Kourosh ShirinFard

In 2013, I graduated high school with a specialized math-physics diploma. I took a gap year to choose my university major and, during that time, engaged in extensive consultations and research. My investigations centered on personal development, learning skills, future research, and talent identification.

In 2014, I pursued mechanical engineering, which introduced me to the technical and industrial aspects of the field. During this time, I became increasingly interested in the broader business environment, particularly the dynamics of international trade.

In 2018, I undertook an intensive course in international trade to deepen my understanding of global markets. This course expanded my knowledge in key areas such as export management and cross-border trade strategies, further aligning my interests with business and management.

In 2019, I began formal studies in business management to strengthen my understanding of business fundamentals. This period marked a shift in my focus toward managerial roles and strategic decision-making within various business environments.

While continuing my business management studies, I enhanced my skills in economics and investment, focusing on financial forecasting, risk management, and global market analysis. This experience helped me build a solid foundation in financial management, complementing my growing expertise in international business.

In 2022, I completed a comprehensive digital marketing course at Dehban Digital Marketing Academy. The course covered key areas such as principles of digital marketing, WordPress development, content marketing, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Ads, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, social media marketing, marketing campaign management, and digital marketing strategy.

In 2024, I completed the Google Project Management Certification, which equipped me with key project management skills, including structured planning, execution, monitoring, and stakeholder communication. This certification strengthened my ability to manage complex projects efficiently and effectively.

My first experience in business was a summer job at the age of 16. I worked as a customs clearance assistant, a position I obtained through family connections.

My first serious job began right after I started my mechanical engineering studies. With a friend and minimal capital, we established a small workshop to produce car air filters. After facing challenges, I learned how to sell our products when the purchasing company failed to honor the promised prices.

In 2015, I was selling the car air filters produced in my workshop. Due to low production capacity and high costs, I had to shut down the workshop. During this period, I gained valuable sales and marketing experience through in-person meetings and phone negotiations and began working as a door-to-door salesperson in the automatic door industry.

After a major architecture company acquired the automatic door sales shop, the company shifted its strategy. My role changed from selling automatic doors to securing architectural contracts. This experience taught me the importance of networking and how critical win-win agreements are in business.

In 2019, I entered the fresh fruit trade and completed only two export transactions. My goal was to test my skills after completing an intensive international trade course. This experience helped me gain a better understanding of international trade and how to navigate the unique challenges of the Iranian market.

After facing challenges in my own business, I decided to gain more experience in marketing and worked as a project manager at a small advertising firm. This experience taught me valuable lessons in resilience and flexibility when facing obstacles.

During this period, I collaborated with various development teams to manage website design projects. My goal was to build a strong web design agency, but due to my relocation to Istanbul and the migration of key team members to Canada and the U.S., the project stalled. Afterward, I decided to expand my skill set by learning product management and programming alongside project management.

At Aras Consulting in Istanbul, I work as a project manager, overseeing projects related to international trade and services such as financial, accounting, and legal consulting. I also played a role as a project manager during the company’s setup process, ensuring the successful execution of related projects.