For Israa, technology has always been more than a career choice – it’s been a lifelong passion. From taking apart computers as a child to supporting Penspen’s IT systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today and even taking part in hackathons in her spare time, Israa has always been driven by curiosity.
Ahead of Saudi National Day 2025, Israa shared why she chose Penspen to build her career in the Kingdom, and why she’s so proud of the projects Team Penspen are delivering in the region.
“My curiosity for technology began long before my career – it started in childhood”
From an early age, I was fascinated by how technology could solve everyday problems in creative ways.
Growing up in an era when technology was becoming increasingly pivotal to the way we live and work, I realised there must be people out there not just making the technology, but also people making it work for the people using it day-to-day – supporting users to get the most out of their tech.
I realised that my childhood curiosity was a path I could follow as a career, and decided to study computer information systems at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Saudi Arabia. I later completed an MBA in July 2025 through the Saudi Electronic University in collaboration with Colorado State University Global, gaining a broader perspective on strategy and leadership.
During this period of my studies, I also lived in Canada for three years, studying English at the University of Saskatchewan – an experience that strengthened my language skills and appreciation for cultural diversity. I think it’s really important to immerse yourself in other ways of life to widen your perspective.
“Technology transforms a challenge into a solution”
The nature of IT and its importance to nearly every industry in the world means there’s an enormous spectrum of opportunities available, which means you can find one that really matters to you, somewhere you feel you can make an impact.
My professional journey has taken me through several industries and roles. I worked as an IT Support Engineer at Megamind IT Solutions, supporting a hospital with its healthcare information systems. I then joined Saudi Aramco as a Computer Specialist and Programmer, supporting the Information Security Analyst team on cybersecurity initiatives. I developed systems, dashboards, and a chatbot – a project that showcased how vital IT is to improving efficiency, security, and user experience. This experience marked my first step into the energy industry, and it has shaped the path I’ve followed ever since.
While I was in this role, I won the Cybersecurity Champion Award at the 2023 Aramco Cyberlympics and contributed to the department’s Cybersecurity President Excellence Award. I knew that I had found a career where I could make a real difference through innovation and systems protection.
“I’ve learned the value of working in a truly global team”
I joined Penspen in 2024 as a First Line IT Support Officer. My role involves managing IT operations in Saudi Arabia, from system administration and onsite systems to cloud platforms such as Microsoft 365, Exchange, Intune, Azure, and SharePoint, while supporting colleagues as needed.
Engineering in the modern era is reliant on computer technology, so we need to make sure our people have consistent and smooth access to the systems they need to deliver for our clients, wherever in the world they’re working from. That’s the most rewarding part of my job – seeing the immediate impact of IT support. Resolving issues quickly and improving processes so my colleagues can focus on delivering engineering projects that matter for communities and clients.
What excites me about Penspen in particular is the global impact of our work. Since joining Penspen, I’ve learned the value of working in a truly global team – sharing knowledge across regions, adapting to new technologies, and supporting colleagues in ways that make a real difference.
“I like to explore technology in new ways, but I also believe in balance”
As everybody knows, IT never stands still. There are constant new developments on the horizon, new technologies to implement, and new challenges – and sometimes threats – to adapt to. Working in IT definitely keeps you on your toes in that sense. You have to want to keep learning and immersing yourself in the tech world to be able to keep up.
Exploring technological trends is a personal interest. I particularly enjoy hackathons to push my skills in creative ways. My interest in IT goes beyond my job – it’s something I’m genuinely passionate about and always looking to learn more.
Beyond my day-to-day role, I am a mother to two wonderful daughters and a wife to a supportive husband. My parents and my family are my greatest source of motivation and joy. I love travelling and have been fortunate to explore different parts of the world, including North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Even now, it’s still important to me to branch out and experience other cultures to understand life beyond your own country. That’s given me a real love for travelling, and it’s something I hope I pass on to my daughters as they grow up.
“We’re delivering projects with global significance”
My advice to anyone considering a career in information technology or in energy in Saudi Arabia is simple: stay curious. Technology never stops evolving, and by embracing learning, you can grow your own career while making a meaningful contribution to both your own team and the Kingdom’s vision.
At Penspen Saudi Arabia, we’re delivering projects with both national and global significance, and every person in the team – from IT, to finance, to the engineers out in the field – has an important role to play.
The work we do is all about improving access to energy. It’s easy to see it as the big picture, but it’s also important to remember the value of what we do at a community level, and the difference that access to secure and sustainable energy makes to people’s day-to-day lives. That’s a mission I really believe in.
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