At INC, we believe that nurturing young talent is key to driving innovation and growth within the design and build industry. This month, we spotlight some of our promising young professionals—Sanjana, Khaled and Kamogelo, who have shared their career journeys, challenges, and aspirations. Their experiences highlight the dynamic environment at INC, where collaboration, continuous learning, and creativity are highly valued.
Career Journeys: Passion Meets Profession
Each of our young professionals found their way into the design and build industry through a deep-seated passion for creativity and a desire to make a tangible impact.
Sanjana, a Designer at INC UAE, was drawn to interior design from a young age. Her passion for sketching became the foundation of her career, enabling her to engage her creative instincts fully. For Khaled Alqahtani, Assistant Project Manager / Operations at INC KSA, the journey began with a fascination for turning ideas into tangible results. His love for problem-solving and innovative design led him to INC, where he’s grown his skills in managing complex projects.
Kamogelo, the youngest Designer at INC Africa, pursued her career out of a desire to leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This drive for creativity and change has fueled her journey, leading her to INC, where she continues to hone her skills in collaboration and technical construction knowledge.
Work Environment: A Culture of Growth and Support
The work environment at INC is one that fosters both personal and professional growth. Sanjana appreciates the frequent workshops and interactive sessions that provide valuable learning opportunities. The company’s culture of collaboration and community makes her feel welcomed and truly part of the team.
Khaled values the family-like atmosphere at INC, where support and encouragement are abundant. His experience has exceeded expectations, with the company encouraging innovation and personal input in ways he hadn’t anticipated. For Kamogelo, the environment at INC has consistently supported her development, offering opportunities to take on more responsibility and lead projects.
Challenges and Learning: Overcoming Hurdles
As young professionals, each of them has faced their own set of challenges, from managing tight project timelines to balancing work and life.
Sanjana emphasizes the continuous learning process required in design, noting that staying open to new skills and software is crucial for developing user-oriented solutions. Khaled faced the challenge of handling multiple projects simultaneously, a task he now manages with confidence thanks to the support of INC’s management. Kamogelo struggled with work-life balance and the realization that she didn’t know as much as she thought she did upon entering the industry. However, she has learned to be kinder to herself and to view every challenge as a learning opportunity.
Career Aspirations: Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, each of these young professionals envisions a bright future at INC. Sanjana aims to manage a growing portfolio of projects, enhancing her strategic approach to design. Khaled sees himself in a leadership role, mentoring others and contributing strategically to the company’s long-term vision. Kamogelo aspires to lead a design team, with different departments catering to specific markets such as retail, commercial, and hospitality.
Collaboration and Innovation: Driving Progress
Collaboration is a cornerstone of success at INC. Sanjana approaches teamwork with a focus on effective communication and brainstorming, while Khaled values open communication and collaboration in finding the best solutions. Kamogelo highlights the culture of mutual respect and willingness to assist that has been established at INC, making it easy to work together and share ideas.
Each of them has also had the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas and innovate within their roles. Sanjana has played a significant role in developing concepts and design ideas for recent projects. Khaled has introduced efficient ways to manage subcontractor communication, and Kamogelo has pushed the boundaries of clients’ expectations through project pitches.
Advice for Young Professionals: Wisdom from Experience
For those just starting in the field, our young professionals have some valuable advice to share. Sanjana emphasizes the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance from mentors, while Khaled advises young professionals to learn from everyone around them, as there’s much to gain from both colleagues and challenges. Kamogelo highlights the need for patience, noting that every project presents unique challenges that require collaboration and perseverance.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Growth and Learning
As they reflect on their journeys so far, our young professionals agree on one thing: the importance of continuous learning and growth. Whether it’s through the guidance of mentors, the support of colleagues, or the challenges of demanding projects, each experience at INC has contributed to their development as professionals and as individuals.
At INC, we are proud to nurture such talented individuals who are not only contributing to the company’s success but also shaping the future of the design and build industry. We look forward to seeing where their careers take them in the years to come.