Alok Sharma recalls his first impressions upon arriving in Oman in August 2009 to work as a Senior Architect for COWI.

Danish, English, Arabic and other languages could be heard as an international mix of colleagues mingled at the water cooler.

It seemed as much like a scene from the Tower of Babel as from a fast-paced consultancy firm.

"But COWI really manages this diversity well," says Alok. "People are all very cooperative, and that makes me happy."

International colleagues help to make a pleasant work atmosphere. But COWI also has a number of standard programmes in place to help employees overcome 'the culture shock' which often accompanies starting a new job.

Alok's manager created a Personal Introduction Plan him, for example. The plan included pictures and contact details and provided information about initial projects.

"The Introduction Plan gave me clarity and security," says Alok. "As a new employee you can feel a bit insecure, but the plan creates some comfort, because it shows you what to do and who to turn to."

His manager also provided a guided tour of the office and introduced him to key staff on his first day.

All the practical immigration issues involved with moving to Oman were taken care of too. A house was even awaiting the arrival of his wife and daughter.

Future management careerAlok already has a clear picture of COWI's values and business ethics.

"Few companies really practise their values and business ethics like COWI does. I am impressed with that. It is very professional," he says.

Having just completed his MBA in marketing in April 2009 back home in India, Alok aspires to become a manager at some point. But first he wants to become better acquainted with the intricacies of the Omani market.

"I want to experience hands-on what it is like to work with the clients, deal with the vendors and altogether understand the market that I am in," he says.

Showing the wayIn that connection, COWI's mentor programme has also been a big help. 

"My mentor is very supportive and has been since day one," says Alok. "The market here in Oman is new to me, but my mentor helps me tackle it. She gives me direction on how to move forward in my job -- you could say she helps me to understand and to be understood."
In fact Alok's mentor has previously been working on Alok's first assignment: the design of an office building at Port of Sohar, north-east of the capital Muscat.