From Lebanon to Australia: Haitham's New Beginning at Deloitte
Haitham (left) with TBB Australia Co-Director Louna Ghawi (right)
In a world where the term 'refugee' often carries preconceived notions and stereotypes, people like Haitham remind us of the untapped potential within refugee communities. Recently, TBB had the privilege of sitting down with Haitham, a Palestinian who grew up in Lebanon as a refugee, to discuss his inspiring journey to Australia and his new role at Deloitte.
A Leap of Faith
Haitham’s story began in Lebanon, where he carved a path for himself in accounting despite the limitations imposed by his refugee status. He completed his education at the Lebanese American University on a scholarship and started his career in 2010. Haitham worked for prestigious firms such as Deloitte and PWC in Lebanon, showcasing a knack for accounting. However, his aspirations were continually curtailed by the restrictions that came with his refugee status, inhibiting his ability to grow in his profession, limiting his opportunities, and restricting his professional growth.
“You are not allowed in so many professions in Lebanon,” Haitham says. There are a lot of limitations that come your way. There are also a lot of limitations to travel—if there’s an international opportunity, I didn’t have a chance to access these given my refugee status.”
The Talent Catalog: A Gateway to a New Beginning
A friend’s suggestion to register with Talent Beyond Boundaries was the nudge Haitham needed to embark on a journey that would drastically alter the course of his life. Within weeks of submitting his application, a member of TBB guided him through the steps required to elevate his Talent Catalog profile. Haitham’s resume was actively put forward for several accounting roles in Australia and Canada.
Despite initial delays due to COVID-19, TBB connected with Haitham in 2022 for an opportunity to apply for a position at Deloitte Australia. Haitham’s experience and preparation shone through during his interviews with Deloitte, and he credits TBB for arranging a preparatory session to demystify the interview process.
The moment Haitham received his job offer was surreal, a mix of joy and disbelief. It was the first step toward realizing his dreams of a stable career and a testament to Haitham’s unmatched expertise and TBB’s commitment to breaking the barriers between talent and opportunity.
Haitham chats with Louna about his new life in Australia.
Settling in Australia
Upon arriving in Australia, Haitham found a supportive environment at Deloitte. The firm assigned him a buddy and a coach, easing his transition into the new role and culture. His work as a senior analyst is dynamic, client-facing, and ever-changing, reflecting the diversity and challenge he sought in his career.
“Every day brings new challenges. One day, you’re with a client; another day, you’re meeting with a partner, and other days, you’re presenting in front of the board of directors,” Haitham shared. “It’s a very versatile experience.”
Looking Forward
As Haitham moves towards his new life, he is focused on settling in and advancing his career at Deloitte. He dreams of visiting his family back home and eventually starting one of his own in Australia. His journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of opportunity.
Haitham's story is more than an individual success; it's a testament to the potential within refugee communities worldwide. Talent knows no boundaries, and with some support, individuals like Haitham can rebuild their lives and enrich the societies that welcome them.
His message to Australian employers is clear: assess candidates' merits, skills, and experience, and don’t get hung up on someone’s refugee background.
And to others facing similar circumstances, Haitham advises that “preparation is key. It’s worth knowing the special skill set that an employer is looking for.”