1. Introduce yourself?
I'm Farah Owais, and I've been working in recruitment and talent acquisition for over 15 years. Throughout my career, I've worked across various industries. Although I graduated from the University of Jordan with a degree in Nutrition and Food Processing, I made a career shift from day one and entered the field of Human Resources. I'm also a mother of four, and over the years, I've built both my professional and family life in parallel. I've participated in several women empowerment programs, including the 'Shorouq' program in partnership with PwC. |
2. Share your fondest memory from your time at University of Jordan? What I miss most about the University of Jordan is the warmth of its community. The relationships we built with fellow students and professors were strong and lasted long after graduation. I loved the buildings and streets that reflect the rich culture of Jordanian society they carry a timeless charm. |
3. In one word, how would you describe University of Jordan? Authenticity. |
4. Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you? The University of Jordan gave me a lot of flexibility and helped me develop essential skills. I participated in volunteer work and leadership courses. I was even able to adjust my academic schedule without losing credits, which helped me gain clarity about my career direction. This experience played a key role in shaping my character and made me realize that I should pursue a career path that aligns with my passion, not just my academic degree. |
5. Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study? Although I never practiced nutrition professionally, I still apply it in my personal life. I continue to follow everything related to healthy eating, and I genuinely love the field. My degree helped me build a healthy lifestyle for myself and my family, so I never really separated from it. |
6. Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce? Be intentional about who you surround yourself with choose ambitious, successful, and future-focused individuals. The job market today is highly competitive and requires continuous skill development. Identify your skill gaps based on job descriptions, work on them, and build your strengths. Don't expect to land a job on day one; it may take months. Make the most of internships and training programs provided by the university—they are your gateway into the professional world. |
7. Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student? I wish we had the kind of career readiness programs that exist today. Back then, we lacked clear guidance about the real demands of the job market. Students today have a golden opportunity, and I truly hope they take full advantage of it. |
8. Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career? The person who had the greatest impact on my career was the director of a major company in Jordan. He gave a short talk during a career preparation program and spoke about Human Resources in a way that deeply resonated with me. I never spoke to him again, but his words stayed with me and led me to pursue a career in HR. His influence showed me how powerful a single moment or message can be, even from a brief encounter.
|