Alumni of The Month

1. Introduce yourself? 

This question might seem simple, but it requires delving deeper into yourself and discovering what defines you the most. While trying to do that, I remember a quote that I admire; it says, “the chances you take… the people you meet… the people you love...the faith that you have - that's what's going to define your life". If I were to think of the chances, opportunities, and people, I see clearly that every choice I made, every opportunity I seized, and every person I met has made me the person who I am now and I am grateful for that. ​

Opportunities like this give me a chance to look back at my journey, and I do that with nothing but satisfaction, pride, and passion to achieve more.

Professionally speaking, I am Eng. Rana Al Dababneh, Chief Corporate Communication and Sustainability Officer at Orange Jordan.

Educationally speaking, I am an Industrial Engineer who believe that Industrial is a mindset and proudly earned the certificate from the University of Jordan, which I consider a decisive factor in defining who I am and an integral component of my identity.​

Prior to this life changing experience in the university, I had the privilege of being part of the Jubilee School in Jordan, founded by His Late Majesty King Hussein and Queen Noor.

This school emphasized problem-solving and creativity, which gave me a unique approach to learning and significantly shaped my mindset.

Personally speaking, I am a mother of two incredible kids Joud and Sanad who remind me everyday of my favorite identity: being a mother.

The key word to embrace who you are is education. It helps you make informed decisions, opt for well-educated choices, and take calculated risks that are meant to support your growth.

For me it was no different, as education was the first step in breaking barriers. I was fortunate to graduate from Jubilee School, which laid the foundation for my educational journey.

Choosing to study Industrial Engineering at the University of Jordan was one of the first steps toward achieving my goal. It wasn't easy, but I learned a lot and truly enjoyed the journey. The skills I gained in optimization, system thinking, and problem-solving have proven to be incredibly relevant, not just in engineering, but also in telecom and business. This path not only aligned with the career I initially envisioned but also opened doors to calculated risks, leading to an unexpected and rewarding journey.

Throughout my career, I've realized how crucial it is to be part of a workplace that shares your core values. This alignment has been a key factor in my professional fulfillment and has driven my success and pursuit of excellence.

It was by chance that I discovered a new passion when I joined Jordan Telecom Company in 2002. That decision became a turning point, shaping both my professional and personal journeys.

I started off in the Marketing department and worked during a transformative period when the company transitioned to the Orange brand in 2007.

I became the Marketing Director of the Enterprise Unit from 2009 to 2012, and later, the Director of the Project Management Office.

I realized that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is key to a better reality and a brighter future when I was assigned to lead the Corporate Communication & CSR division at Orange Jordan.

In 2021, I was promoted to the role of Chief Officer of the Corporate Communication & Sustainability Unit, where I continue to serve.

Since then, every impact we've made through our programs and initiatives for better opportunities for youth and for inclusion has fueled my passion.

2. Share your fondest memory from your time at Jordan University?

“Time and memory are true artists; they remold reality nearer to the heart's desire". My memories at the University of Jordan continue to reshape my reality everyday. I recall proudly how I completed my engineering degree in just four years confirming I was on the right path. Taking calculated risks that are fueled by passion was part of my identity back then. Therefore, my journey was further solidified when I started my internship at Orange (then JT), marking the beginning of my professional career.

3. In one word, how would you describe Jordan University?

Transformative, empowering, life changing, illuminating.

4. Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you?

Entering the university goes beyond just starting off a new educational phase. It is a completely new phase where life experience is coupled with the academic one and then solidified by a practical experience. As I have mentioned in the beginning, education is key to help us make informed decision. If it was not for the remarkable experience that I gained at the University of Jordan, I would not have been able to pursue and shape my career in the way it is now. For me it is safe to say that entering through the gates of the Jordan University was like opening a gate to the future and I am grateful to every second I spent there. Shaping your future takes education, hardworking, and being able to attract what you deserve. I firmly believe in the Law of Attraction and always set clear goals for myself and with education my goals have come true.

5. Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study?

As an Industrial Engineer, I knew it wouldn't be an easy path, but I was motivated by the challenge. It was

perfectly aligned with my interests and goals, as it matched my passion for optimization and total quality management, making it the ideal choice over other engineering fields. It was all about creating a mindset of continuous development and translating my knowledge into a practical experience.

6. Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce?

I will refer to two main keywords here: fear and force. My message to every student; do not allow fear to limit your force. Some tips and advice that I can give to every ambitious girl whether she is about to start her educational journey or is preparing herself to join the labor market include the following:

Set clear priorities and define your goals early on.

Always strive for the best.

Have confidence.

Embrace the mindset of continuous learning and improvement, as this will help you approach challenges in a way that makes you stand out.

7. Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student?

Being a student is not easy. You are in a phase where trying to explore the life surrounding you, trying to explore your strengths, identity, passion, goals, and more. As a student, mistakes and failures might be terrifying far more than they are in reality. This might affect our confidence and become a barrier for us to move toward our dreams. Therefore, I wish I had known that failure is the other face of success, and barriers are there for us to overcome them and create new opportunities for ourselves. I wish I had known that confidence is key and without it nothing would be possible. I am happy that I was able to realize this at early stage, but I wish that I had the chance to know that from the very beginning.

8. Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career?

Family, their unwavering support, and encouragement have been invaluable.

They have always believed in me, provided guidance, and pushed me to pursue my goals. ​