About Me: 

My name is Shershah Zahir, and I am the founder of Career Language Academy. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to build a career in a new country while learning a new language.

Originally from Afghanistan, I have lived, studied, and worked across India, France, the United States, and now the Netherlands. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (India), a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning (France), and a Master’s in Construction Project Management (USA). Over the years, I have worked in diverse international roles—from urban planning in Afghanistan with UN-Habitat and the World Bank, to real estate and area development projects at the Municipality of Rotterdam.

When I moved to the Netherlands in 2020, I quickly realized that English alone wasn’t enough to access the career opportunities I was aiming for. I studied hard, reached B1 Dutch in 14 months, and still faced over 100 rejections. The turning point came when I discovered that it wasn’t about knowing all of Dutch—it was about knowing the language of work: the Dutch you need for job applications, interviews, meetings, presentations, and everyday office communication.

That insight inspired me to create Zakelijk Nederlands Leren. Over several years, I developed both the book and the digital course, based directly on my own experience navigating Dutch-speaking workplaces and learning what truly matters in professional communication.

Today, alongside my work as a Project Manager in municipality of Rotterdam, I coach and guide professionals from around the world who want to unlock their potential in the Dutch job market. Whether through self-study, group classes, or one-on-one coaching, I help them learn not just Dutch, but the language of work.

More About My Background 

• Originally from Afghanistan, living in the Netherlands since 2020

• Bachelor’s in Architecture – Pune University, India (2011)

• Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning – Polytechnic School, University of Tours, France (2012)

• Master’s in Construction Project Management – Michigan State University, USA (2015)

• Construction Manager – Mayberry Homes, Michigan, USA

• Urban Planning Officer – UN-Habitat, Afghanistan (2015–2017)

• Technical Specialist – World Bank Projects, Afghanistan (2017–2019)

• Project Manager, Real Estate & Area Development – Municipality of Rotterdam, Netherlands (2021–present)

• Author of the book and digital course: Zakelijk Nederlands Leren – De taal van het werk! (Learn Business Dutch – The Language of Work!)

Feel free to connect with me directly via info@zakelijknederlandsleren.nl on watsapp (+310624972187) or on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your story and help you take the next step in your career.