Month: November 2022

As the UAE celebrates its 51st National Day, we asked DataFlow applicants and healthcare professionals about their experience working as an expatriate in the UAE.

With one of the best healthcare systems in the world, the UAE has acted as a platform of success for their personal and professional lives. Hear what 3 of our DataFlow applicants had to say about what the UAE means to them:

• Dr. Tooba Rizwi – GP
• Nina Lopez – Dental Nurse
• Dr. Ahmed El-Damen – Senior Clinical Embryologist

 

Pakistani General Physician, Dr. Tooba Rizwi – Saudi German Group

7 + years in the UAE

1. Hi Dr. Rizwi 👋 What prompted you to move to the UAE?

I chose UAE because of the easy visa application process. There are multiple opportunities for doctors and healthcare workers.

Personally, one of the biggest personal advantages of living in UAE is that being a mother of two kids. I feel satisfied raising them in an Islamic environment. This country has provided all the basic necessities and security required to lead a happy and luxurious life.

2. How does the UAE’s healthcare environment differ from your home country?

I worked for many years in my home country too. The difference, when I compare that to working in the UAE, is that we get exposure to multiple nationalities. We get more professional experience. Also, the policies, rules, and regulations here are much stronger and more authentic.

3. Would you recommend a healthcare career in UAE? Why?

I highly encourage all my colleagues and friends back home to apply for healthcare opportunities here in the UAE. There are so many long-term benefits. An excellent living environment, better salary packages, etc. One of the biggest benefits I received from the UAE government was that I got my golden visa for 10 years and I have sponsored my family too. So, I can say that my future as a healthcare worker is safe here.

4. What were some of the documentation/requirements needed to start a healthcare profession in the UAE?

One of the most important steps we need to take before making the big move is that we need to get our documents attested—all our educational degrees, work experience letters, internship certificates, etc. And I used the DataFlow Group’s services for this process.

I must say that after God, I am thankful to UAE for my progress. I’m blessed to have received the Golden Visa over here. My kids are studying here in a safe environment according to the Muslim culture. UAE is the greatest place to live life; invite your families and enjoy quality time with them.

Filipino Dental Nurse, Nina Lopez – Dubai Health Authority

11+ years in the UAE

1. Hi Nina 👋 What prompted you to move to the UAE?

Back in 2010, I heard that UAE has a booming healthcare industry, so I moved here and started applying for jobs. I actually walked into clinics and handed over my CV in order to try my luck. The first job I got was at a dental clinic near my place and I’ve never looked back ever since.

2. What were some of the documentation/requirements needed to start a healthcare profession in the UAE?

I got to know through friends that before applying for jobs, I have to get my documents verified and I have to pass the DHA licensure exam for a hundred percent hiring rate. All employers look for healthcare professionals with a valid DHA license, so I made sure to pass my exam before starting a job.

I used the DataFlow Group’s services to verify my certificate of employment and my educational credentials and I still remember that my university registrar contacted me and told me that they received a call overseas from DataFlow, verifying if I’m a graduate in that.

3. What does the UAE mean to you?

I came here when I was 23 and then fast forward 11 years, today, I know the UAE more than my home country! I am very comfortable living here. I feel very safe and very secure.

Would you recommend a healthcare career in UAE? Why?

Firstly, it’s the tax-free salary, and secondly, it’s so exciting to live in one of the most advanced and innovative countries in the world. We have some of the top healthcare technologies in the world.

I’ve got to work with diverse colleagues and diverse people. So I’ve got to know new cultures and beliefs. UAE will always be my second home!

Egyptian Senior Clinical Embryologist, Dr. Ahmed El-Damen – ART Fertility Clinics

4+ years in the UAE

1. Hi Dr. El-Damen 👋 What prompted you to choose a career as an embryologist?

I’m a senior clinical embryologist, which means I’m technically a scientist. I am originally a biologist and back in the late nineties when I joined college, it was very fascinating to imagine that you could observe the human embryo under a microscope as it grows. I always dreamed to be a part of such sophisticated biological science.

