Rakan Jandali
I’m originally from Syria but have lived in Dubai for the past 14 years, while working my way up the ranks at KCA International. I started my career there as a junior designer and now I’m a design associate. One day, I hope to start my own business, which is why a program focused specifically on business for architecture and design appealed to me so much.
"What I like the most about the program is how much you can learn about how you start, strategically run and market a business. I’ve always had an idea but it’s actually completely different—there’s a science behind it."
Pursuing a vision for the future
Rakan came to IE University with the ambition to further develop the company where he currently works and gain insights for the future where he’ll start his own firm. The program has taught him a lot about planning and how to strategically run and market a business and although he always had a basic idea, he now realizes there is a lot that goes on behind-the-scenes.
“What I like the most about the program is how much you can learn about how you start, strategically run and market a business. I’ve always had an idea but it’s actually completely different—there’s a science behind it.”
He began his career at a young age and invested in his education to climb the ranks up to design associate. He carries a “never stop learning” philosophy with him and promotes investing in your career through education.
His experience so far has been very rewarding and he’s looking forward to learning more about the technical side of architectural business, including finance. He’s also looking forward to taking part in the Venture Lab, where he and his team will turn their idea into a reality.
Rakan’s Venture Lab team includes three other professionals, and their diverse backgrounds make for a dynamic team with different insights to offer at every stage. Rakan likes the idea of creating something from nothing in this project and would consider pursuing the business idea with the team after the program.
While Rakan has no side projects at the moment and is channeling his efforts into the program, the insights he’s gaining are helping him think about the future and make a decision on what to pursue. He’s also working on his leadership skills to effectively run a business and is cultivating his entrepreneurial mindset. Rakan hopes to nurture his ability to turn problems into opportunities throughout the rest of the program and his career.