100 days with Amreen Nizam

Amreen Nizam is a Commercial Manager currently working on one of the projects within the Toronto capital transportation program. She moved to Toronto from Dubai last year, bringing a wealth of experience gained on large and challenging projects in the Middle East. 

Given her first few months in a new city and a new project, Amreen is excited about what the future has to offer:

"As I reflect on the past 100 days, I'm filled with a sense of optimism and anticipation for the road ahead. I'm eager to continue this journey with the same fervor and dedication. 

Armed with newfound insights, strengthened relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose, I'm confident that I am well-positioned to tackle whatever challenges may come my way. As I embark further on this project, I'm reminded of the words of Steve Jobs:  “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.””

Transitioning from your former position to your new role 

The transition from one role came with excitement on one hand and challenges on the other. Some of the key challenges I faced was understanding expectations required from the role and the client and building relationships.

As I look back on the past 100 days, I'm filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the journey I've experienced within this project. 

Stepping into this role was both exhilarating and intimidating, but with each passing day, I found myself gaining confidence and clarity in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

Has Systech personnel assisted you in the process?

Systech has provided excellent onboarding support. Shoutout to Ian Andrews in Recruitment for being immensely helpful throughout the onboarding process and to my immediate supervisors for their guidance in the transition.

Expectations vs. reality

In my first 100 days at Systech, I encountered a fascinating interplay between expectations and reality as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. Initially, I started with a set of preconceived notions about the role and the company's dynamics. However, reality swiftly intervened, revealing a landscape nuanced with complexities and opportunities I hadn't foreseen. I found myself immersed in a collaborative environment where interpersonal skills and adaptability were just as crucial as my technical skills. This dynamic shift between what I expected and what I encountered has been both enlightening and invigorating, underscoring the importance of remaining flexible and open-minded in navigating professional endeavors.

Compare this project to your previous experiences?

Having worked with client organizations in my previous roles, I was confident that I could leverage the skills I had in my new role. Having worked under many forms of contracts, I am excited to be part of this PPP project and gain knowledge about new collaborative forms of work.

Challenges & accomplishments

Adjusting to the company's unique processes and systems required a steep learning curve. However, through perseverance and dedication, I successfully navigated these challenges and gained a solid understanding of the company's operations. 

Alongside overcoming obstacles, I also celebrated several accomplishments, such as effectively managing a complex project and fostering positive relationships with colleagues and clients. Each challenge conquered and accomplishment achieved during this period has contributed to my growth and development in the role, setting a strong foundation for future success.

Opportunities this project is bringing to your professional growth

Working for this government client is a great opportunity in itself. I hope this will boost my professional career. One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been the opportunity for continuous learning and growth. Every challenge I faced and every decision I made presented invaluable lessons that contributed to my personal and professional development. 

Work culture

Systech has cultivated a work environment where all employees feel valued and empowered. Colleagues from diverse backgrounds come together to tackle challenges, share ideas, and achieve common goals. 

Personal changes: relocation, new life

Having relocated from Dubai last year, moving to Canada was a significant life change. The move has been a transformative journey with new experiences and opportunities. Apart from the emotional rollercoaster of being homesick, Canada has been great so far with a lot of positives. I appreciate the fact that there are four distinct seasons here, it is simply beautiful to watch the seasons and colors change over the year. My kids love the fact that there are plenty of activities that they can do throughout the year. Being an avid traveler, exploring this side of the world just got easier with the relocation. 

Any interesting/fun comment you may want to add on your life in the new location

Fun fact is that having recently moved from Dubai, I had a very different definition of winter until I experienced my first winter here! But in all honesty, it is still beautiful to watch snowfall and see the city roads covered in white blankets of snow. Being an avid reader, I am very impressed by the resources that are available at the public libraries in the GTA and I can reignite my love for reading by spending quality time at the library with my kids.

On a separate note, I am very grateful to Systech and the project team for the good work-life balance and for providing flexible work arrangements.