Rashid Aziz, Concern’s IT coordinator, began his career right after high school when he took a job as a computer lab assistant in his home country of Pakistan. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s and then a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, and take jobs with the World Bank and the Higher Education Commission in Pakistan before Concern was lucky enough to hire him in Islamabad in March 2011. 

“Helping those in need was part of my upbringing as a child, so I knew I wanted to work with Concern,” said Rashid.

Though he was building an impressive resume, Rashid says he long wanted to work at Concern, where he interned twice. His older brother worked for Concern in Islamabad and then South Sudan, and Rashid himself worked for one of Concern’s implementing partners in Islamabad, so he had the chance, he says, to observe Concern’s work and environment.

“Helping those in need was part of my upbringing as a child, so I knew I wanted to work with Concern,” said Rashid, who also used to teach computer science to underprivileged students who could not afford tuition fees. 

Rashid, Quetta-born, was transferred to the New York office in December 2013, bringing with him his wife and two young children. Everyone, he says, has adjusted to life in the US. “For my kids, it’s as if they were born here,” he said.

Monday through Friday, Rashid works long hours for Concern, but he doesn’t simply relax on his weekends. Sunday is given over fully to church work, and Saturday is all about family. 

“I interned twice for Concern before I began working for them,” he said. “This is the job I always wanted.”