Hello EA Community,

I'm seeking advice and support during a challenging phase in my career and life. My name is Tareq, and my journey has been shaped by growing up in Syria during the conflict. Despite the unimaginable turmoil and risks, I completed a degree in dentistry and worked in various capacities in peacebuilding and health, which, as you probably know, are crucial in the Syrian context.

In 2022, I was determined to expand my impact by pursuing an MSc in Global Health, Social Justice, and Public Policy at King's College London.
However, as a Syrian, securing sponsorship for my education was extremely difficult. Even platforms like GoFundMe were not accessible, but with perseverance and the generosity of many, I successfully crowdfunded my education through an alternative platform. I also overcame significant visa challenges to arrive in the UK and proudly completed my degree in early 2024.

Despite these achievements, I now find myself at a crossroads. My current visa allows me to stay in the UK for a bit until I find employment, but securing a job that offers visa sponsorship has proven to be extremely difficult.

I recently attended two EA events in London, where I was inspired by the exchange of ideas and the passion for impactful work. I enjoyed these experiences and would love to continue contributing to this community. I am posting here in the forum based on the recommendations of a couple of fellow EAs.

I would greatly appreciate any advice, connections, or recommendations you might have that will help me navigate through the job market. I am mainly looking for opportunities within Global Health, Conflict, Development and Policy in London, but I'm open to other sectors and moving to other destinations. I have a wide range of experiences and skills powered by academic degrees and over 80 online courses I finished in Syria. I am also a TEDx speaker and have been lecturing at UK and global universities occasionally.

For more context on my background, I am more than happy to jump on a quick call to discuss further.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I look forward to any guidance or support you can provide.

Tareq