Founder Pixack and UI/UX Designer
MSc Computer and Network Security, 2010
What inspired you to choose to study at Middlesex University?
My first reason was due to the extremely impressive campus but that was not the only reason I chose Middlesex University, there were many.
These included the multicultural student environment, the excellent facilities available, and the in-depth course in the field of computer and network security Middlesex offered.
What one piece of advice would you give to a new student preparing to study at Middlesex?
Middlesex University not only offers the opportunity to study but discover many other things that will help develop your personality and prepare you for real life.
With that in mind, I would say just go, learn and make sure you have fun!
Do you have a defining memory of your time at Middlesex? What makes this stand out in particular?
I don't have one particular special memory because all of the time I spent at any Middlesex University was awesome. I miss my university days spending time with fellow students and friends at the Hendon campus.
What made you want to study your course?
I had just finished my undergraduate studies in Information Technology, during which I had specialised in the area of web development. As a result I became interested in how to make the Web more secure for individuals and businesses, which is why I decided to study an MSc in Computer and Network Security.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
I really enjoyed the weekly seminars. In my first semester, I had such bad stage fright so was only able to utter one sentence, which was Sorry - I have forgotten!
I found it hard speaking in front of a room full of people but as time passed and I attended weekly seminars each semester, my fear subsided and I became comfortable presenting to a group of people.
Had it not been for the weekly seminars incorporated into the format of my course, as well as the support and encouragement of my classmates, I don't think I would have overcome my fear of presenting.
What was the most interesting/influential/important thing that you learned during your course?
How to deal with stage fright and deliver good presentation!
How did your course and time at Middlesex help you get to where you are professionally today?
Right now I am working as a Web/UI/UX designer and also own a Pixack design studio.
My time at Middlesex University, not only learning about computer network security but how to speak to all kinds of people from different cultures, played a big part in helping me get where I am professionally today.
What made you choose the industry you work in?
I love design and I want to make the Web more usable and secure for every type of user. Right now, I feel I am fulfilling my professional goals.
How did you get your foot on the career ladder after you graduated? Would you recommend this route?
After completion of my degree, I tried my best to get a job in the UK but unfortunately I was unsuccessful, so six months after graduating I returned to my home country. I then joined a small company as a project engineer.
My reason for joining a small company was because I had always wanted to start my own firm. Working for a start-up company gave me the best opportunity to learn about the various stages and processes involved in setting up a business.
You are also given a greater level of responsibility earlier on if you start your career in a small organisation as opposed to a large organisation.
After two years of working for the start-up, my younger brother and I started working as freelancers under the brand name of Pixack. My wife then joined us as she is also from IT background and that is how our company was formed. Today we work with many clients from the U.S., Australia and Israel.
I would recommend this approach for anybody looking to start their own business if you have enough personal security to be able to take the time to develop your company without worrying about income, etc.
What advice would you give to those just starting out?
Use each and every resource available to you when searching for a good job, e.g., the internet, referrals, social networks and professional networking events.
The real key to getting a good job though is in-depth, practical knowledge of the professional field you would like to enter into.
What would you say your career highlights are to date?
I would say my time at Magneto IT Solutions, the start up I initially joined as a Project Engineer after graduation, freelancing as a UX Designer for Appster and a UI/UX Designer for 123 Postcards, and of course forming Pixack, my own web and mobile design studio in April 2013.