It is the realisation that every resume represents the hopes and dreams of countless lives that motivated Kottayam native Rehna Shahjahan to establish 'Mission Employment GCC,' a professional job-seeking platform that now boasts over 100,000 members. Mission Employment has proven to be a game-changer for thousands who arrive in the UAE and other Gulf nations, aspiring to secure employment. From entry-level labourers to seasoned professionals, the Mission Employment community is set to open doors to a wealth of opportunities starting in 2025.

Corporate social work
Though currently active in the Human Resources sector, social work remains Rehna's passion. As an HR professional, she witnessed firsthand the difficult circumstances faced by numerous job seekers. This experience propelled her to dedicate her field of work to service. The desire to assist individuals exploited in the quest for employment led Rehna and her friend Usma Chaudhry to launch a LinkedIn community. This quickly evolved into WhatsApp groups, and before long, Mission Employment extended its reach beyond the UAE to encompass other Gulf nations.

Guidance and support
Vacancies are posted in the community only after thorough verification of company details and authenticity. Job seekers can identify opportunities aligned with their qualifications and experience, and then connect directly with recruiters. Rehna also offers essential guidance and support, including tips on resume preparation and leveraging AI assistance. This free service stands in stark contrast to fraudulent groups that remain active, preying on job seekers by extorting money and even passports under the guise of job promises.

How it works
Job seekers can share their CVs and LinkedIn profiles within the community, along with details such as their preferred job role and country. This grants them the opportunity to connect directly with potential employers. Currently, Mission Employment GCC manages 67 WhatsApp communities, each with approximately 2,000 members, alongside a LinkedIn community boasting 11,000 followers. Rehna, who holds the position of Talent Acquisition Team Lead in Dubai's private real estate sector, dedicates her time to Mission Employment's operations after her regular work hours. A key aspect of her method is to personally review and verify every single vacancy posted in the community.

Impressive academic credentials
Born in Bahrain and completing her schooling there, Rehna hails from Illikkal, Kottayam. She holds a BCom degree from MG University, Kottayam, followed by an MBA from Jamia Millia University, Delhi, a PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, and an MSW from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). This impressive academic background includes three postgraduate qualifications. Rehna has also been nominated in the Forbes Middle East category.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rehna achieved the unique feat of earning 81 digital certifications within a mere 24 hours. She is the daughter of P M Shahjahan and C M Rafiath from Illikkal, Kottayam. Her husband is Afsin Ashraf, an entrepreneur based in the UAE.