From Tanzania to Saudi Arabia: my journey from intern to junior engineer

In February 2024, I boarded a flight to Tanzania with a suitcase full of steel-toed boots, questions, and a head full of theory.

I had just joined BESIX for what was meant to be a three-month internship on the construction of jetty and load-out facilities in Tanga, a technically demanding marine infrastructure site along the Indian Ocean. By the time the third month rolled around, I wasn’t ready to leave. I extended my stay to four months… not because I had to, but because I wanted to understand more, do more, learn more.

My role focused on overseeing the assembly of the launching girder. This massive steel structure is used for pile driving in shallow waters, and also happened to be the subject of my thesis, which meant I was working on something I had studied on paper for months!

I learned how to adapt when circumstances didn’t match the plan. I learned to ask better questions, work cross-functionally, and trust the experience of the people around me.

I also learned that you’re never “just” an intern. You’re part of the team. You bring value by showing up, staying curious, and owning your part of the process.

The work was challenging: tight timelines, unforgiving terrain, unpredictable weather, but the environment was supportive. I worked shoulder to shoulder with a smart, international team. We spoke different languages, but we all pulled in the same direction.

Although the Tanga project continues, I’ve since taken a new direction. Today, I work as a Facade Engineer on the Aramco Stadium project in Khobar, in Saudi Arabia; another complex, large-scale site that pushes me to keep learning.

It’s very different from marine works in Tanzania. Here, I monitor the work of subcontractors handling the stadium façade and roof, review technical documentation, track design changes, and coordinate with multiple departments. After nine months of preparation, we’ve recently started building the uniquely shaped roof I’ve been following since day one! That’s a proud moment.

Outside work, life in Khobar is surprisingly vibrant. We go paddle boarding every Tuesday. I’m part of the Young BESIX Community, where we organise social events, such as bowling, outings, quiz nights…, to build friendships and support each other.

Having the sea nearby, shops close, and a sense of community has made all the difference.

And yes, as a woman in construction, especially on site, I’m still in the minority. But every day I show up, I hope I’m helping break that barrier a little more.

Learning. Always learning. Façade engineering is completely new to me, something we barely covered at university. But that’s exactly why I’m here. To grow and take on more responsibility.

This is what I value most about BESIX: your first project is never your last. Growth is continuous and support is real. And if you're willing to step up, there’s always someone ready to lift you higher.