Self-Made Individuals in the Age of NEPOTISM–(Islamic finance graduates)

I venerate those self-propelled individuals who have not ascended to their current position through the ‘plague of our age’: nepotism.

I look up to that rare breed: those who persevere in the face of nepotism to attain the highest of positions.

I salute those who were not employed or promoted due to their familial ties or connections. 

Holding their heads high, these self-made people have attained some of the highest posts in the industry, and kept hold of them in the face of flagrant cronyism. Blessed with an internal drive to propel them forward, you find them sidelining those who dissuade their journey to greatness.

What a taste to enjoy, that sweet smell of success, when it comes from people who earn it without favoritism. What a feeling to have when you ascend to a position of authority after propelling yourself past any impediment that may hinder your path.

To those self-made people who carry themselves with dignity, I respect.

However, the road is not open to all. So many gifted graduates return to their home country, only to find unemployment awaiting them – while for others, the favored few, employment is in contrast brought to their doorstep.

I was once in these shoes and I went through similar hardships – and I hope that the unemployed graduates of today can relate to my experience so they do not give up nor give in.

In spite of being equipped with three Master’s degrees, I was left stranded with no employment upon graduation. I was labeled ‘overqualified’ by our local financial institutions. In this grim reality, I felt that my professional qualifications were unappreciated. Thrown into making a reluctant compromise, I was forced to undersell myself – working for free with banks in order to obtain experience. A London-based headhunter did not believe what I was facing and started to pity me! “It seems local banks do not appreciate talent,” he said to me by phone. “Your place is with international banks.” And indeed, the headhunter’s prophecy was realized soon after that phone call.

I ended up being recruited by a globally renowned supranational banking institution under a flagship program for Islamic finance talent. My colleagues and I were competing against 700 applicants from around the globe. With a selection process based purely on merit and integrity, 12 individuals were hand-picked – and my journey began.

But the world works in mysterious ways – and after many years had passed, I began to meet and negotiate, representing my institution, those very bankers who had avoided and obstructed me when I was seeking employment. Now the local players were seeking my expertise, and offering me employment opportunities.

So in an industry desperate to succeed and with a severe shortage of talent, I say to the graduates of today: do not let yourself become disheartened and do not give up on your dreams. Merit is more important than money, and your true value will bring you the opportunities you deserve.