Balancing full-time work with postgraduate study isn’t easy, but for Roman Mendez, it became the foundation for everything that followed. After graduating with an MSc in Global Management in 2024, he now works at Accenture, delivering large-scale projects for Meta, alongside publishing a book and running a YouTube channel, The Achiever’s Toolkit. In this blog, Roman reflects on how his time at Salford helped shape his mindset, confidence and ambition.

What made you choose the University of Salford, and what stands out most about your time as a student?

After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Business, I knew I wanted to take one more academic step, but I wasn’t entirely sure what direction to take. At the time, I was already working in project management with international teams and quietly exploring the idea of launching my own side business. I needed something broader than a traditional business degree, something that would help me think globally and strategically. The MSc in Global Management at Salford felt like the perfect fit.

I had heard very positive things about the University before, and two former colleagues who had completed their Master’s there spoke highly of both the academic quality and the support they received. Their experience gave me the confidence to apply.

What really stood out to me was the international nature of the university. Studying alongside classmates from different countries, industries, and cultures gave every discussion a richer perspective. It felt less like memorising theory and more like understanding how business truly works across borders.

Tell us about your journey since graduating.

The impact of Salford started before I even graduated. While studying, I noticed I was already performing better at work. I felt sharper, more confident, and more articulate. Industry terminology that once felt complex became second nature, and my communication and writing improved significantly.

Shortly before finishing the MSc, I received a promotion at work. A few months after graduating, I was offered a new opportunity with another organisation. That progression wasn’t just about knowledge, it was about mindset. I found myself contributing more strategically rather than just operationally.

At the same time, I became braver about pursuing my own projects. I had always wanted to build something of my own, but studying while working full time proved to me that I could handle more than I thought. That confidence pushed me to start developing my personal brand and business ideas more seriously.

What’s a moment you’ve felt proud of since leaving Salford?

While promotions and career milestones have been rewarding, the moment I felt most proud actually happened outside of my day job.

After years of learning, experimenting, and refining my systems for productivity and personal organisation, I decided to write a book to share those lessons. That project became Tackle the Hassle, a practical guide focused on simplifying life and work. Around the same time, I launched a YouTube channel called The Achiever’s Toolkit, where I share tools, frameworks, and ideas that have helped me become more effective and intentional.

Seeing those pieces come together felt incredibly satisfying. It wasn’t just a single achievement; it was the creation of an ecosystem built slowly and consistently over time. For me, that moment represented independence and ownership. Turning ideas into something tangible that could genuinely help others. It reminded me that learning doesn’t stop after graduation; it simply evolves into building things that matter.

What do you do now, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Today I work full time as a Project Manager at Accenture, delivering complex programmes for one of our largest clients, Meta.

Alongside my corporate role, I run The Achiever’s Toolkit on YouTube and sell my book Tackle the Hassle on Amazon.

What I enjoy most is the balance between the two worlds. My day job keeps me sharp and exposed to real business challenges, while my personal projects give me creative freedom and the chance to help people directly.

Interestingly, juggling multiple responsibilities feels natural now. Studying while working during my time at Salford trained me to manage my time carefully and prioritise effectively, and now I can enjoy the ability to do more things without feeling stressed.

The cover of Roman's Mendez's book - Tackle the Hassle
The cover of Roman’s book, ‘Tackle the Hassle’

How did your time at Salford help shape where you are now?

Studying at Salford while working full time was one of the most formative experiences of my life. It forced me to develop strong time management and prioritisation skills very quickly. There was no room for procrastination. Every week required planning, discipline, and focus, so beyond the academic content, those habits became the real takeaway.

Of course, the MSc strengthened my business knowledge and strategic thinking, but what stayed with me most was the confidence that I could handle complex workloads. It also nurtured an entrepreneurial mindset. Being exposed to global perspectives and real-world case studies encouraged me to think bigger and consider opportunities beyond traditional career paths. That mindset directly influenced my decision to build my own projects, including my book and online platform.

Looking back, Salford didn’t just prepare me for a specific job, it helped shape how I approach challenges in general: break them down, stay organised, and keep moving forward.

If you could share one message or piece of advice with current Salford students and recent graduates, what would it be?

If I could share one piece of advice, it would be this: pace yourself. Especially if you’re working full time while studying, it’s easy to feel like you need to push at maximum speed all the time. But burnout helps no one. The University is incredibly supportive and understanding if you need flexibility or extra time. Education isn’t a race, so give yourself time to absorb concepts, experiment, and apply them in real life.

Also, don’t underestimate how much you’re building beyond the classroom. You’re not just earning a degree. You’re developing discipline, resilience, and confidence. Those skills will often matter as much as the qualification itself.

Finally, enjoy the journey. University is one of the few periods in life where growth is your main job. Be curious, connect with people from different backgrounds, and take opportunities that challenge you.