Meet MSc Financial Technology alumnus - Ejaz

Journey to Salford

I chose the UK for its world-class education system, emphasis on practical learning, and global exposure. The UK offers a rich multicultural experience and countless opportunities to develop both personally and professionally. Studying here gave me the confidence, technical skills, and international outlook I needed to grow in the fast-evolving world of finance and technology.

I was drawn to the University of Salford in particular for its welcoming and supportive environment, its global diversity, and its strong academic reputation. The location in one of the UK’s most vibrant and innovative cities also made it an exciting choice. The faculty’s approachability and genuine care for students created a sense of belonging from the very beginning.

Support at Salford

The University of Salford provided exceptional all-round support - from career guidance to academic and well-being services and academic assistance. The Career Development team, in particular, played a vital role in helping me shape my professional path through one-to-one sessions, CV building, and interview preparation. The academic and well-being staff were also incredibly kind and encouraging throughout my journey.

All about the course

My degree helped me develop strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, as well as technical skills in data analytics, data visualisation, Python programming, and Power BI. These skills have been crucial in bridging the gap between finance and technology in my current roles. I also had the chance to complete a paid internship at The Car Co in Bury, Greater Manchester.

My favourite part of the course was learning from friendly, passionate professors and engaging with real-world industry insights through guest lectures and case studies. These experiences helped me connect theory with practice and understand how financial technology is transforming modern business.

Life outside of the lecture hall

The sense of community at Salford was wonderful. I loved being part of the Pakistani Society and the Networking Society, both of which helped me make lifelong friends and explore different cultures. The faith centre offered a peaceful space to connect spiritually, and the library, open 24 hours, became my second home — a place where I learned, reflected, and grew.

Some of my fondest memories include attending cultural events organised by the Pakistani Society, participating in Networking Society trips, and spending long, productive hours in the Salford library. Meeting classmates from around the world and learning about their cultures enriched my university experience and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

I also worked part-time alongside my studies, which helped me develop time management, adaptability, and teamwork — all of which have been invaluable in my professional life.

Life after graduation: building a career

My primary goal was to secure a professional and sponsored job in the UK — a goal I achieved even before completing my degree.

Initially, my job applications weren’t yielding positive results, but I sought help from Salford’s Career Team, booking one-to-one meetings to refine my CV, improve my job applications, and build interview confidence. I also attended career fairs and networking events arranged by the university, which significantly improved my professional approach.

Through this guidance, I secured a paid internship at The Car Co, Bury, where I applied both my soft and technical skills to real business challenges. Under the supervision of my mentor, Dr Zeeshan Ali Syed, we identified an operational inefficiency within the company, researched it, and implemented a practical solution that improved productivity. My contribution was so well-received that the company offered me a full-time position even before I finished my degree.

Impressed by my dedication and performance, the company went one step further — they offered me visa sponsorship while I was still on a student visa, allowing me to transition directly into full-time employment without needing a graduate visa. This achievement marked a major milestone in my career and personal growth.

Alongside my UK career, I also took on a remote leadership role with a Nigerian renewable energy startup called Verdroof, serving as Head of Finance and Strategy. In this role, I handle financial forecasting, budgeting, strategic planning, and pricing model development — contributing to an innovative project that promotes sustainability across African universities.

These dual experiences have helped me grow as both a finance professional and a strategic thinker with a global outlook.

Advice for future international students

Make full use of every resource the university provides — academic, career, wellbeing and networking opportunities. Learn, explore, and build meaningful connections because success isn’t just about what you know; it’s also about how you showcase what you know.

In today’s competitive world, networking and visibility matter as much as knowledge and skill. Be proactive, confident, and genuine in your interactions — opportunities often come through people who see your potential first-hand.

Final thoughts

The University of Salford played a defining role in my personal and professional growth. I’m deeply grateful to Dr Zeeshan Ali Syed for his constant support and inspiration throughout my journey. Looking ahead, I aspire to launch my own FinTech startup, combining the academic knowledge, industry experience, and leadership skills I’ve developed to make a meaningful impact on society.