An insatiable drive to understand how things work set Mohammad Abeidat (BSc ’01) on a career path that has included a variety of industry sectors across several countries.

From a young entrepreneur in Niagara to becoming an international technology executive with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Brock University Computer Science graduate has let his love of learning lead his decisions and has made a positive impact in the process.

His more than two decades of career accomplishments were recently recognized when he was awarded the 2024 Brock University Faculty of Mathematics and Science Distinguished Graduate Award.

Abeidat’s interest in the world around him led to Brock’s sciences programs, ultimately choosing Computer Science for the diversity of experiences it offered.

“You can learn anything, really, through computing,” he said. “If you’re building a software system that has to do with finance, you learn finance. If you do it for shipping, you’ll learn shipping.”

Abeidat’s first industry experience was in tourism in the public sector. During his third year at Brock, he interned with JMR Software Systems (now JMR Logics) doing programming work for Niagara Parks Commission. The governmental agency was so impressed, they offered him a contract to continue his work with them once he graduated.

“The internship positioned me to where I am today,” he said. “The choice of company, the support I had from Brock to help coach me through what it is like to have a grown-up job where I’m responsible for milestones and deliverables.”

After a few different experiences embracing entrepreneurship, Abeidat got the urge to try something new. Having heard about Dubai’s rapid transformation into a regional tech and business hub, with the growth of Dubai Internet City and ambitious projects reshaping the city, he decided to move there to seek new work. He spent three years working for a logistics and supply chain company building logistics-focused systems before returning to Canada to take on leadership roles with well-known companies such as ADP and The Weather Network.

“I am ticking as many boxes as possible in terms of how much exposure to different problem domains because of my curious nature and passion for learning,” he said. “At the same time, I wanted to be ready with whatever sector it is, whether it’s business-to-business, business-to-consumer, or government-to-business-to-consumer.”

Abeidat spent seven years in Canada climbing the corporate ladder before his curiosity drew him back to Dubai, where he started a consulting company that helped startups with their tech needs. As more skyscrapers and office buildings dotted the city’s skyline, he took an opportunity to work with a software company focused on the property market. He also worked with the Government of Dubai on digital transformation and with the global logistics and supply chain company Aramex.

Corporate trips back and forth to Jordan eventually led to an opportunity to work in digital transformation with the Office of the Crown Prince. He is now the Director of the Digital Transformation Unit for the Prime Ministry of Jordan.

In this role, Abeidat identifies opportunities to better serve Jordan’s citizens through technological advancements and efficiencies. He is proud to contribute to the country’s development and enjoys making a positive difference.

“Organizations often focus on a certain customer segment, but with the government, we serve our country and citizens,” he said. “Making a fraction of a difference in someone’s life, wow, it just blows my mind sometimes.”

In addition to his work, Abeidat finds time for his health and education. In addition to waking up every morning at 5 a.m. to fit in a workout as a certified CrossFit coach, he has completed several courses related to technology leadership and digital transformation. He is nearly finished a master’s in artificial intelligence.

Abeidat credits his success to his curious nature and to being “comfortable with the uncomfortable,” and advises others to learn, adapt and explore.

“It might feel awkward to get out of your comfort zone, but the valuable lessons you learn will help you evolve.”