RefugeeForce offers refugees perspective

Philip learned to work with Salesforce and now helps others

Five years ago, Philip Gahshan fled violence in Syria. Since then, he has been trying to build an existence in the Netherlands. Through RefugeeForce, he came into contact with g-company, where he now works as a Salesforce consultant. We are curious to hear his story.

How did you come across Salesforce?

"In Syria, I took courses in business economics, project management, marketing and sales. I had my own company there. When I came to the Netherlands, the search began on how to continue my career here. I am eager to learn and open to new things. Through an advertisement I was alerted to RefugeeForce. That is an initiative to teach refugees Salesforce so that they can improve their chances in the labour market. Friends of mine were already working with Salesforce, so I already knew a bit about it. I started attending RefugeeForce meetings and that's how the ball got rolling."

And now you work at g-company?

"True. Through RefugeeForce, I came into contact with Balt Leenman. He and g-company are closely involved with that foundation. Training is important, but ultimately you learn the most in practice. Balt asked me to join g-company and I am now doing consultancy work there."

 What are your ambitions?

"As a consultant, I enjoy supporting companies in using Salesforce. Furthermore, I am preparing a master class for the new participants of RefugeeForce on behalf of the g-company foundation. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given that I now want to give something back to the new participants. Sharing knowledge and helping others is really a core value in the Salesforce community. I appreciate that immensely."

Does your future lie in the Netherlands?

"I consider the Netherlands my second home. If the situation in Syria normalises, I would like to be part of the reconstruction. Either directly or indirectly. I have no idea yet how things will turn out. The Netherlands is a land of opportunities, but it is also sometimes a lonely existence. Time will tell where my destination lies!"