Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1136395
GLOBAL Page 10 GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT: Fatimah Khalaf Al-Buainain, OSP, SCE First Saudi Arabian National Female to Earn the BICSI OSP Credential In December 2018 Fatimah Khalaf Al-Buainain became the first Saudi Arabian national female to receive the prestigious BICSI Outside Plant™ (OSP™) Designer credential. This designation is awarded to individuals who pass a rigorous exam demonstrating their ability to correctly plan, develop, manage and supervise OSP projects safely and effectively. Recognized worldwide, this is a highly desired credential that builds confidence with your clients. Fatimah is a Communication Designer at SLFE-SNC Lavalin Fayez Engineer- ing in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. As a professional woman and a new mom, Fatimah wants to encourage others, both male and female, to work hard to achieve their goals, and to never give up. Here's what she had to say about her credentialing experience. Q: Fatimah, you are an inspiration to women, most especially in Saudi Arabia. What does earning the BICSI OSP credential mean to you personally? A: Actually, it is a big milestone that will open the door to a bright career ahead. The OSP industry is a male-dominated field, so I am proud to be the first female Arab national to receive the BICSI OSP credential. Q: What motivated you to earn this credential? A: Improving my knowledge in my career, as per project requirement (about 90% of my company projects involve OSP design work). It is rare to hold this credential in my country. Q: How do you believe earning the OSP credential will affect your career? How has your organization supported you and responded to this accomplishment? A: At my company I am involved in the USUS program, a development and incentive program aimed at helping high-potential Saudi individuals improve their work and career level. This program gave me the opportunity to attend BICSI OSP courses in the United States, which assisted me in obtaining this credential. Q: With the recent developments in equality for women in Saudi Arabia, how do you think your achievement of earning the OSP credential makes a difference? A: Outside plant is a male-dominated field, so this is a big achievement for me and for all women in my country. Q: Did you have any setbacks working to achieve this credential, and if so, how did you overcome them? A: I failed three times, but I didn't stop or give up—I continued until I passed the BICSI OSP exam on the fourth attempt in December 2018. Q: What is your advice to others seeking to earn the BICSI OSP credential? A: To read the Outside Plant Design Reference Manual and keep asking questions and seeking answers to fully understand. Attend training courses, if possible, so you can gain knowledge from professional instructors and trainees, who each offer different experiences. Q: What do you say to women looking to build a career in the ICT industry? A: Go ahead—focus on learning, practicing and seeking the answers to gain full knowledge of the OSP field. Q: Now that you've earned the OSP credential, what is your next goal? A: Improve my knowledge in OSP design and support others seeking to earn the BICSI OSP credential. Congratulations, Fatimah! We know you will inspire others and we wish you continued success.