From Wittenborg MBA to Award-Winning Carbon Capture Project

04.11.2026

Ali Aqaalaei's Journey From International Student to Planning Major Energy Projects

Moving to a new country and building a career from scratch is rarely straightforward, even for experienced professionals.

When Ali Aqaalaei arrived in the Netherlands from Iran in 2021 to study for an MBA in International Management at Wittenborg, he already had years of experience in project planning and controls. What followed was not a search for a first job, but an effort to establish himself in a new market while navigating language barriers, visa requirements and the challenge of gaining local experience.

After graduating in 2023, Ali focused on finding opportunities that aligned with his professional background. Rather than pursuing multiple career paths, he concentrated on project planning and controls, the field in which he had already built substantial expertise.

During his orientation year, he worked on short-term assignments, collaborated with a project management consultancy and continued investing in professional development. Alongside gaining Dutch industry experience, he earned PRINCE2 certification and further strengthened his skills in Primavera P6 and Power BI.

That combination of experience and persistence helped him secure a senior planning role within the energy sector.

Working on a recognised sustainability project

One of the highlights of Ali's career so far has been his involvement in the Porthos carbon capture and storage project.

The project received the IMPACT CCUS Project of the Year Award at the Carbon Capture Global Summit 2026, recognising its contribution to carbon capture and storage development.

"One of my proudest achievements since graduation has been working as the dedicated planner on the Porthos project," Ali said. "Being involved in a project that plays an important role in sustainability and carbon capture infrastructure in the Netherlands and Europe has been a major milestone in my career."

For Ali, the experience offered the opportunity to contribute to a large-scale project while further developing his expertise in planning major capital investments.

Building on experience

Ali now serves as a Portfolio Planner for TAQA, supporting planning and governance activities across a portfolio of more than 110 projects.

Reflecting on his time at Wittenborg, he believes the MBA broadened his understanding of leadership, management and international business, all of which have proved valuable in professional environments involving diverse teams and stakeholders.

"The MBA in International Management equipped me with a broader perspective on business operations and leadership," he said.

He also credits Wittenborg's international environment with helping him develop cross-cultural communication skills that remain relevant in his day-to-day work.

Advice for current students

Looking back, Ali's advice to students is practical.

"Learn Dutch early, continue developing professional skills and focus on opportunities that genuinely match your strengths and experience."

He also encourages graduates to remain patient when entering the job market.

"Professional growth requires persistence, continuous learning and confidence in your own abilities and ambitions," he said.

For Ali, that approach helped turn the challenges of starting a new chapter in the Netherlands into a career that continues to grow within the energy sector.