Regional Manager, Middle East and North Africa, I2O Water Ltd.
BSc Business Information Systems, 2002
What made you choose Middlesex University?
I chose Middlesex University after discussing it with the British Council in Lahore, Pakistan and deciding it was a good university to study at. I also chose Middlesex as it gave me one year's worth of credits for the studies I had already completed in Pakistan so I was admitted into the second year straight away.
What attracted you to your course and made you apply?
The content of the course was the main reason I chose it.
What aspects of your course did you enjoy most?
I particularly enjoyed the research that we did as part of the course. I also enjoyed being in such an international environment and how approachable the faculty and staff were.
What is your fondest memory of life at Middlesex?
My fondest memory of my time at Middlesex was the international student's induction when I worked as a student helper.
What one piece of advice would you give to a prospective student interested in studying at Middlesex?
I would advise any student studying at Middlesex to try and take a placement year if possible.
How did your course and time at Middlesex help you to get where you are professionally today?
The course definitely helped me get where I am today. It gave me foundations in the UK, helped me enter a new country and allowed me to learn and understand about the culture of work.
What made you choose the industry you work in?
I recently moved industries from IT and telecommunications to clean technology because it was time for a change and I wanted to do something more useful and directly linked to human life.
How did you get your foot on the career ladder post university?
The placement I did while at Middlesex really helped me get my foot on the career ladder. I applied for several jobs advertised through the Employability Centre while I was at Middlesex and the first job I got was actually through one of these adverts.
What has been your defining career break or highlight to date?
My defining career break was in 2013 when I completed my executive MBA at the University of Oxford. It has opened many more doors for me and has also helped me better understand the holistic picture of multi-sector operations.
What are the top three career tips you would give to current students and recent graduates?
My top three career tips are:
1. Be focused.
2. Apply for jobs and be very persistent in your approach. You should contact potential employers directly and not just wait for the job to come out.
3. Take a placement year if you can.