Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

From an early age, I excelled in mathematics, science, and English, which fueled my ambition to pursue a career in engineering. I was a dedicated student who enjoyed going to school, completing assignments on time, and engaging in academic challenges and puzzle-solving activities. By the time I reached preparatory school, I had decided to specialize in electrical engineering, drawn by both the global demand for skilled professionals and the field’s vast potential for innovation and creativity. Over the course of five years, I completed 189 credit hours in electrical engineering, overcoming challenges through a resilient mindset, a positive attitude, and consistent effort. After graduating, I actively pursued job opportunities, attended numerous interviews, and ultimately secured a position as a GNC researcher—a role that closely aligns with my academic background and interests.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

The greatest challenge I faced in my career was securing my first job. Competing with many qualified candidates, I had to navigate multiple written tests and interviews. To overcome this, I thoroughly researched each company to gain meaningful insights and prepared extensively for every stage of the process. I drew on my resilience, maintained a positive mindset, and committed to continuous self-improvement. Effective planning, strong time management, and unwavering perseverance helped me stay focused, even in the face of setbacks. Ultimately, my determination paid off, and I successfully secured the position.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

The one piece of career advice I wish I had received earlier is this: believe in yourself. You have a brilliant mind and the potential to make a meaningful, lasting impact. Too often, self-doubt can hold you back more than any external obstacle. Trusting your abilities is the first step toward unlocking new opportunities and overcoming challenges. There is a greater power within you that the world is waiting for you to unlock. Begin by transforming yourself, through learning, self-reflection, and growth, and in doing so, you’ll start to see everything around you change as well. Confidence, paired with effort and persistence, can open doors you never imagined.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

During my school years, I did not pursue extracurricular activities specifically aimed at building career-related skills. However, I was actively involved in volunteer clubs focused on raising awareness within the community. These experiences allowed me to develop strong communication and leadership abilities, which have proven to be valuable assets in my professional journey.

How did you start building your network?

As a university student, I initially didn’t know how to build a professional network. However, once I entered the workforce, I quickly recognized its importance and created a LinkedIn account, one of the leading platforms for professional networking. Through LinkedIn, I began connecting with individuals who shared similar goals, roles, and interests. The platform not only helped me grow my network but also offered valuable insights into the skills and experience needed to advance in my career. In addition to LinkedIn, I started attending industry events, conferences, and workshops, which provided opportunities to engage with professionals, exchange ideas, and learn from their experiences. I also joined online forums and communities related to my field, where I could participate in discussions, share knowledge, and stay informed about industry trends. By actively networking both online and offline, I was able to broaden my connections and gain meaningful insights that continue to support my professional growth.

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

I got my first big break during the COVID-19 outbreak, when my country’s government imposed a state of emergency to curb the spread of the virus. This resulted in over six months of unexpected downtime. Rather than viewing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to focus on personal growth and skill development. I dedicated that time to online learning, exploring new technologies, and deepening my expertise. This period of self-improvement became a pivotal turning point, allowing me to emerge more confident, capable, and prepared for the next stage of my career.