These experiences have reinforced something I have come to appreciate throughout my career: strong research, writing, and analytical skills are valuable far beyond academia.
The ability to understand complex information, critically evaluate evidence, develop a coherent argument, and communicate ideas clearly is relevant across academic, professional, diplomatic, and international contexts.
But perhaps the experience that has become most meaningful to me is mentoring Arab women undertaking PhDs in the UK.
Having spent almost two decades navigating the academic system myself, I understand that doing a PhD—particularly in a different country and academic culture—is about far more than conducting good research.
There are academic conventions to learn, expectations that are not always explicitly explained, and, for many international scholars, an additional layer of linguistic and cultural translation.
Over the years, I increasingly found myself being approached by Arab women scholars who wanted support with their academic writing, research, and doctoral journeys. They were looking for someone who understood not only the academic demands of a PhD, but also the cultural and linguistic challenges of navigating the UK system.
Five years ago, I decided to dedicate myself more fully to this work.