Case studies : Quality Compliance Executive: Tina Barakat

Tina Barakat joined Averda on their Academy Program in 2010.

When I first learned about Averda's academy program, I found the idea to be very original and new. I had never heard of something similar, and especially not in Lebanon. This is when I decided to apply and was admitted after, I must admit, a very tough and yet very challenging assessment center. Two long days of total focus… it wasn't easy to pass but it sure taught me a lot!

The academy adventure started with three months of training about the waste management industry, including projects and presentations. It felt pretty much like a graduate program but with a more practical touch. The projects allowed us to work in groups with people of different nationalities, from different cultures and with difference personalities. This period was very enriching because it allowed me to work in a new multicultural environment and taught me how to deal with others in situations of 'conflict'.

After that, we were each allocated to our new positions. I was lucky to move around different projects and departments. At first, I started working with a team of 8 persons on a new initiative for Averda. I got to do more research about the industry and learned more about project management, risk management, etc. I then worked in the internal audit department and this is where it really got practical. I was assigned to different audits in Lebanon and our companies in the GCC region. I got to learn more about our operations and acquired auditing skills and competencies.

At the beginning of 2012, I started working with the Quality Compliance department and I am involved in the development of policies and procedures conducting ISO and Health and Safety audits. Many more interesting and challenging projects are to come.

Our day-to-day jobs are positively 'interrupted' by our monthly leadership training. The latter is part of our development program as academy recruits. It is like an enriching two-day getaway from what we ordinarily do, and a self development opportunity.

The training has covered different leadership subjects such as powerful conversations, creative thinking and innovation and driving customer value. This part has also been interesting and has allowed us to acquire new tools and develop our leadership skills in order to be the change averda and we want to be.