De Montfort University (DMU) student Muhammed Sohail had long been contemplating doing a master’s, but when an email about the VC’s 2020 scholarship dropped into his Inbox, he was propelled from thoughts into action.
Since taking up his master's through the VC2020 scheme, which offers discounts of up to 50 per cent, he has thrived and has now applied for an exciting DMU business start-up scheme known as the Crucible Project to help him on the road to a successful career.
Having graduated with a BSc in Finance Economics and Strategy, Muhammed elected to study Risk Management. Since making the decision to study for his master’s he has had no regrets.
He said: “The master’s is absolutely amazing; it is so much better than undergrad. It is more intense and there are more deadlines but there is a lot more engagement with staff and other students – the classes are much smaller so the interaction is massive. There is an amazing energy in the room.
With such an inductive learning environment, the course has deepened Muhammed’s knowledge of skills relevant to industry and highlighted how the theory can be applied in real life situations.
“When I was working I actually observed many of the elements I am now learning about in practice, which means I understand how they are being applied in the workplace.”
In fact, in the first months of his master’s Muhammed tried to balance his studies with the demands of work. However, convinced there is no point finishing with anything less than distinction, he recently gave up his job to concentrate on his studies.
In fact, having worked since he was 17, Muhammed already has an impressive CV comprising the BGL Group, PCMS, AmberGo, Centro, Orbit Housing, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Barclays and the National Grid.
Having worked throughout his undergraduate degree, he knows that success comes to those who work hardest. When it comes to studying at a master’s level, this is even more important.
He said: “While all the lectures, labs and seminars give the grounding theory, if you don’t put in the time and the leg work to build upon the theory and delve deeper into it, then you are only letting yourself down.”
As this dedication to study involves long hours, Muhammed is grateful that he and his fellow postgrad students have a dedicated place to work.
“The postgraduate suite is the best thing that happened to this university. There is a great sense of team spirit; we are all there to study so we lend moral support simply by working alongside each other.”
Now, as he nears the end of his course, he has an idea for a business bubbling away and so he has applied to the Crucible Project to win one of ten grants to set up his own company.
Based in the Innovation Centre, the Crucible Project is a business start-up initiative offering £8,000 in funding, office space and personalised support to help 10 innovative DMU graduates turn their idea or product concept into a real life business, ready to launch within a year.
While he waits to hear whether his application has been successful, Muhammed is making sure that he continues to network and to grow his global circle of friends.
“Not everyone can say they have friends all over the world but, thanks to DMU, I can. I have friends from China, Japan, Greece (most of Europe), India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It is amazing how many cultures have got together – it is mind blowing.”
Posted on Monday 25 May 2015