Meet our 2021 Graduates

How was your university experience and what was the best bit? My university experience has been one of the best life experiences; the academics, the staff and everyone at university has been always very helpful and supportive. It is hard to choose the best bit because honestly all my experiences as a student have been unique and great. One of those amazing experiences was a trip to Bahrain where we got to meet other students, business representatives and academics, we visited some successful start-ups companies and took part in seminars at Ahlia University, all expenses were covered by the University. 

Why did you choose to study at the University of Bradford? When I decided to start my journey in higher education I did my research and I found which institutions had a good reputation and the University of Bradford was one of them. The School of Management is one of the elite business schools in the world to hold the triple accreditation of Equis, AMBA and AACSB; the career and employability services of University of Bradford are also ranked one of the top in UK and the support that they provide to the students is beneficial in every step even after the graduation. All the above made me choose Bradford and If I could go back in time I would choose the University of Bradford again and again. 

What would you say was the biggest hurdle you overcame whilst studying? I would say since the covid-19 pandemic started it has been hard for everyone and it has had a huge impact on our lives, that time has been really hard mostly emotionally and mentally; being home all day not able to see friends and not able to interact with students and academics face to face can make you feel sad. Thanks to technology though we were able to still have virtual interactions with all the academics and the staff have been very supportive. What first seemed as negative in my opinion is a positive because actually studying virtually for an year equipped us with some skills such as resilience, time management, self-motivation and knowledge of different programs (zoom, teams etc) which in other case we might did not have the chance to gain. 

What is your best piece of advice for anyone considering university and the University of Bradford in particular? My advice to anyone considering University of Bradford is to go for it! Is a great institution to develop yourself in every aspect, as long as you have goals and dreams you will be able to achieve them and University of Bradford is the best place to do that. Do not be shy or scared as you will have 100% support from everyone and you will feel like you are part of a family. The only thing you have to do if you need any help is ask for it, try to participate in different activities, be yourself and do your best. 

How has university changed you? University has changed me in a positive way, I have become a critical thinker; I do not rush to get conclusions; I learned that there is an issue there is also a solution; hard work pays of and thanks to my experience as a student at University of Bradford I feel like I am becoming who I was meant to be. 

What are your next steps and ambitions? I applied to study for a master at University of Bradford and I got the offer for the program that I want. I am fascinated and enthusiastic to study International Relations and Security Studies. Even though this is a different discipline from Business studies I think it will be a positive challenge to further develop my skills and help me to become a better version of myself. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself…  
I grew up in Brighton and I’m a competitive swimmer.    

How was your university experience and what was the best bit?  Everything about my university experience was amazing, I was fortunate enough to be placed in halls with some wonderful people, who I lived with for the entire four years at university. I also loved the social side of Bradford university, there was never a dull moment being part of the barracudas! 

Why did you choose to study at the University of Bradford?  I visited on the open day [and] I absolutely fell in love with the engineering labs, and I really liked the feel on campus. I liked how much placements were pushed by the faculty, and I knew it would be the best fit for me to complete my degree.    

What would you say was the biggest hurdle you overcame whilst studying?  Probably learning how to work effectively in a group and that, as a female engineer, my opinion is still valid so having the confidence to speak up for what I believe in. 

What is your best piece of advice for anyone considering university and the University of Bradford in particular?  

For anyone considering university, I’d say do it, you definitely won’t regret it and it will be the best few years of your life. For anyone considering Bradford, I’d say join as many clubs or societies as you can and be as active as possible in Bradford life outside your studies.   

What’s next for you? I start my graduate role next week as a Water Process Engineer for RSK and I aim to start working towards my chartership as soon as possible.   

How was your university experience and what was the best bit? I have always loved education and have been an eager learner. The best part of my university experience was meeting new people that have ultimately become life-long friends for the future.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Bradford? I have always wanted to be a part of this establishment as I am born and bred in Bradford so joining this university was a no brainer.

What would you say was the biggest hurdle you overcame whilst studying? My biggest hurdle was myself. I am my worst critic and convincing myself I could achieve a degree was a day-to-day challenge. I would have days were my anxiety would kick in and I would question myself for even wanting to study.

What is your best piece of advice for anyone considering university and the University of Bradford in particular? My best advice to any student joining university, especially Bradford university would be to remain resilient as there will be many days ahead when the journey will seem impossible, but do not give up as it is possible, and I am the living proof of that.

How has university changed you? I feel university life and experience has made be mature, resilient, and self- confident.

What are your next steps and ambitions? I have finally reached the end of my degree and came out with a first. I will be starting my new job in September, but I do not feel this is the end but the beginning for me. I hope to pursue a career in ICU and in the near future go in to an ACP course.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…  I was a computer science student with an interest in hacking and hands-on cyber. After graduating, I am now a trainee teacher starting my PGCE and QTS. 

How was your university experience and what was the best bit?  I always opted to do things if given the chance. I was part of a national competition called the Barclays Technology Challenge (which we won), chaired the activities committee of the Students’ Union and shot for the archery team. I became the president of the University’s computing society (PiSoc) and gave the freshers demonstrations of basic hacking techniques used to fly a drone. 

What would you say was the biggest hurdle you overcame whilst studying?  Having a new family and the sacrifices I made to get to university were the biggest challenges I faced - having to work full time while studying full time at college prior to starting at university, however thanks to the sacrifices I made at college, it meant I didn’t need to work while at university. 

What is your best piece of advice for anyone considering university and the University of Bradford in particular?  University is all about opportunities and I would recommend taking advantage of as many as you can while you have the chance, if asked to do something, say yes - it will open you up to many other chances and in my case helped me gain many contacts for my future career. You will likely only have this opportunity once in your life, so take advantage of it. 

How has university changed you? Deciding on a different career I never would have considered in the past. I would have laughed if someone suggested teaching as a career, however, during my time I have done some teaching and been a guest lecturer at my local college and realised I enjoy it.