Saeideh Eshraghi

I enrolled in University of the West of Scotland (UWS) London campus to study my master’s degree in project management. The first days were not easy. Everything around me was new and unfamiliar. I was far from home, and everything—from the culture to the environment—felt strange. But what I didn’t expect was how quickly the kindness of the people at UWS made me feel at home.

Professors and my classmates, who came from different cultures and backgrounds, became the first people I met in this new world. They were not just colleagues; they were friends who supported me and helped me adjust to this unfamiliar place. I remember one of the classes, we were given the chance to talk about ourselves and share our dreams. That opportunity to express my aspirations helped me gain confidence in the world that often felt overwhelming.

UWS had warm atmosphere. I felt I was part of a community that cared about my success. It wasn’t just about learning Project Management lessons; it was about learning how to adapt, how to work with diverse teams, and how to grow in ways I never imagined before. It was a place where I could thrive, and for that, I will always be grateful.

After graduating in May 2023, I faced a new challenge: finding a job. The process was far from easy. At first, I struggled. I put hours of hard work and job searching, but the results were not what I expected. And on top of that, I had to take care of my two little daughters and work weekends in a job that wasn’t related to my field.

My breakthrough came in October 2023 when I landed a job as an Electrical Design Engineer, much closer to my experience in oil and gas. It wasn’t easy. The transition was hard. UK standards were different, the software was unfamiliar, and I had to adapt to new working processes. But I embraced these challenges. I worked hard to learn new skills, adjust my knowledge to UK standards, and keep pushing through the confusion.

What helped me was the foundation I built at UWS. The skills in teamworking, problem-solving, and communication was invaluable in my new job. I began to feel more confident in my abilities, and slowly but surely, I started to settle into my role.