As part of Talpods-Jusoor Tech Talent Pipeline initiative, we highlight engineers who turn challenges into opportunities. Mohammad Khoulani, a self-taught engineer originally from Syria, exemplifies resilience and ambition.

Talpods: Mohammad, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in engineering?

Mohammad Khoulani: Sure, I originally grew up in Syria and have been living in Lebanon for seven years now. From a young age, I was always fascinated by technology. I’m a self-taught engineer, and my journey began with freelancing for non-profits, where I built informative websites. However, my professional journey before joining Talpods includes a diverse range of projects with both NGOs and private businesses in various sectors. It was a great way to develop my skills and make a difference at the same time. However, the recent regulations in Lebanon have made it challenging for Syrians like me to secure full-time positions, which led me to seek remote opportunities through Talpods.

Talpods: What has your experience been like with Talpods?

Mohammad Khoulani: Joining Talpods has been an eye-opener for me. It’s my first experience working in teams, which has significantly improved my communication skills. I’ve learned to approach problems with a 360-degree view, considering all aspects before coming up with a solution. It’s inspiring to see the impact of teamwork and to think beyond just creating informative sites. Now, I’m motivated to build more complex products and solutions through coding.

Talpods: Who inspires you in your journey, and what are your future aspirations?

Mohammad Khoulani: I look up to Salim, who has a similar background and is now a successful engineer. His journey shows that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. I’m particularly inspired by the quote, “At the end, everything will be forgotten, except for your impact on the world.” This drives me to create something meaningful, like a peer-to-peer delivery app to help immigrants send documents and other items worldwide.

Talpods: What advice would you give to someone considering the bootcamp?

Mohammad Khoulani: Be passionate about what you’re learning. The bootcamp is demanding, with 12-14 hour days. If you don’t love it, you won’t enjoy it. Embrace the challenges and be open to learning from others. My journey has taught me that perseverance and passion can overcome any obstacle.

The TalPods-Jusoor Tech Talent Pipeline is an intensive tech apprenticeship program designed to equip Syrian engineers with the skills and experience necessary to excel in the tech industry. Learn more about the program.