You may remember reading Mustafa’s story last year. Forced to flee his home when the Taliban swept to power in Afghanistan, Mustafa’s life and future were left uncertain. He told us: “I was going through a difficult time as a result of rapid changes in my life, such as escaping the Taliban regime and contemplating an uncertain future in a new country.” He added: “I was grateful to the French government for helping me leave Afghanistan and their consistent support, but I was worried about my uncertain future and the challenges of integrating into a new community while the path to my educational and career goals was possibly blocked for some time due to language barriers. I was drowned in these thoughts in the streets of Paris when I received the email about the scholarship from the University of Liverpool. That was a thrilling moment full of joy”.
Mustafa received a scholarship to study Strategic Communications in 2022. One year after his graduation, Mustafa looks back on his journey and the lasting impact of receiving a scholarship.
“Life after graduation has been busy, especially since I moved to London for work. London is a big city with lots of opportunities, but finding a suitable job was challenging in the beginning.
As an international student, I faced challenges like some recruiters demanding ‘UK experience’ or a work permit. Some were not willing to consider allowing time for the transition from a student visa to a post-study work visa. I had anticipated such situations, so I prepared myself and persisted in my efforts.
Finally, in March last year, I started a new role as a Communication Consultant at Mercer. Since then, I have been assisting my clients in developing communication strategies, crafting change narratives, and implementing communication plans. I enjoy what I do as I can see the impact of my work on the lives of people.
Besides work, another major highlight for me was my research paper. After graduation, I collaborated with my former supervisor, Dr Franco, to turn my dissertation into a research article for publication. Together, we submitted our article to the International Journal of Strategic Communication (IJSC). After their evaluations, our article received a green light and was published in November 2023. It was a proud moment for me.
Today, I find myself at the perfect stage of my career, thoroughly enjoying what I do. Reflecting on the past three years, I see a significant upward trajectory in both my personal and professional life. One pivotal factor contributing to this growth is the scholarship I received from the University of Liverpool.
Amidst all the events of 2021 I went through, this scholarship was a game-changer. Not only did it enable me to pursue my academic goal of obtaining a master’s degree at a prestigious university, but it also allowed me to pursue my career ambitions without any disruptions.
Earlier this year, I was invited to deliver a session for current students of MSc Strategic Communication at the University. I shared my experience, provided tips on how to successfully write a dissertation, and gave them a picture of what post-study life looks like for most students.
Let me share the summary here:
- The university offers a lot of opportunities and support. And during my time, I realised that some students don't take good advantage of those opportunities. For example, free consultations by ELC to review essays or dissertations and provide feedback. Similar to this many other teams help students to grow and succeed, so it is important to keep yourself updated and explore the opportunities.
- Writing a dissertation was a key highlight of my academic journey. While I understand that it can be challenging initially, particularly in choosing the right topic and research method, it is crucial to select a topic that you are passionate about. This not only makes the research process more enjoyable but also increases the likelihood of opportunities for publication. This approach worked for me, as I managed to get my research published.
- The job market is competitive, especially for international graduates, but don’t be swayed by distractions. You may come across some individuals who may advise you to settle for less or lower your expectations but don’t listen to them. I encourage you to aim for the top jobs and apply across various platforms. Patience and perseverance are key, and with time, you will see positive results.
- Lastly, Liverpool is a beautiful city and is located close to some amazing places such as the Lake District, North Wales, Yorkshire, and more. Take breaks and explore these stunning destinations!
I am genuinely grateful for the support I received as a student. Assisting students during challenging times is akin to making a long-term investment. It is an investment in individuals that ultimately leads to a broader impact on the community and beyond. Thank you!
Many of the opportunities available to students today are made possible thanks to alumni and friends who choose to give back to the next generation of students. To find out more about the Student Fund and how you can support students like Mustafa, visit our Student Fund webpage.