Asmaa Abouleish, a BIM (Building Information Modeling) Manager with EGIS Group based in Saudi Arabia, is responsible for managing the digital aspects of projects. This includes overseeing the integration and handling of data with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. Despite her robust educational background focused on science and innovation, she felt she could benefit from some additional thought leadership in the rapidly changing field. After researching various options, she realized an Executive Certificate in Digital Business would help enhance her strategic and innovation capabilities within the realm of digital construction.
“I chose MIT because of its stellar reputation in blending academic insight with real world applications. The focus on innovation, combined with leadership in digital and management transformation directly aligned with my career needs.”
Sprinting towards new skills
Asmaa’s first course, Machine Learning in Business, was particularly insightful in helping her better understand algorithms and how she could apply them to the extensive data analysis in her role. She also took advantage of the new Negotiation Essentials Sprint: AI-Accelerated Learning course. Inspired by Agile product development sprints, the Negotiation Essential Sprint is designed to help participants rethink negotiation as a problem-solving tool. Participants view recorded video lectures on their own time and engage in numerous exercises that explore the essentials of negotiation and influence over thirty days. The goal is to identify ways to create and claim value in interactions while sustaining important relationships. Aside from learning key concepts, they also have the opportunity to practice them with an AI counterpart—anytime, anywhere, in the language of their choice.
"I chose MIT because of its stellar reputation in blending academic insight with real world applications. The focus on innovation, combined with leadership in digital and management transformation directly aligned with my career needs."
“It was a new experience for me. Negotiation skills are really important because I’m dealing with different stakeholders, including project partners. The strategies I learned have helped me secure better terms and foster strong collaborations for the success of our projects.”
Despite the majority of courses being self-paced online courses, there was still plenty of opportunity to connect with peers on a global scale. “We shared insights and challenges relevant to our respective fields, which only helps enrich the learning experience. We’re still connected through LinkedIn.”
Next steps
The learning journey is far from over though. “I like to stay up to date, not only in technical skills but in management skills, and Executive Education courses are great for that. It’s provided me with a comprehensive toolkit that’s directly applicable to my role.”
Learn more about Executive Certificates.
Contributed by Elaine Santoyo Goldman