Once I graduated, I searched for some clinics and started applying for jobs online. I had to wait quite a bit until I finally got accepted in one of the training sessions and that’s when my professional journey started.

I encourage everyone with a biological background and an interest in studying the embryo to step into this field as it grows by leaps and bounds.

2. How has the atmosphere in the UAE helped you grow professionally?

UAE is one of the most culturally diverse counties in the world. There are so many nationalities co-living peacefully. It is also extremely technologically advanced. We have the most advanced levels of science and technology available at our fingertips to help with our clinical research.

I applied for jobs via LinkedIn and once I got the job offer, I sent all my documents to get verified through DataFlow for a DHA exam. I went through the official process of being certified by the Dubai Health Authority. And after passing my exam, I had the license to come and start practicing in Dubai.

3. What does the UAE mean to you?

I’m really blessed to be living and working in the UAE. I cannot imagine a life better than this. It’s very satisfying. We have a peaceful life and I always wish for a better and more beautiful future for the UAE.

We’d like to thank our applicants for sharing their journeys and personal stories with us for UAE National Day 2022.

DataFlow’s VIP Virtual Assistance Service is a premium service for those who wish to efficiently expedite their application for a Primary Source Verification (PSV) report. The service comes with a dedicated relationship manager to help you submit and process your PSV application online.

How the VIP Virtual Assistance Service Works

Once you make the service payment, a relationship manager will be assigned to you. Their job will be to help you with your PSV application as you wish. You have several options.

You can choose to participate in the PSV application process or send your documents to the relationship manager to apply on your behalf.

If you choose to participate in the process, your assigned relationship manager will guide you through the entire application process. They will guide you on which documents to submit for verification and the packages to select. They will also help you download your PSV report and upload it to your regulator if you wish.

Benefits of the VIP Virtual Assistance Service

Some of the benefits of using DataFlow’s VIP Virtual Assistance service include:

1. Efficiency

The service guarantees expert guidance and assistance from qualified relationship managers. The individuals ensure your application is complete and correct before submission. They ensure there are no delays to your application, which may be caused by errors or missing information.

The service ensures you no longer have to rely on unreliable third parties or unauthorized typing centers to process and submit your PSV application.

2. Convenience

Convenience is the order of the day when you choose to use DataFlow’s VIP Virtual Assistance service for Primary Source Verification. The service allows you to select the best date and time to get assistance and

guidance from your relationship manager. You also get to choose how to communicate with them.

Another plus is that you can choose to participate in the PSV application process or let your assigned relationship manager handle the entire process on your behalf. All you will have to do is send your documents to them to submit for verification.

3. Expedited application

As soon as you make the service payment, depending on your appointment date and time, you’ll get quick PSV application assistance and guidance. Throughout your application, you’ll get timely assistance to hasten the process. You’ll also be kept informed of the progress.

Your application will be prioritized over regular applications. You, therefore, don’t have to wait like other PSV applicants to get your PSV report and submit it to the required authority.

How to Use the VIP Virtual Assistance Service

1. To use DataFlow’s VIP Virtual Assistance service, you’ll first go to https://www.dataflowgroup.com/vip/ and click on “Book your slot today.”
2. Once you’ve confirmed the date and time, on the tab that appears next, fill in the required information, pay the fee, and click “Schedule event” at the bottom of the page.
3. As soon as the payment has been received, a relationship manager will be assigned to contact you on the way forward.

Conclusion

DataFlow’s VIP Virtual Assistance service helps ease the process of getting a PSV report from DataFlow.

The service will have you benefiting from a relationship manager who will ensure you don’t struggle while applying for Primary Source Verification.

Among the services, benefits are convenience, efficiency, and expedited application process. Expert guidance from qualified relationship managers will ensure your application is complete and correct before submission.

You get to choose the date and time to get application assistance from a relationship manager. Another plus is that by choosing to use DataFlow’s VIP Virtual Assistance service, your application is prioritized over regular PSV applications.

Welcome to our blog series, DataFlow Voices! In this series, we feature one-on-one interviews with our team members from around the globe. Get to know our team, learn about their experiences and find out what it’s like working at DataFlow.

