From graduation to vice president: Sarfaraz's success story at Salford
Sarfaraz from India had enjoyed a varied and successful career before he came here to study MSc Digital Business (now MSc Managing AI in Business) to get a formal education in the rapidly changing digital transformation space. He secured a job as Vice President – Financial Services at just one month after graduating.
Read more about his experiences studying at Salford.
Choosing the right programme of study
“Before deciding to undertake further study, I worked in a variety of industries including banking, manufacturing, shipping and logistics with clients including Morgan Stanley, Citi and Barclays. For the last 3 - 4 years I was in the digital transformation space in roles including mainframes developer, tester and business analyst. I reached a point where I felt the need for a formal education to build a strong foundation in a rapidly evolving industry so I decided to explore studying a master's in digital business.
I chose to study in the UK after turning down offers to do my master’s in Germany. I had previously lived in London, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I wanted to try a new city. I was attracted to Manchester because of its vibrancy, cultural richness and diversity.
The highly experienced teaching staff was a major draw to Salford. Their expertise and commitment to academic excellence promised an insightful educational experience. Before making my final decision, I joined a virtual session with , which instilled confidence in me about the course. Additionally, Salford’s strong industry connections and opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and research projects were key factors in my decision to join the programme.â€
Life at Salford
“My favourite aspect of the course was the dynamic interactions with my lecturers. There was also a large amount of collaboration on case studies with a variety of peers, not just from the digital business master’s but also from the marketing programme and I found this incredibly enriching. The standout experience was the opportunity to overhaul my social media during a module which provided a unique hands-on learning experience.
Away from academics, I loved the vibrant student life at Salford. I participated in initiatives like the student mentor programme and cultural events which enriched my experience. I also enjoyed exploring the city centre’s cultural attractions and other areas in Greater Manchester in my free time.
I also found a part-time job at Apple as a Product Specialist which was a fantastic experience where I built lots of transferable skills that enhanced my employability.â€
Journey since graduation
“As I was nearing the end of my course, I had the opportunity to meet one of the directors from the Bank of New York Mellon at a meet-up session organised by the Â׸£ÀûƬ. We had a quality discussion which left a lasting impression, and he offered me a job within his team one month after I graduated. I’ve been working in this role and overseeing strategic functions within financial services for the past year.
I have three top tips for international students considering studying in the UK. Embrace the change! It’s a new culture and you'll have new experiences, so keeping an open mind and being adaptable will make the transition easier.
Join societies and make connections. This is a great way to build a support network and learn more about the UK’s diverse culture. Lastly, work hard and don’t hesitate to seek assistance from the University’s support services – they're there to support you throughout your academic journey."