How Hard Work and Perseverance Can Transform Your Career: A Story of Persistence and Growth

Recently, someone asked me to share my career journey, which prompted me to reflect on my struggles and blessings along the way that have shaped me into the person I am today.

As a mediocre student, I overcame various obstacles to reach my current position. My time in government schools and colleges did not provide me with a particularly robust educational foundation. However, I was always aware that while others might rely on their intelligence, I could achieve anything through hard work. Although I consider myself smart, I take great pride in my ability to work diligently and effectively.

When I finished my Masters’s degree in 2018, the first thing that troubled me was how to enter the job market. Luckily, I had the support of my younger brother, which helped me secure my first job. Although my family was conservative and initially against me working a night shift, my brother stood up for me. He motivated me to take the job as a starting point towards achieving my aspirations.

I began my career journey, but something inside me felt unsatisfied. I yearned for clarity in my career direction and started searching for HR Jobs. Thankfully, I landed an HR internship in one of Islamabad's leading IT companies, LMKT, which was my first major break.

Those were intense times, and my drive to turn my internship into a confirmed job offer was unwavering. I worked day and night tirelessly for almost four months, working 18 hours a day, from 9 in the morning until 6 in the evening and then from 6 in the evening until 4 in the morning. However, I found the experience exhilarating because of my unbridled passion for achieving great things.

That first internship was a remarkable learning experience which provided me with professional exposure and growth. I learned a great deal about professional ethics, manners, and etiquette. After four months of hard work, I was offered a permanent HR executive position, my first-ever HR job. When I received the job offer, I resigned from my night job and focused all my energy on my new HR role. Then Technical & Non-technical Talent Acquisition, People Strategy Lead and now as HR business Partner, I have never stopped from that point forward.  

I decided, and I knew I would stick with this field. The combination of HR and IT is a perfect match. After gaining 4+ years of experience, I can confidently state that this journey was about gaining more control over my life. My financial independence, professional growth and my achievements have empowered me immensely.