Explore Your Future
Tarek heeft deelgenomen aan ons Explore your Future programma met thema ‘architectuur’. In 8 weken tijd hebben deelnemers, die vaak zelf een achtergrond in architectuur/bouwkunde of passie hiervoor hebben, gewerkt aan een challenge om een tiny house op het water te ontwerpen, hebben ze workshops gevolgd over interculture communicatie en de Nederlandse arbeidsmarkt en nieuwe contacten en inspiratie opgedaan tijdens bedrijfsbezoeken. Tarek is van oorsprong ingenieur en deelt hieronder in gesprek met Stichting SIF collega Merel meer over zichzelf, zijn ervaring in het programma en in Nederland.
Wil je Tarek verder helpen? Tarek zoekt het liefste werk als bouwkundig ingenieur. Tarek heeft een Nederlandse verblijfsvergunning, B1-niveau Nederlands, IELTS Engels op B2-niveau en mag werken (nog 3 jaar verblijfsrecht). Zijn universitair diploma is geaccrediteerd voor gebruik in Nederland.
(Onderstaand interview is in het Engels).
Explore Your Future is onderdeel van de programmering van Plan Einstein. Plan Einstein is een initiatief vanuit Gemeente Utrecht en dé plek waar mooie ontmoetingen plaatsvinden. Waar bewoners van Utrechtse asielzoekerscentra, buurtbewoners en andere Utrechters samen leven, samen leren en samen werken.
“Traditional houses have high ceilings—about three meters. We often build a small extra room on the roof where people can sit and relax. I prefer these houses over glass-and-steel structures.” – Tarek
Tarek
- Name: Tarek Abo Reslan
- Country of Origin: Lebanon
M: How would you describe yourself?
T: In my work, I am curious—I always want to understand how and why things happen. I enjoy working in a team, so I would say I am collaborative. I like helping people, and I strive to find solutions.
M: What is an achievement in your life that you are very proud of?
T: Definitely the first project I worked on as an engineer. It was a 12-floor building, and I was the lead engineer on the project. It was a big challenge for me because I didn’t have much experience yet, especially in working with a construction team. But it turned out to be a successful project. I left the country in the middle but at that time, it was successful. We worked on time, even ahead of schedule sometimes.
M: What does your job as a lead engineer involve? Do you focus on construction, or is it more than that?
T: My role is to execute the project. The drawings and designs are already there—I have to turn them into reality. That means working closely with the laborers, fixers, and the entire construction team.
M: So, would you say it’s more of a management role?
T: Yes, but it’s also about problem-solving. Sometimes the design or drawings are not entirely correct or realistic. In such cases, I have to discuss adjustments with the architect or design engineer. There are times when a design looks good on paper but isn’t feasible in real life. That was one of the biggest challenges in my first job. I had just graduated from college and was thrown straight into the field from 2012 to 2014. After that, I moved to the United Arab Emirates, which was a completely different experience.
M: Why did you decide to join this program?
T: First of all, to meet new people—especially architects from different countries. And that definitely happened! I’ve met people from Yemen, China, Syria, Iran, and, of course, the Netherlands. Another important reason was to visit Dutch companies and ask engineers about their work. The network of course, that’s the most important!
M: What were the highlights of this program for you, and why?
T: The team! Everyone brings their own ideas and skills, and it all came together in the tiny house project. Each person had great ideas, and when we combined them, we created a solid plan. So, work together!
Architecture
M: What do you like most about the architecture and use of space in your home country?
T: At least in my city, we don’t have massive skyscrapers, and I prefer it that way. I don’t like those huge, ugly metal and glass towers. Instead, we build more traditional houses, and that’s what I like.
M: What do you mean by traditional?
T: Traditional houses have high ceilings—about three meters. We often build a small extra room on the roof where people can sit and relax. I prefer these houses over glass-and-steel structures. A traditional house is made of concrete or brick.
M: Is there something from your home country’s architecture that you would like to introduce to the Netherlands?
T: Not really. In my country, we use a lot of concrete, which isn’t good for the environment. Cement production causes environmental hazards. Wood is much more sustainable, easier to build with, and easier to maintain. And here in the Netherlands, wood is affordable
M: What is your favorite building or space? Would you recommend people visit it?
T: I really like old buildings, especially the University of Law in Damascus. It was built during the French colonial period, and it has a beautiful architectural style.
Future
M: What would be your ideal job scenario in the Netherlands?
T: My goal is to return to my engineering career and start again. I want to work in a construction company and continue building. I have experience working in different sectors—construction, infrastructure, roads, pipelines, electricity, sewer systems, irrigation—so I have a broad skill set. But if I had to summarize it, I just want to go back to construction!
M: Is there a specific area within construction that you like the most?
T: Yes, buildings!
M: What do you need to make this happen?
T: I want to work! But my Dutch is not perfect, so they have to know that! And in the meantime, I will continue my Dutch and get to the C1 level. That will help me integrate better and work more effectively in the industry.
Get in Touch
Wil je meer weten over Plan Einstein (Explore Your Future) of over Tarek – neem contact op met Andrea.
Gerelateerd nieuws
