"My growth journey as an emerging leader at IDP!"- Areeba Aamir

“In 2021, I began my career with IDP in Dubai which presented a new and exciting market. This proved to be a positive and exciting move for me- given our supportive and collaborative environment that has become a home away from home. I found myself surrounded by outstanding team members who have fostered my growth and development. 

My journey began in the IELTS space, focusing on the European market across 8 regions. The next three years were transformative where I learned and grew to where I am today. My responsibilities now extend to the Middle East and Africa (MEA); the European Union (EU); and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) regions, encompassing not only a deeper footprint in more EU markets but also fostering connections with Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Armenia. This metamorphosis is a testament to IDP’s trust in my abilities and commitment to nurturing talent. 

IDP places a profound emphasis on professional growth of its global team members. In 2023, I was identified as an emerging leader as part of the IDP flagship mentoring program, the Maher El Bakry Emerging Leaders' Award. This unique program, spearheaded by the global leadership team, has been instrumental in shaping my leadership skills and facilitating my pursuit of a master's degree in digital marketing, a journey supported by IDP. It has been a fantastic experience gaining insights from our global leaders and team members during the program. I am eager to apply what I have learned and contribute to IDP with this newfound knowledge. 

In my current role, I am working on merging my passion for marketing with IELTS testing and operations management. While I have made some progress in this integration, I aspire to delve even deeper into aligning these interests. As I work with team from various parts of the globe, this collaborative effort brings a wealth of diversity to my professional journey, making each day fulfilling and rewarding. 

I have also recently had the opportunity to represent IDP at various prestigious events. Hosting the Awards night at the IDP IELTS Test Centre Annual Meeting in Thailand and later, the MEA, EU & CIS Awards in Egypt, has been a special highlight. Winning awards is gratifying, but celebrating the achievements of my diverse colleagues is truly fulfilling. 

Looking ahead, the future at IDP is exciting. The emphasis on innovative products, such as IELTS One Skill Retake, and the use of technology for seamless testing present numerous opportunities. The challenge lies in navigating diverse markets and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. However, the inspiration comes from knowing that these innovations genuinely benefit our customers and partner organisations. 

The dynamic nature of international education and ever-changing markets fuels my excitement for the journey ahead at IDP. As part of the IDP Maher leadership mentoring program, I look forward to applying my new learnings, aligning organizational goals with my aspirations. The prospect of influencing lives and delivering innovative products is not just a career path; it is an adventure I am ready to embrace wholeheartedly.” – Areeba Aamir, Regional IELTS Expansion & Centre Support Officer