Shumous al Jumaily's story
Shumous Al Jumaily (25, from Apeldoorn) is the only woman in Witteveen+Bos’s ICT department, but she has felt at home from day one. To ensure that the use of software and professional applications such as Autocad and Revit remained manageable, she built an easy-to-use dashboard for managers.
International character
‘Because of my father’s work – he teaches English at university – I lived in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Iraq for ten years of my life. For those ten years, my education was in English. That’s why, once I got back to the Netherlands, I wanted to work for an internationally oriented company. At the time of my first internship, there were no spots available at Witteveen+Bos; but, in the end, I was able to do my second internship here. I was glad I got the chance to stay after graduating. I’m fluent in English and that comes in handy here. For IT projects with offices in other countries, I’m always given a prominent role.’
Tool for cost savings
‘During my internship, I designed a dashboard that gives group leaders at Witteveen+Bos insight into the use of software and professional applications such as Autocad, Revit and Civil 3D. The objective: cost savings. After starting work here, I went on to build the tool. The initial reactions have been positive. Group leaders approach me and tell me that the tool helps them. That gives me a boost, because after I’d graduated I didn't really know how I could contribute. Colleagues encourage me to be proud of my work and the results. I’m getting better and better at that.’
First female specialist
IT is a man’s world. That’s partly why I chose to study Business IT: I want to help break the taboo. In a department of more than twenty people, I’m the first and only female IT specialist. I do have female colleagues in the secretariat, though. Being the only woman is special but, at the same time, feels very normal. I’m not treated differently and I fully belong. Although I’ve only been part of the team for a short time, it feels like I’ve known my colleagues for ages. That encourages me to express my opinion. More women? That would be nice, and also advantageous. Women think differently in certain situations – it would add something.’
'I’m the first and only female IT specialist'
- Shumous al Jumaily -