How Iman is closing the gap

Discover how Iman, supported by great leaders, has built a career shaping critical infrastructure that will serve millions of people for generations.

“Trust from leaders accelerates your growth.”

When Iman Warsame joined Ramboll as a graduate engineer, he expected a traditional career in bridges. Instead, an offhand remark about an interest in coding changed his path. “My manager remembered I once mentioned that I was interested in coding,” he recalls. “He asked if I wanted to help with some software development. I said yes, and my career direction completely pivoted.”

That one decision opened the door to a career where he could combine engineering with technology, helping design digital tools that support major infrastructure projects. “It was a small decision at the time, but it had a huge impact on my career and my life,” says Iman.

Empowered by supportive leaders

Iman credits much of his growth to leaders who trusted him early on.

“From the start, I was encouraged to take on responsibilities beyond what’s typical for someone at my level,” he explains. “That kind of trust accelerates your growth.”

Iman Warsame

Product Owner

That empowerment has been a constant in his six years at Ramboll, where leaders have encouraged him to explore new directions and take bold steps. “Opportunities arise when leaders believe in you — and I’ve always felt supported to try new things.”

Moving abroad, finding belonging

After several years in the UK, Iman moved to Copenhagen to continue his career at Ramboll’s head office. “I wanted to challenge myself,” he says. “I could have moved to another city in the UK, but I already knew I could handle that. Moving to a new country, with a new language and culture, was a bigger step — and one that would help me grow personally and professionally.”

The transition was smoother than he expected. “Everyone I’ve met has been supportive. The people here are not only excellent at what they do, but also humble and kind. That makes it easy to feel at home.”

It’s that culture of belonging that has kept Iman at Ramboll for nearly six years. “I’ve been to weddings of former colleagues, and I’ve had colleagues become close friends. It says something about the kind of people Ramboll attracts.”

Opportunities that make an impact

For Iman, the real reason he chose civil engineering — and why he stays in it — is impact. “I wanted to work on projects that would last for generations. In transport, the work we do affects millions of people, not just today but for decades, maybe centuries. That’s what motivates me.”

For him, sustainability is about more than reducing emissions — it’s about creating infrastructure that stands the test of time and supports resilient societies long into the future.

He points to a bridge on the UK’s high-speed rail line as an example. “It should stand for at least 120 years. Knowing I played even a small role in something that will serve society for that long is meaningful.”

But he also finds joy in the smaller, more personal projects. “As a summer student, I designed the foundation for a public sculpture near where I grew up. It’s simple, but I see it every time I visit home. It always makes me smile.”

Building a better future together

Looking back, Iman sees a clear thread in his career: opportunities created by supportive leaders, a culture that encourages growth, and the chance to work on projects that make a real difference.

“At Ramboll, I’ve had the space to explore new directions, the trust to take on responsibility early, and the support to keep developing,” he says. “That’s why I’m still here — and why I believe we can keep building a more sustainable and resilient society together.”