An Adventure at the Forum GENI Entreprises Career Fair
A picture of me at the career fair, taken by my friend Safaa Assebbane.
Oh boy, where do I even start? You know that feeling when you’re absolutely EXHAUSTED, but at the same time, you’re buzzing with excitement like a coffee machine that’s brewing its 5th espresso of the day? That, my friends, was me at my very first official career fair: “the 20th edition of Forum GENI Entreprises”, hosted by three prestigious schools of Rabat (ENSIAS, INPT, and INSEA). I was there wearing my “official” ENSIASmag interviewer badge (which, I assure you, I wore metaphorically and literally but with all the pride in the world). Two whirlwind days of pure, unfiltered madness... and, oh, it was worth it!
Now, this event was a networking extravaganza, a career circus (in the best way possible) where ambitious students (and graduates) mingled with professionals, HRs, and even some seriously impressive CEOs. Picture this: It’s like speed dating but instead of love, you're looking for internships, PFEs, PFAs, job offers, and career advice. I think I talked to more people in those two days than I have in a month! I lost track of how many interviews I conducted. There were some “nays” there (and that's okay!), but so many “yays”! And what a pleasure it’s been to talk with them!
Oh my, and let me tell you about the 'Table Ronde' (yep, it sounds fancy because it *was* fancy). It focused on how Moroccan youth can innovate while embracing their identity in our big, globalized world. I was scribbling notes like a madperson. Not just for myself, not just for ENSIASmag, but because it was so. freaking. interesting. I loved it. Every. Single. Second. And guess what? The whole time I’m sitting there in the zone, eyes glued to the speakers, a photographer comes up to me and asks for a photo! (Internally, I’m like, “Wait, me?”). It’s the SECOND time I’ve been snapped looking serious and focused at an event; Moroccan World News featured me once too! I'm starting to think my career may have a surprising photogenic side I never knew about. I even became a mini-celeb among my ENSIASmag clubmates, who shared a good laugh with me about it. Who knew?
A picture of me taken by Morocco World News photographer.
But back to the juicy part. I had the privilege (seriously, what a privilege!) to interview some incredible company reps, HR managers, engineers, and, you guessed it, some people so cool I was borderline starstruck. One such interview was with none other than Fouzia Azmi, notorious business speaker and CEO of Zia COMM and host of the podcast MRA o GADDA (if you're into podcasts, please go listen—it's honestly my cup of tea.). And, in a total dream come true, I also got to hear her in action during the Table Ronde! Alongside her were Nizar Berdai (CEO of WeMash Digital), Samira Ahourar (CEO of Digitakal), and Karima Tounsi (fabulous moderator and university professor). It was like being in a masterclass on entrepreneurship and innovation in Morocco.
Let me tell you, the discussions were engaging and thought-provoking. We explored how we, as young Moroccans, can carve out spaces to innovate, thrive, and succeed without losing sight of who we are. And trust me, they didn’t just skim the surface; they dived deep. I was sitting there, heart racing, taking mental (and written) snapshots of every brilliant thing they said. I’ll definitely be summarizing their ideas in a follow-up post (so if you’re curious, stick around for that!).
Of course, I can’t forget the other rockstars of the event: the amazing organizing committee. Hats off to them for pulling off such a well-coordinated and impactful event. It was big. It was bold. It was the career fair of dreams! And to all the wonderful students and graduates who traveled from all corners of Morocco to attend. I see you, and you made this event all the more special. <3
Looking back, those two days were grueling. My feet still ache from all the walking, my voice was practically gone from all the talking, but my heart? Oh, it’s full. Full of gratitude for the experience, the connections made, and the conversations had. Full of ideas and inspiration about where my career might take me. I learned so much, in such a short time. It was like drinking from a fire hose, but in the best, most fulfilling way.
And before I go, I have to give a shout-out to Safaa Assebbane, my dear friend and the most talented photographer I know, who captured the moments that words can’t quite do justice. That photo of me will forever be a reminder of this crazy, exhausting, fantastic experience.
So, here's to career fairs that leave you exhausted but exhilarated. Here’s to the conversations that change you, even in small ways. And here’s to the next edition; I’m already looking forward to it!
Until then, I’ll be over here, writing that summary of the Table Ronde. Catch you soon!
ENSIASmag, lfo9 lfo9