December - Employee Spotlight: Murtadha Al Shaikhli

Murtadha Al Shaikhli came to the United States from Iraq in January 2018 eager to find work that would fit his civil engineering background. When he started looking for work in Columbus, however, he says “I realized it was a different procedure” in America. “Here, it’s all about networking.” Al Shaikhli was motivated, however, working with CRIS employment counselor Chris Hogg to create an American-style resume, make a LinkedIn profile, apply for jobs, and connect with other Iraqi engineers in the area. Within a few months, he had attended job fairs, gone on several interviews, and earned two US certifications to increase the marketability of his international education. In May, Al Shaikhli accepted a job with structural engineering firm SMBH as a building information modeling specialist.

“I like it too much” Al Shaikhli said about his work. He enjoys the flexible schedule and relaxed environment SMBH offers, along with the weekly office social gatherings, like golf outings and barbeques. It hasn’t all been easy though. “I have to work hard to prove myself. It’s new standards, new language, new work.” Al Shaikhli was recently promoted to projects coordinator and plans to keep the upward momentum going. He is currently working to have his engineering degree recertified so that he can officially work as an engineer in the United States and is planning to pursue a construction management certificate from Columbus State Community College. Al Shaikhli still frequently drops by the CRIS offices just to say hi and has become a resource for newly arrived Iraqi immigrants.