Meet Michelle Ibarra, our Country Manager for the Philippines. Michelle is based in our Manila office. Michelle gives us insight into a day in her life, personal mantras, responsibilities at the DataFlow Group and something we’d never guess about Michelle!

Hi Michelle! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Michelle Ibarra and I joined DataFlow in 2015. I have over 8 years of experience in background screening, both from an Operations and Client Management orientation.  I have been part of the journey of the DataFlow Philippines office from Day 1 – from a group of 3 then to 98 employees doing end-to-end service delivery and support functions today. 

In addition to my Country Manager role, I am also part of the Audit Team, whose main responsibility is to review processes and identify areas of improvement, particularly in our engagements with our applicants.

I am a wife and a mother to an 11-year-old daughter. We have 2 dogs.

How would you describe a typical day at work?

A typical day for me starts with email catch-ups, report reviews, and throughout the day, there would be meetings to attend – I’d say the usual hustle and bustle of everyday working.  Being that interactions and collaborations get me pumped up, I am fortunate to be with a dynamic team that encourages opportunities to engage with people across the organization at all levels.

What do you value most about the DataFlow Group’s impact on our customers, clients and mission?

I am proud to be part of an organization whose offerings have a huge impact on the lives of many.

The fact that the work we do safeguards communities by ensuring that the professionals serving them have been subject to our extensive screening and are qualified to do the job is not only a testament to the value of our work, but also a reminder that we should always do our best in everything we do.

The ability to improve lives and open doors of opportunity for healthcare professionals via TrueProfile.io’s recruitment programs is also something I take with high regard. 

 

How do you think the DataFlow Group makes the world a better place?

We make the world a better place by ensuring that the professionals serving communities are qualified and competent.

What are your top tips for succeeding in your career?

Be hungry, be open and enjoy every moment of the journey! Be hungry for new things to learn. Be open and absorb the lessons each opportunity will teach you and enjoy the ride!

How do you like to begin your day?

I like to begin my day with gratitude and affirmation. I am grateful for another day just to be alive and the opportunity to serve through the work that I do and affirmation that today, I will be better than yesterday!

What’s your personal mantra and where did it originate from?

Tomorrow is never promised. This was a realization during the pandemic, actually, and it’s true!  We often put off things for another day, but the reality is tomorrow is never assured; therefore, we have to live in the moment and do everything we can do TODAY!

What is something you’re particularly proud of that you’ve achieved at DataFlow Group?

I see the full office we have today and recall how our story started almost 8 years ago – with three tables in a leased office space.  Growing the Philippines office is an achievement that would not have been possible if not for the many hardworking and dedicated people working with DataFlow Philippines.

What are your key responsibilities?

As Country Manager, I ensure compliance of the Philippines’ operations to the local statutory and regulatory requirements.  I also reach out to various agencies and organizations, both in government and the private sector, for possible partnerships and affiliations that can advance our business and promote the great work that we do.

I am also part of the Audit Team, whose main responsibility is to review processes and identify areas of improvement, particularly in how we communicate and support our applicants.

What are your thoughts on mental well-being in the workplace?

I support all advocacies around mental health and well-being because this, I believe, encompasses our core – how we think, how we feel and how we act.  Prioritizing mental health is very important as essentially everything we do is dictated by the soundness of our well-being.

How do you achieve a good work-life balance?

I am very passionate about the work that I do for DataFlow, and I love everything about my job.  This is why I hardly look at this as “work.”  Yes, there are stressful days, but I always remind myself to breathe, detach for a while and go for it again; this way, I remain in control.

As for my “balance” – my family, my reason for doing what I do – I always make it a point to spend “quality” time with them.  I am not just present, I am in the moment, and for me, this is what’s truly important.

Finally, something we’d never guess about you?

Years ago, I was part of our high school’s cheerleading squad!

Stay tuned to our DataFlow Voices blog series to hear more from DataFlow colleagues like Rafi Hattar about their career journeys, what it’s really like working at the DataFlow Group, and what they value most about their impact on our organization, customers, clients and mission.

