Beyond a Degree: Layal Shakir on Language, Leadership, and Navigating Unconventional Career Paths

As part of the Investment in Women’s Leadership and English Language Excellence project—funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs—students at the Catholic University in Erbil had the opportunity to attend an inspiring session titled “Beyond a Degree,” presented by Ms. Layal Shakir, a rising professional currently serving at the British (UK) Consulate.With authenticity and insight, Layla recounted her journey from a background in Medical Laboratory Sciences to careers in media, journalism, and ultimately, diplomacy. Her message was clear: a degree may start your story, but it doesn’t have to define it.

Defining a Career on Her Own Terms

Layla’s early steps included working in broadcast media at Rudaw, where she honed skills in communication, storytelling, and public engagement. What truly opened doors, however, was her ability to speak four languages—a skill she credits with giving her access to diverse and international spaces.
“Language isn’t just a tool; it’s a bridge to opportunity,” she told students. “It gave me the confidence to enter rooms I might have thought were out of reach.”

From journalism to diplomacy, Layla’s career has been shaped less by linear progression and more by strategic pivoting, adaptability, and continuous learning.

The Realities of Working Young—and Female

Now 27, Layla reflected on the challenges of working in sensitive political and diplomatic environments, often among older, more experienced colleagues. She spoke candidly about the pressures of balancing work and study, launching a small business during the COVID-19 pandemic, and asserting herself in male-dominated spaces.

“You’ll often feel like you need to prove yourself twice as hard. But your work, your voice, and your vision are enough.”
Her story resonated with students grappling with self-doubt and uncertainty about their future paths—especially those questioning whether their degrees align with their passions.

Key Takeaways

• Your degree is a starting point, not a limit: Career growth depends more on skills, passion, and mindset than on academic specialization.
  
• Language is power: Multilingualism opens unexpected doors in global careers.
  
• Confidence and adaptability matter: Career pivots are valid—and sometimes necessary.
  
• Age is not a barrier: Young professionals, including women, can lead and thrive in high-stakes fields like diplomacy.
  
• Resilience is essential: Navigating unconventional paths takes courage, but it often leads to deeper fulfillment.

Looking Forward

Layal Shakir’s session was more than a personal narrative—it was a challenge to rethink traditional career trajectories and to embrace the fluidity of modern professional life. Her story offered a model of how young women can lead with integrity and purpose, even in spaces where they are underrepresented.

As the seminar concluded, one message stood out clearly: Build your identity beyond your title, and don’t wait for permission to pursue what drives you.