kind of silly, I know, but it makes me want to learn so many things in the shortest time possible.
I work three days a week, this means that I only have four days for college, so wasting time is just not an option for me. Time management increases your productivity because you always feel that there is no time for anything else, thus, your attention is only focused on the tasks at hand. Last year, I wanted to test if my work actually affects my studies or vice versa, so I left work for a couple of months and my grades went down. I started slacking and procrastinating, it’s weird. You’d think that one thing might affect the other negatively but what people don’t know is that it’s quite the opposite.
My solution to stress is working out. Seriously! Just go hit the gym and play your favorite playlist if you’re feeling low.”
Amira Hossam
Studies: Graphic Design
Job: UI/UX Designer
“Finding balance is all about compartmentalizing. So, at work I only think about work tasks and on college days I only think about college projects. It gets harder when I’m more enthusiastic about a certain project, so that’s when my mind gets really occupied by one of them (Bachelor project for example). But then I try to divide my days to have a certain balance between the two.
It’s never 50-50, sometimes work takes more of my time and sometimes it’s the opposite. The thing is you have to try to stay focused and motivated by your output in either place.”
