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Yomna Abdel-Rehim: Embracing the Unknown

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[social_warfare]

One of the things that excites me most is getting thrown into the unknown. I get a rush from not knowing what I am going to find and then spending time figuring out how to solve the problem. This rewarding feeling of digging in to find solutions started when I was a kid. I was very hands-on. My mother, also seeing my interest, subscribed to Art Attack magazines and I would follow step-by-step instructions on how to build things, like robots out of Cornflakes boxes. 

My love for math, chemistry and physics in high school continued to shape the way I thought about solving problems, which eventually led to an interest in electrical engineering. Then, in college, I realized that along with a passion for solving problems—I also loved adventure. A couple months before graduating, I turned a local research internship in Germany into a cultural exchange experience. The thrill of not knowing what I was going to encounter is what made me look forward to working on projects in the field. 

As I started my career, I was excited and eager to take on challenges. Unfortunately, one of my early experiences working as an engineer was not as productive as I hoped. Restrictions and old-fashioned perspectives hampered my opportunities to learn and grow in the same way as my male colleagues. I eventually realized that many multinational companies hire women for specific positions to fulfill a diversity quota—but thankfully, I learned that Siemens Energy was not like that. As I researched and familiarized myself with the company, it was apparent that they cared for and invested in employees so they could bring their best selves forward and be the engineers they aspire to be. 

When I switched companies and started working at Siemens Energy, I had an open and honest conversation with management about my goals. Not only were they receptive to how I envisioned bringing value to the organization, but they also validated my ambitions with opportunities to explore different career paths. It was apparent that Siemens Energy valued inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities for everyone. Even though there were few female engineers on my team at the time, they encouraged me to explore the unknown and become a trailblazer in the region. 

In this role, I rediscovered my love for being in the field, and the culture at Siemens Energy made all the difference. Every step of the way, my managers and mentors empowered and supported me with transparency, honest feedback, and guidance to make sure I fulfilled my potential. 

Siemens Energy is truly one of the best companies for women. It operates on the business of quality and equality. Just before the pandemic, I wanted a new challenge, so I shifted to technical marketing to build my skills in the business world. It was a bold move for me, but I had managerial support along the way to share my thoughts, explore new opportunities, and get feedback to help me make my decision. Siemens Energy wants to see everyone prosper – and I know no matter what challenge I embrace next; they will support me. 

Interested in a job like Yomna’s? Explore career opportunities at Siemens Energy here. 

Authors

  • SWE Blog

    SWE Blog provides up-to-date information and news about the Society and how our members are making a difference every day. You’ll find stories about SWE members, engineering, technology, and other STEM-related topics.

  • Yomna Abdel-Rehim

    Yomna has always been passionate about taking on challenges. Learn more about her journey and how she has overcome several obstacles that have led her to become a trailblazer in the Middle East.

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