|
Full Name: Jihan Kamel Noizet
Title: Transportation Specialist
Division/Department: Office of International Programs
Location: Washington, DC
What is your typical workday like?
My typical workday starts at 7:00 a.m. each day. I begin by combing through emails and making any necessary international calls in the morning hours because of the time difference. I manage FHWA’s involvement in both our Netherlands, and Australia bilateral programs, which are high ranking, visible, and fast paced. I am constantly in contact with my counterparts in these countries to develop and follow through activities listed on our work plans that we develop on a yearly basis. There rarely is a dull moment in my program areas. What has been your biggest accomplishment over the last year?
FHWA has had a close and productive working relationship with the Netherlands in highway transportation for quite a long time and my biggest accomplishment this past year was coordinating a high visibility international visit for the former Administrator to participate in U.S. and Dutch bilateral meetings. There were many moving parts including involvement in an Innovation Expo organized by representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. The trip was very successful, in part; due to the strong relationship has been built throughout the years.
Also, another major accomplishment is that I have hosted, facilitated and coordinated more than 25 webinars with our Australian counterparts on the topic of freight since 2009. With many travel restrictions and a limited budget, our office has been able to keep this bilateral relationship alive and thriving through technology. Prior to working at FHWA, what was the most unusual or interesting job you've ever had?
When I was in high school and college, I worked at the mall as a market researcher. Yes, I was one of those annoying people that asked if you had time for a survey. The folks I met and interviewed during this job were quite interesting, to say the least. What are your hobbies in your spare time?
In my spare time, I love spending quality time with my four children (ages 7, 5, and 2-year-old twins). We love to read, play games, puzzles, and go to performances. They keep me very busy! When I am not taking care of the kids, I enjoy going to movies, unique restaurants, and boating with my husband. What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned in your career to get you where you are today?
One of the biggest lessons that I have learned in my career is to find a mentor whom you can have open and honest communication with, and who will guide you through your journey. In addition, it is important to really appreciate a manager/ supervisor who believes in work/ life balance and a flexible work schedule for working parents. Complete this sentence: "People would be surprised if they knew..."
Most people would be surprised if they knew I always wanted to be a crime scene investigator or forensic pathologist since I was a child.
|
