Session: 2019 - 2020
My name is Abdulrhman Al-Shalal S, I am 33 years old, I was born and raised in Bagdad, Iraq. In 2013, I graduated “Computer Science”, at the Alrafidain University College. Since then, I have worked in my home country in many areas of expertise, including the Royal Jordanian Airlines as a booking agent, I have programmed in c++ language for companies in Sulaimaniyah in northern Iraq, as well as developing and maintaining the IT system for a five-star hotel in Erbil.
In 2015 I left Iraq, traveling through east Europe until I reached Austria. Currently I live in a small village close to Leibnitz, where I learn and practice my hobby as a photographer and video creator. Since I came to Austria, my highest priority was to improve my language skills, so I proudly got my B1 German Certificate and B2 English Certificate. For about two years I did some small volunteer jobs including, IT system maintenance in a Lagerhaus in Gleinstätten, or helping my Austrian friends to create videos for their social media platforms.
Since 2019, I work at Anton Paar in Graz where I aimed to enhance my web development and Adobe software suite skills. There, I encountered many experts in diverse fields who guided me through a comprehensive learning experience. During this time, I also pursued my passion for video and photography, leading me to come up with innovative ideas to improve my social media presence, particularly on Instagram where I reached 54K followers. Nowadays, the significance of mobile devices in digital marketing strategies is undeniable as they are the primary device used by users to communicate, connect, and consume content. The same is true for videos, as a study shows that 90% of users watch videos on their mobile devices, highlighting the close relationship between videos and smartphones. Videos are highly engaging, even for the most passive buyers, and they inspire social shares due to their emotional appeal. Hence, by creating entertaining videos, we can increase shares and traffic to our website. Statistics prove that Video Ads are highly effective, enhance email campaigns, and provide the best way to connect with the audience. After completing online photography courses, I expanded my professional portfolio with portraits, special events photography, corporate identity, and content creation for various social media platforms. My recent projects include videos for several advertising campaigns in the fitness and sports industry. I am an active person and sports play a significant role in my daily routine. I have been a professional football player at Flavia Solva in Leibnitz for the past three years and recently joined the Heimschuh Football Club. After training, I often spend time with my football friends at local cafes to chat and celebrate victories. In 2020, I successfully graduated from a six-month course at Red Cross Austria, becoming a certified medical assistant for crisis situations. In this volunteer work, I provide first aid to critically ill patients and transport them to the nearest hospital for specialized treatment. Volunteering brings numerous rewards, including improved self-worth and self-esteem, a sense of purpose in life, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on others. It can even lead to the discovery of new interests or passions. In conclusion, volunteering not only benefits the recipient or the organization, but also the volunteer. Although it may not provide financial compensation, the experience itself brings a higher level of fulfillment and personal growth, making it a rewarding experience.