Read about our other team members in the DataFlow Voices series:

• Tony Fargher – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Rafi Hattar – Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

On 13th November, DataFlow is celebrating World Kindness Day, which raises awareness of the importance of being kind to people, the world, and ourselves. It’s a day to multiply positive actions and contribute to building a better world in our own unique ways.

In times like these, we need to be kinder more than ever. That’s why we spoke to some of our DataFlow teammates to find out how they practice kindness towards themselves and others.

We meet DataFlow staff from the marketing, partner success, HR and sales teams who discuss everything from donating to animal shelters, meditation, practicing gratitude and their definition of what it means to be a kind person.

Stephanie Mckee – Group Head of Marketing

Hi Stephanie. What does kindness mean to you?

To me, kindness is compassion. It’s doing the right thing, even when there’s no benefit to you. Kindness can come in lots of different ways; in a work environment, this can involve being generous with your time, knowledge and ideas to help someone else.

How are you kind to yourself?
Self-care is the best way to be kind to yourself. I know that making time to do the things I love, like going to the gym, will set me up for the day ahead.

What small, simple acts of kindness can people do for one another?
I think celebrating other people’s success is hugely important, no matter how big or small the win. In day-to-day terms, simply listening to someone’s concerns or struggles can be a huge act of kindness – even if you’re not part of the resolution. I’m a believer in the idea of paying kindness forwards. If you had a manager or a friend who had an impact on your life or career simply by showing kindness, then try to exemplify that in your own relationships.

Do you volunteer or give back to your community in any way?
I’m a big advocate for kindness to animals. I donate to the Stray Dogs Center, attend their shelter dog walks and have even adopted a dog from them.

How does DataFlow spread kindness and make the world a better place?
As a company, we have so much insight into global migration, including processes, requirements and even simple things like tips for living in new countries that can make life easier. We share this knowledge with our applicants because we want them to succeed in their own careers.

Shahnawaz Hashmi – Senior Manager, Partner Success

Shahnawaz, how are you kind to yourself?

I believe that taking care of your body and staying healthy is one of the most important acts of kindness one can do for themselves. I work out regularly, meditate and believe in spirituality which has really helped.

Do you have any examples of a small act of kindness someone did for you recently (personal, work, public, etc.)? 

My colleagues surprised me with an expensive baby crib for the birth of my newborn! It was such a kind gesture. It made me feel genuinely happy and valued.

What small, simple acts of kindness can people do for one another? 

To start with, people can listen to each other. Sometimes all you need to overcome a problem is to talk to someone who listens genuinely.

Showing gratitude, giving compliments, and being respectful are other small ways in which we can make each other’s day.

 

Hind Ayache – HR Manager

Hi Hind! How do you show yourself kindness?
When I feel down and judge myself, I lie down and separate my conscious self to talk to myself in 3rd person, telling myself what my best friend would tell me in these situations. This helps boost my morale and encourages me to practice gratitude. I pat myself on the back when no one else does!

Hind, can you tell us about a small act of kindness someone did for you recently?
When I joined the DataFlow Group’s India office, the team left no stone unturned in looking after me. They made sure to order the right food for me, guided me in navigating the area, left some sweets for me, and continuously helped make my stay better.

What small, simple acts of kindness can people do for one another? 

Understand that everyone has their own battles to fight. If someone approaches you, they have gone through measures to be able to open up to you, and the least you can do is listen and show genuine care.

Khaled Darwazeh – Director of Regional Sales

Khaled, how would you define kindness? 

Kindness means sharing and giving people your respect, love and appreciation.

How are you kind to yourself, Khaled? 

I maintain an ethical and moral principle worthy to reflect on a positive reputation, which I will be judged by and make my children proud in the future.

Do you volunteer or give back to your community in any way? 

I donate to the refugees on a monthly basis.

How does DataFlow spread kindness and make the world a better place?

As a company, we always try to resolve applicant problems, even if it involves going out of the way. We reach out again and again to the universities until the verifications are secured. We never turn anyone down when they ask for help.

Interested in a career at the DataFlow Group where kindness is a permanent part of our culture? Send us your CV! We’re always interested in hearing from happy and kind individuals who are keen to develop their careers with us.