Fawaz Almejlad is a participant in the HEC Paris Specialised Master’s in Strategic Business Unit Management (SBUM) Executive Degree programme 2019, cohort 1.
In his professional role, Fawaz is an LNG marketer at Qatargas, a major global producer of Liquified Natural Gas. Fawaz is responsible for establishing and maintaining business relationships with potential clients and LNG buyers.
Question:  Could you please tell us about your background and professional experience?
Answer: I graduated from Colorado University in the US, with a degree in Business Administration in 2013 and started my career at Qatargas in 2014, in the Marketing Department.
Q:Why did you choose HEC Paris in Qatar?
A:Being in full-time employment, when deciding to further my learning journey it was imperative that I found an executive programme with the flexibility that afforded me the possibility to work and study in tandem. We are extremely fortunate to have such a world-renowned executive education provider as HEC Paris in our home country, which offers the flexibility in its executive degree programmes that I desired. Given HEC Paris’ reputation for education excellence it was an obvious choice for me.
Q:Why did you choose to enrol in the Specialised Master in SBUM?
A:The oil and gas sector is extremely competitive and, as a result, there is also a competitive environment in my workplace, which is balanced by a strong team philosophy. A Specialised Master’s in Business Unit Management will help give me a competitive advantage over my colleagues and fellow industry professional. Studying for a Specialised Master’s has equipped me with necessary skills to take an entrepreneurial approach to leadership, develop and implement successful strategies and manage change. All of which will enable me to efficiently manage a team.
Q:What are the skills that the Specialised Master helped you improve?
A:I have developed and enhanced a range of skills during my learning journey in the SBUM. Most notably, the classroom lectures in leadership and communication have significantly helped to improve my skills in those areas and I’m thankful for HEC Paris’ faculty of global experts.
Q:How do you expect to benefit from the HEC Paris Specialised Master?
A:I expect two major outcomes from participation in the Specialised Master’s. First, I expect to grow my network through introductions to some of the most professional people in Qatar and through opportunities afforded by the renowned HEC Paris Alumni network, which has the most members in CEO positions than any other alumni network. Secondly, networking and knowledge sharing with some of the brightest minds in business and learning from world-renowned experts, I expect to gain insights on important subjects that will give me better understanding of any business.
Q:What are your career plans for the future?
A:My career goal is to develop a deep understanding of the oil and gas industry and climb the career ladder to reach executive level in one of the most prestigious companies in Qatar. I believe my participation in the HEC Paris Specialised Master is the best opportunity to meet my career goals.
Q:So far what has been your favourite module in the programme? Why?
A:All the modules in the programme are beneficial, but I particularly found the marketing strategy module fascinating and tremendously useful for my current role and where I want to take my career. This module gave me a better understanding of the market movement mechanism, which will help me to understand why those changes happened.
Q:Words of wisdom/tips for those participants who will enrol?
A:HEC Paris will not only will expose you to knowledge, it will give an amazing opportunity to build your network. My advice is to get to know your classmates and use their expertise. Also work very hard to excel in learning and career by paying attention and participation. I wish my HEC Paris fellows all luck and success in their studies and careers.
Q:How do you manage to keep a work/ study/ life balance during the programme?
A:It is not the easiest thing to balance work, study and family effectively. However, if you want to continue your learning journey, which I believe all professionals should, you have to make certain sacrifices and compromises to further your career. I had to compromise on spending some quality time with my family and used up my annual leave to attend the course. However, it is a small sacrifice that I believe will benefit my career and personal life. I managed my time by estimating how much time I need to work and study and I tried to stick to a schedule. I am blessed with a family that is very understanding and they are patient. They know that this will be temporary and they are willing to wait and see me succeed in my education journey.
Q:Any info you would like to add?
A:Thank you very much for the opportunity given for me to express my appreciation and share my story with everyone.

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