Majid
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since graduation, I have returned to work in Saudi Aramco as a Business Development Specialist, and now as a Communication & Change Management Advisor. I am also a co-Founder of CIPS - KSA Branch (CIPS standing for Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply), which is a UK-based nonprofit organization that provides training and knowledge sharing opportunities for individuals interested in the field of procurement & supply chain management. I am also a columnist in a prominent Saudi newspaper (Maaal).
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
This job utilizes my abilities and expertise in communication and interpersonal skills to enhance the level of engagement among different stakeholders in the projects I am handling. I enjoy this work because it introduces me a wide range of people, where it is expanding my network and improving my skills further.
What did you most enjoy about studying at the University?
- The attention of the MBA staff and their support to the students to ensure they have the most valuable education and learning experience,including consistent follow-up and inviting the best possible guest lecturers to enhance the experience even more. Also the teaching system utilising collaborations with reputable institutes/ companies and the study environment and the ecosystem as a whole, from the location of the buildings, the library, and the proximity to the city centre.
- My biggest highlight was the MBA consultancy project, whereby I worked directly with a renowned company as a Consultant, and I learned greatly from this opportunity.
- The University's location and proximity to the city center, the historical buildings, and the friendly people of Exeter. My experience at Exeter was fantastic, me and my family all enjoyed it and will always have wonderful memories of our time there.
Why did you choose Exeter?
I chose Exeter because of the positive reputation of the University and its Business School and the programme's focus on sustainability. Also, the city is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the UK with a high living quality, which encouraged me to move there along with my family.
What skills and experiences have been most useful in your career?
It was impactful to learn how to objectively view matters and to utilize critical thinking skills to analyze situations and make decisions. I also realized how to better utilize each team member's skills and abilities to benefit the team, and that any person can become a valuable contributor to the team in their unique ways.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Embrace each step you take in this journey, and make the most of them in terms of learning, developing, and networking. Be patient and stay positive. Learn from your mistakes and move on, do not dwell too much on them. Work in communication & change management requires a lot of engagements with others, it's important to try and not take things personally, while always speaking thoughtfully with confidence, eloquence, and grace.
What are your plans for the future?
- Start a new business! I learned a lot about entrepreneurship during my time at Exeter, and I look forward to applying what I learned in a personal business. I also wish to continue in my role as the University of Exeter Country Contact for Saudi Arabia and MBA Global Ambassador for the Middle-East region.
- Become an international award-winning public speaker as a member of the Toastmasters Club.
- Continue my education and earn a PhD in a business or sustainability-related major from the University of Exeter.
