To learn by doing is a mantra that guides Marwa Almessabi, a young professional at Tenaris who has become the first Emirati woman to work in industrial operations at the company.
Almessabi joined Tenaris in January 2024 as part of the Global Trainee (GT) program, which offers incoming professionals an opportunity to develop their skills through role rotations across different areas of the company.
A neophyte stepping into production and maintenance at Tenaris, Almessabi faced a steep learning curve, but one she approached all in, applying her mechatronics engineering and engineering management background. At one point, Almessabi spent over a month fully immersed in a specific process, from operating the line to taking dimensional measurements and writing work instructions. “Having the opportunity to physically do the tasks helped me learn much faster,” she said. “By working on the line myself, I developed a deep understanding of the process.”
As part of the GT program, Almessabi spent two weeks in Argentina, training and learning more about the company, its culture and vision, in what she characterizes as an eye-opening experience. “I was surprised by how big Tenaris is,” said Almessabi, who engaged with fellow peers from around the world. “Before, my world was just the premium pipe threading line in the UAE, but seeing different operations in various regions made me realize the scale of our company.”
Almessabi was able to connect with colleagues working on similar production lines in other parts of the world, sharing experiences and best practices. It was through this exchange that Almessabi discovered that a software tool her team was using also had the capability to automate a task being handled manually. “This simple adjustment has saved us so much time.”
Her training in Argentina was one of professional and personal growth, pushing Almessabi outside her comfort zone and boosting her confidence. “I was used to working with small teams. I was in a group of 40 people from different countries. It was overwhelming at first but I had to adapt,” she shared. “I had developed much strong communication skills.”
For Almessabi, another defining moment in her early career is the role she has pioneered, adding a fresh voice to Tenaris’s industrial operations in the UAE. Her advice to future generations of Emirati women considering careers in engineering or the industrial sector is to get hands-on experience. “You learn by doing. Many people prefer office jobs, but to truly understand engineering, you need to spend time on the line. Strengthen your skills and knowledge through practical experience – it will make you a more professional and capable engineer.”
Almessabi has found an environment at Tenaris where she is encouraged to explore, make mistakes and learn. “No one judges you for your mistakes here; they correct you and help you improve. That’s what makes this a great place to grow.”
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