Aspire, a company based in Jordan, joined the Astek Group as a subsidiary to strengthen its global offshore delivery capabilities and accelerate its expansion in the Middle East.
Meet Ra’ed Omar: father of Judy, avid traveler, Real Madrid fan, and one of our brightest team leaders at Aspire!
Why did you choose IT?
At university, I decided to study Information Systems. Before making that decision, I actually wanted to become an architect. I ultimately chose IT because I believed it would offer better career opportunities, and I absolutely do not regret that choice.
What excites you most about your field?
I am passionate about process development and Quality Assurance (QA). I really enjoy QA and continuously learning how to improve products, processes, and services through better quality.
Why Aspire?
Aspire was my first job in the IT industry. I didn’t know much about the company before applying, but I had heard about their graduate program. I wanted to join a company where I could grow, and fortunately, I have been here for almost 8 years now.
What does your typical day look like?
I usually wake up early to play with my daughter, Judy. Before the pandemic, I sometimes arrived at the office a bit late because she didn’t want to let me go. My day always begins with the sound of her voice.
At work, I start by checking my emails and Slack. Then I catch up with my team on what happened overnight, our plan for the day, and any blockers. At 2 p.m., I begin preparing deliverables for our US-based client so that everything is ready by the time they start their day. At 5 p.m., we initiate deployments and end-of-day meetings. In the evening, I keep an eye on Slack to stay connected with my team working different shifts, then I have dinner with my family or watch a football match. I am a big Real Madrid fan.
What do you appreciate most about the company?
I appreciate many things, but the most important for me is feeling valued. I always receive verbal recognition, which is essential, and I’ve had the opportunity to benefit from several promotions over the years.
What is your favorite movie or series?
When it comes to movies, I love dramas. My favorite film is The Life of David Gale. I also like older movies; I feel that newer ones are not as good.
What do you do in your free time?
During vacations, I always try to travel. Otherwise, I watch football, eat with my family, visit relatives, and play cards with my friends (I am very good at Trex, a popular game in Jordan).
If you had to choose only one programming language for the rest of your life?
Java. I love backend development and programming in Java.
What has been your journey at Aspire?
My progression has been very positive. I started as a fresh graduate, then I was a Junior QA tester for 2 years. I then became a Senior QA, and after 7 months, I was promoted to Supervisor. A year later, I was promoted to Team Lead, which is my current position.
Something that would surprise your colleagues?
Two things: first, I am not Jordanian but Palestinian (although I grew up in Jordan). Secondly, I spent 6 months in Colombia for work between 2017 and 2019, which allowed me to learn Spanish.
If you were an animal?
A black horse. I find them powerful, intelligent, loyal, and beautiful creatures.
Something you want to do before it’s too late?
Skydiving or parachuting. I have vertigo, so I want to overcome my fear.
A memorable moment in your career?
In 2014, while I was still a junior, my team lead couldn’t travel to the United States. He gave me the opportunity to go in his place for two months because he trusted me. It meant a lot to me.
What are your ambitions for Aspire?
I want Aspire to become the largest IT services provider in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), and we are on the right track.
If a genie granted you three wishes?
- Health for my family.
- Travel to the South Pole.
- To be able to give my daughter everything she wants.
Your greatest personal and professional achievement?
- Personal: My marriage and building my family.
- Professional: My promotion to Team Lead.
What life philosophy do you follow?
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Advice for new graduates?
Work hard, especially at the beginning, to gain experience. Be passionate and ambitious: don’t focus only on salary at first, as recognition and benefits come with time and expertise.