Becoming a Director of OPS: Abby Hamdan
By Iesha Ismail, Content Coordinator at MWP
When we start our careers, many have the goal in mind to climb the ranks. But especially as MWPs, it can be difficult to know where to begin in that pursuit, especially when it comes to different fields.
That’s why in this spotlight of our “How She Got There” series, we speak with our own Head of Operations at MWP and Director of Operations at a Behavioral Health company, Abby Hamdan.
After graduating with her BA in Psychology, Abby entered the counseling field and worked diligently to rise through the ranks to become a Director of Operations. Abby shares what it means to be in a leadership role, her work as Director of Operations, and the advice she’d give to MWPs who want to pursue a similar path.
1.What field did you start in, and what field are you in now?
I am currently the Director of Operations at a Behavioral Health company that provides care for those struggling with Eating Disorders.
I have been with the company for over a decade now, starting as a counselor working directly with patients in the field.
Over time, I was able to take on more responsibilities and eventually worked my way up to my current role. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I am proud to be a part of such an important mission.
2. Did you always know you wanted to be in a leadership role? What were the biggest challenges or the skills most necessary to work your way up?
Being the eldest of four children, it has always been in my nature to take on a leadership role. I never really thought of it as a career choice, but more of a responsibility that came with being the oldest sibling.
As I grew older and started working, I realized that I had a natural ability to lead and inspire others.
The biggest challenge for me was learning how to balance my own goals and ambitions with the needs of my team. It takes a lot of self-awareness and empathy to be an effective leader, and I'm constantly working on improving those skills. I think the most important qualities for a leader are integrity, courage, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
3.What’s the most rewarding part of your profession?
The most rewarding part of my profession is knowing that I have an indirect impact on a patient's care.
Even though I am no longer seeing patients daily, I am still contributing from the Operations side of the eating disorder treatment process. I bring my direct patient experience with me to every project I work on, which helps me to better produce solutions for the treatment experience as a whole.
It feels like a win to know that I can still make a difference in someone's life.
4.What are the best first tools/resources to start in this field or start advancing up the career ladder?
When starting out in a new field, it's important to have the right tools and resources at your disposal.
One helpful resource to consider is finding a mentor. Additionally, online courses, industry-specific books, and networking events can also provide valuable knowledge and skills that are essential for success in your chosen field.
It's important to be open to learning and asking questions, regardless of your job title or level of experience. This mindset will help you continue to grow and improve in your career.
With dedication and the right tools, you can achieve great things in any field.
5.What does your day to day look like as a Director of Operations?
My typical day as a Director of Operations involves working on various projects that are aimed at improving the overall efficiency of our organization.
I constantly strive to streamline processes and eliminate any bottlenecks that may be hindering our productivity.
Additionally, I attend numerous meetings throughout the day to stay in the loop on the progress of each project and to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
It's a busy and challenging role, but I find it incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that our efforts have on patient care.
6.Any advice you’d give MWPs who want to work in a similar role?
My best advice would be to write your own job description. Figure out what your strengths are and what tasks you enjoy doing the most. That way, you can pursue a career that aligns with your passions and skills.
Ultimately, you should do what makes you happy — it's the best way to ensure you'll be successful and fulfilled in your work.
So how did ABBY get here?
Abby studied in a field she was passionate about, but witnessed the administrative realm of it and realized how well it meshed with her natural strengths. She then took on responsibilities in the administrative role, honed her skillset over time, and was patient in growing until she was ready to take on a Director role.
It’s a process many of us go through in our career journeys, but we hope the insight Abby’s shared sheds light on how you can achieve this goal with the right diligence and patience.
If you’d like to connect with Abby to learn more about her journey, go here to check her out.
Stay tuned for more career advice from the MWP team in industries from tech to accounting to healthcare and more!
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