Nadeem Ali

Nadeem, from Karachi, Pakistan, graduated in June 2011 with a degree in Mathematics and Financial Economics and currently works for Morgan Stanley as an Analyst.

What was your background before coming to the UK?

Coming from Karachi, I have had the privilege to study in one of the best (if not the best) schools of Pakistan, Karachi Grammar School. Following the path laid out by my mother, I was studying medicine at that time, so chemistry, bio and phys were with me throughout high school. I have done O levels and A levels which is the British system (CIE) and got decent grades as well - 11 A's in O levels and 4 A's in A levels. I had interned in Aga Khan University for 3 months as well since at that time, my goal was to be a doctor. I had also taken part in model UN simulations such as GYLC (Global Young Leaders Conference).

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

After changing career paths, I applied to universities in USA as my sister was already there and has done her bachelors from there as well. However, this was in 2008 and due to the recession, the couple of good universities I got into did not give me any scholarships or financial aid. University of Dundee representatives came to our school and gave a presentation on engineering and that's when I decided to apply to Dundee. Since the UCAS deadline was too close and I had not done any research on UK universities, I applied for all 5 courses in University of Dundee and got in for all 5 as well.

What have your achievements been while being in the UK?

Up till now, I would say that my biggest achievement has been securing a job with one of the top investment banks in the world and I must emphasise that it was not easy at all. Starting from the beginning when I came to Dundee, I got my first part time job ever which was as a PR for the Students' Union. I count this as an achievement as well because in Pakistan nobody even thinks of working and studying at the same time, and to successfully perform my job and get good grades is something I am very proud of. But as I said, in the beginning of my second semester of my last year, I successfully passed my interviews and assessment centres for an investment bank which I work for now and that I think is my biggest achievement in the UK to date.

Tell us about your job search and how you ended up in the position you currently are?

It was not easy. Definitely not easy. I still remember in my third year that I took the bus from Dundee to London (an 11 hour journey one way) for interviews to get an internship. And at that time, my sister (Sundus Husain) and my friends were there for my support, a special mention to my friends, Alona Kiricenko, Sadat Anwar and Mr Drake (who is a PhD student and teacher at Abertay). I did not get an internship in UK but the experience of going through rigorous interviews and working hard to achieve something made me. I went back to Pakistan and interned in a bank to gain some experience in the financial industry as this is very important when it comes to getting a job.

This year, I started early. If you focus on getting a job and nothing else, you do it carefully, and you are persistent, I think you have done what it takes and the only thing left is that little bit of luck. For me, it was either a Masters or a job and since I didn't want to study more just now, I concentrated very hard. Spending days on applications, asking my friends for mock interviews, getting mentored by my sister who had already worked in the financial industry, I started applying early September. I had interviews lined up one after the other from 7 different places. In January, I got an offer from the 6th place I had applied to while I was on the train to London for another interview. I gladly accepted. So right now I work for Morgan Stanley in Glasgow and my title is Operations Analyst. I work for Commodities and specifically in the Physical Oil side which is very interesting, something not many people know about and a field with lots of untapped potential.

Any advice for students who are looking for jobs?

Previous experience helps. But it does not guarantee anything. Hard work always pays and you have to be focused. Some of my friends wanted to get jobs but were very lazy and didn't bother applying. The application for every company itself takes almost a day if done properly and people normally give up after a couple of applications. Do not think it's not possible. Find good friends, who support you at every corner and hurdle, who are your true friends and provide you with honest criticism when needed as they are the ones who will open your eyes and make you better at what you want to do. At the same time, be realistic, applying to get in the top bank with okay grades will only happen if you're very very lucky, and mostly that is never the case.

How has your experience of studying at the University of Dundee been?

It was unique and something I would never experience in Pakistan. The professors were great, very helpful and understanding and always fun to be with. The friends I made at Dundee are some of the lifelong relationships I have formed which can never be broken. The quality and standards of studying is something which competes with the best universities in the world. The facilities provided could not have been better and the entertainment, first class. All in all, the experience of studying at University of Dundee was very versatile with no strict regime but something to suit every person's learning style.