Five and a half years ago, Asim arrived in Norway from Turkey to complete his education. Adjusting to life in a new country came with its challenges. “In Turkey, it’s easier to get to know people,” he explains. “Norwegians can seem a bit colder at first and more reserved. Ironically, this suited me well, as I can also be a bit reserved. But when learning a new language, having more open people around could have made things easier.”

Adapting to a new culture became even more challenging during the pandemic. “Everything was closed, and there were limited opportunities to meet new people,” Asim shares. While COVID-19 posed its difficulties, it also had a silver lining, providing him with more time to focus on learning Norwegian. Speaking English beforehand helped accelerate his progress, and his curiosity proved essential. “Whenever I see or hear something I don’t understand, I always look it up. My translation app is my most used app,” he laughs.

# A Journey from Turkey to Norway

Asim completed a degree in economics and business administration at NTNU in Trondheim, a journey that began with an intensive focus on learning Norwegian. "I was lucky to have excellent Norwegian teachers in Kristiansand," he says. Volunteering with Save the Children provided a unique opportunity to practice the language in meaningful ways, helping him gain confidence and fluency.

Asim credits Daxap with being a vital space to hone his verbal skills further. “Language is central to everything we do in everyday life,” he reflects.

# Daxap: More Than Just Work

Joining Daxap has been a transformative experience for Asim, both professionally and personally. As the Chief Project Officer (CPO), he has cultivated skills in project management, information security, GDPR, accessibility, and customer relations. “The most important part of my role at Daxap is that it allows me to challenge myself, and I love challenges,” he says.

# Diversity and Collaboration

For Asim, diversity fosters creativity and dynamism in the workplace. “We all bring different perspectives and experiences, creating a more vibrant work environment,” he explains. At Daxap, diversity is about more than nationality—it’s also about varied personalities and experiences, which enrich team collaboration.

# Goals and Contributions

Asim’s aspirations are both professional and personal. He aims to continuously grow, explore new cultures, and learn new skills. Constructive criticism, he notes, is a key value at Daxap. “Criticism is a value here. I want to learn and grow and contribute more with the experiences I gain.”

# A Recommendation for Future Colleagues

To those considering joining Daxap, Asim has a clear message: “Daxap is an amazing place to work if you want an inclusive and inspiring environment.” He encourages others to embrace challenges and celebrate progress, sharing his own joy in mastering Norwegian.

# Memories and Milestones

Asim has been part of many significant milestones at Daxap, from early meetings with Bydel Søndre Nordstrand to collaborations with Malimo. Reflecting on a standout moment, he recalls winning a pitch competition at the Trøndelagsmøtet. “It was a proud moment and a special memory,” he says with a smile.

For Asim, diversity is about blending unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the workplace. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping Daxap’s journey, and we are immensely grateful for his dedication, passion, and, yes, his critical voice. Thank you, Asim, for being an invaluable part of our team!