Useful learning for the world of work

Mir Abdullah did the MSc in Business Analysis and Consulting and enjoyed the ‘useful learning’ of the programme which, in today’s blog post, he explains helped him in his postgraduate career search.

I was only 15 when I helped my family manage a tourist site in my grandparents’ tiny village in Iraq called Tawella. Working on the tourist site is where my desire for business, its operations, and communicating with people began. I was always determined to get straight into the world of work but my family was keen that I focus on my education.

As per my family’s wishes, I finished my bachelor’s degree - usually a four-year programme – in just three years, majoring in Business Administration with a double minor in economics and law. When I started working, I also did a master’s degree in business and management at the same time.

I started as a business development specialist for a high-end luxury retailer that finishes construction materials and interiors. Then, I joined Talabat, a subsidiary of Delivery Hero, as a sales administrator and was promoted to online account manager. While preparing for my relocation to the UK, I worked for a start-up called Baji as a performance analyst, which operates in the hospitality industry and is a mix of cloud kitchens, restaurants, and a catering chain. All these experiences and knowledge gained from my education and reading had motivated me to do a second Master’s - this time in Business Analysis and Consulting at Strathclyde Business School.

I was attracted by the programme’s exposure to real-world case studies. I always knew the theory but not the practice of doing things from scratch, so this was one of the main reasons I chose this programme – to practice my knowledge, particularly through the Becoming an Effective Business Analyst module, which involved consultants from companies giving us a case study to work on for three weeks and then we showcased our findings to them. This, and all the other modules, helped me to think critically, ask questions, and try to find different approaches and paths to an answer which would result in a perfect outcome.

I also enjoyed skill sessions delivered by industry professionals, some of whom had graduated from the same programme; this motivated me to see myself doing that in a couple of years, just like them. During the sessions, one was about ‘wicked’ problems; I learned something from that session that I decided to use in my everyday life: solutions cannot always be perfect; sometimes, they merely need to be plausible.

Studying at Strathclyde was my first time in the UK. I relocated with doubts and stress about whether I would even like it here, but I am glad to say it went well - Glasgow is a welcoming city with its own vibrant and unique charm. I met people from all over the world, which has helped me develop both personally and professionally.

Since graduating, I have been working full-time in the healthcare sector. My role is not directly related to my degree; however, all the skills and experiences I gained over the years, including those at SBS, are helping me to be a quick learner and adaptable. The best thing I can do for the future is to learn as much as possible now - whatever it is, wherever it is, whoever it comes from - because I never know exactly how they will be helpful, but I am sure they will someday. I recommend this programme - a Master’s degree takes you out of your comfort zone and requires you to be independent and flexible, qualities undoubtedly needed in the world of work.

Of course, life is not your current job status. Life is about growth, adventure, and discovering what truly fulfils you - embrace every moment to the fullest, wherever that takes you.

About Mir Abdullah

Mir Abdullah is an MSc graduate in Business Analysis & Consulting.