Ali is a master’s student from Pakistan. To help advance his career, he decided to study a postgraduate degree in Project Management. We spoke to Ali about his journey to Salford and his advice for postgraduate students.
Why Salford?
I never had any plans to move, but my parents really wanted me to go abroad because they saw potential in me. They said if I stayed in Pakistan, I might not get the opportunities I deserve.
The one thing that I always heard about the University of Salford was that international students received lots of support.
What did you do before coming to Salford?
I did my undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and finished in 2018. I then started a job as an intern in a big telecom corporation. During that time, I realised I wasn’t enjoying the job and I couldn’t do it for the long run. So, I started learning graphic design on YouTube.
I did my work in the morning and learnt graphic design in the evening. At the time, I didn’t think I was a creative professional, but I started giving out my services as a freelancer, and guess what… people started liking it! I started off with the basics and then I moved on to work as a motion designer.
For the past five years, before moving to Salford, I have worked in loads of corporations as a motion graphic artist, and in my last role, I was managing a team of six.
Was postgraduate study something you always planned to do?
No, no, no. I never thought about it. I started searching for a master’s in visual communication, but also had project management in my mind as a second option, because, as I mentioned to you earlier, I was managing teams.
When I read about the Project Management course at Salford, I knew it could help me climb the ladder in the corporate sector. That’s why I went for project management, rather than motion graphic design, and it was worth it.
What’s one thing you tell students who are thinking of studying a postgraduate course?
I would just say that there is no right time. It could be after your graduation or you might want to get some industry experience first. That’s up to you. I would recommend getting a little bit of industry experience, as it’s helpful to know how things work.
What is your favourite spot on campus or in Salford?
Peel Park. It’s very quiet, very cosy and you feel at peace when you visit. I like to walk around and sit in a quiet place for some time to relax.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My mother advises me a lot. She said, ‘Always be patient in everything that you do because it pays off in the long run.” So, not focusing on the short-term benefits but focusing on the long-term benefits.
What three words describe your time at Salford?
Can they all be the same? I would say “amazing, amazing, amazing”.
