Story

Ibrahim Shaheen, a 24-year-old from Irbid, is a shining example of how determination, combined with opportunity, and the right support can transform a young graduate into a tech professional. His journey from a university student to a Software Development Engineer at Amazon is extraordinary, marked by relentless effort, continuous learning, and an unwavering belief in his potential.

“I’ve always been captivated by the power of technology. How it can change the world, elevate communities, and open up endless possibilities. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be part of that transformation,” Ibrahim says with conviction. Little did he know that his passion for technology would lead him to a path of relentless learning, where each step would not just open doors but shatter them wide open.

In 2023, Ibrahim made a decision that would radically alter the course of his future. He took a leap of faith and enrolled in DOT Jordan’s Full Stack Web Developer programme under the Digital Skills for a Better Future programme, supported by UNICEF. “The knowledge I absorbed was transformative,” he explains. “The training wasn’t just theoretical; it was practical, applicable, and significantly accelerated my skill development.” 

In Jordan, where youth unemployment hovers around 40% and over 100,000 young people enter the job market each year, many graduates struggle to secure their first job. Ibrahim recognised the challenge but didn’t get discouraged. Instead, he understood that a degree alone wasn’t enough. To stand out in such a competitive market, he needed specialised skills, and this led him to the AWS re/Start programme. Through innovative programmes like AWS re/Start, DOT Jordan empowers young people to bridge the skills gap and boost their employability.

In 2024 and before Ibrahim’s graduation, he heard about the AWS re/Start programme and this resonated deeply with him. He understood the profound impact this globally recognised certification could have on his career prospects. “This wasn’t just another training programme,” Ibrahim emphasises. “It was a game-changer for me; it was a strategic investment in my future, a chance to gain a competitive edge in the demanding tech industry” Ibrahim successfully passed the entrance exam, securing his place in the intensive three-month training.

“The programme was challenging and required a lot of dedication and focus,” Ibrahim recalls. “However, it was also very well structured, with continuous support to ensure maximum benefit. We started with the fundamentals, like learning basic Python programming, and gradually progressed to more advanced topics, covering networks and databases in the same manner. This step-by-step approach made the training accessible to everyone, regardless of prior experience, and made the whole process incredibly rewarding.”

Ibrahim completed the AWS re/Start training in April 2024, and he graduated from university in June 2024. Just one month after graduating, Ibrahim began his job search on LinkedIn. He was surprised to find a vacancy at Amazon. Despite the job requirements specifying at least one year of experience, he decided to apply, recognising it as an invaluable opportunity and confident that his training could compensate for his lack of practical experience. He applied for the role and, days later, received a link to an online coding test, Ibrahim Stated “I knew this was my moment. I believed in my skills, in what I had learnt, and most importantly, in my ability to adapt and thrive.” Shortly after, he received an email from Amazon informing him that he had been selected for a human resources interview, followed by three technical interviews. Ibrahim states. “These interviews focused on the skills I had acquired during my training journey with DOT Jordan. He proudly said, “Thanks to God, I was accepted, and on July 22, 2024, I started my first day as a Software Development Engineer at Amazon.”

Today, Ibrahim, a young graduate, a Software Development Engineer at Amazon, is an embodiment of what young people can achieve when they invest in themselves and take bold steps towards their dreams.

His message to young people is one of unwavering encouragement “Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—create them. Believe in your potential, invest in your skills, and never stop learning. The road may be tough, but the reward is worth every step.”