Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy: Yasmeen Abdeen’s Journey

Across Saudi Arabia, Jacobs’ early-career professionals are helping to power Saudi Arabia’s energy transition and infrastructure growth, applying new ideas and technical expertise to projects that support Vision 2030.

Through our graduate development program, we’re building a community of emerging professionals who are driving innovation, collaboration and sustainable impact across the region.

In this Q&A, we meet Yasmeen Abdeen, an assistant project manager in our energy and power team. Having completed the graduate program in 2023, she shares how the experience accelerated her learning journey, inspired her passion for mentoring others and strengthened her commitment to delivering sustainable engineering solutions.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m an assistant project manager in the energy and power team in Riyadh. I graduated from the German Jordanian University with a degree in Energy Engineering and I’ve always been driven by solving complex challenges and delivering sustainable, impactful solutions.

When did you start the graduate development program, and what attracted you?

I joined the Jacobs graduate development program in 2021. What attracted me most was the culture of trust. Jacobs gives you real responsibility from day one, empowering you to learn through hands-on experience rather than only formal instruction. That sense of ownership was exactly what I wanted early in my career.

What type of work have you been involved in?

I’ve worked on projects that require both technical precision and strategic planning. This includes managing schedules, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring client expectations are exceeded. I’ve also contributed to process improvement initiatives that helped streamline project delivery. In addition, I mentor new graduates which connects to my passion for leadership and team development.

What has been your most memorable experience to date?

One of my most memorable experiences was being selected to attend a special dinner with Bob Pragada, Jacobs' CEO, alongside a small group of colleagues, in recognition of our dedication and contributions. It reinforced the value of hard work and the importance of building meaningful professional relationships.

What does a day or week in your role look like?

My days are a mix of focused project work, cross-team collaboration and staying closely connected with clients to ensure alignment. I coordinate deliverables, review progress and solve challenges as they arise. I also make time for learning, whether it’s exploring new tools, attending training sessions or sharing knowledge with my team. Every week feels like a new opportunity to grow.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about delivering excellence in everything I do, fostering collaboration and finding innovative solutions to challenges. In addition, I care deeply about continuous learning, both for myself and for those around me. Helping others grow is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

Why did you choose your profession?

I chose energy engineering because it’s a discipline where technical expertise directly shapes a better future. It allows me to combine analytical problem-solving with the ability to see the tangible, real-world impact of my work.

One project that really reinforced my passion for energy engineering was a strategic study on the potential for geothermal energy in the Kingdom. Exploring how we could harness this sustainable energy source and the implications that follow was eye-opening for me.  It showed me that while sustainability is essential, it also needs to be feasible, requiring a careful balance between innovation and practical realities like cost, infrastructure and environmental impact. 

What advice would you give to anyone applying to the graduate development program?

Be curious, proactive, and open to learning from every experience and every person you meet. The program gave me exposure to diverse projects and taught me resilience and adaptability, skills I rely on every day in the energy sector. Say yes to challenges, ask questions fearlessly, invest in building meaningful relationships and always look for ways to add value.