Hello Aicha, tell us about yourself.
My name is Aicha Mekki, I have been working at Genexis now for 6 years, it was my first job after my studies. I did my graduation internship here and then just naturally continued into Marketing and Communications. And I never left so it’s good here.
How would you summarize what you do?
I would say that I’m doing marketing and communications in the widest sense of the field. There are a lot of aspects that come into play from events, to digital channels like LinkedIn and the website. And from content planning to creation on the texts and images, to going to tradeshows to collect industry information and support our local sales teams. Our marketing team works from the central office and supports all our sales areas and channels, so we keep busy all the time.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Honestly, I don’t think there really is a typical workday in my role, there are so many aspects to work on, so its really a challenge to balance all the activities. But for me that also is what makes my job so much fun. And if we look at the telecoms industry and marketing tools that also always keeps moving and developing so that makes my work also a moving target where things can change day to day.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like best about my job is that I never get bored, I can keep exploring, I can keep learning. So every day is just an opportunity to learn more about the business but also about yourself.
What is something you have accomplished in your work and are you extra proud of?
I learned to stand my ground in this industry. It can be quite male-dominated, maybe a little bit traditional. In the end I think it’s rewarding to find your place and still have so much fun in what you do.
What is most challenging?
The most challenging part of my role is balancing the variety of responsibilities that come with it. Marketing in the telecom industry is always evolving, and you need to stay up-to-date with new tools and trends while managing all the ongoing projects. It can be challenging to keep up with the constant movement and stay on top of everything, but that’s also part of what keeps the job exciting.
Have you had the opportunity to grow professionally since you joined?
Absolutely. I’ve had the chance to learn so much, not just about marketing and myself but also about the industry. I have grown in my role in marketing and looking forward to all the new challenges and opportunities to grow. In this journey, I have also learned a lot about myself and grown more confident in myself and my skills and knowledge.
How did you get where you are today?
When I started, I was really afraid of not knowing, not knowing what people were talking about. But when you want to learn, you learn quite fast, and everyone is trying to help you catch up. Now I’m at a place where I feel confident about working in this industry and about my own skills.
How is it to be a woman in the fiber industry?
Being a woman in the fiber industry nowadays and in the future, I think the fiber industry is really changing. We’re seeing that we need to do more and attract more diverse and new talent into the industry to keep it thriving. You find your ways and you can challenge the status quo and come up with new ideas and see things from other angles. So I think this is the place to be.
What is exciting about Genexis as a company?
Genexis is a really forward-thinking company, especially when it comes to sustainability and innovation. It’s inspiring to work in a place that’s focused on making an impact and is continually pushing for improvement. What I notice at Genexis is that the drive and actions toward for example sustainability is so actionable and real, it makes you want to contribute in anyway you can yourself.
Would you recommend others to come work at Genexis?
Yes, definitely. Genexis is a great place to work if you’re passionate about technology and want to be part of an industry that’s constantly evolving. It’s a company that values innovation and growth, both in the market and within its teams. If you’re up for a challenge and eager to learn, you’ll find a lot of opportunities here.
Do you have any tips for them?
My advice would be to stay curious and keep an open mind. The telecom industry can seem complex, but with the right attitude, you’ll pick things up quickly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and take advantage of the support around you. Everyone here is willing to help, and that’s how you’ll grow.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I’d tell myself not to worry so much about not knowing everything right away. When you’re eager to learn and willing to put in the effort, you’ll get there. Also, don’t be afraid to stand your ground and share your ideas. Just because an industry may be male-dominated or traditional doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference.
Thanks Aicha, nice to meet you!
