Mohammed Altaleb

MSc Road Management and Engineering 2014

Who are you currently working for and what is your current role?          

Atkins, Assistant Asset Management Consultant.

I support the work of the Highways & Bridges Asset Management team with the objective of successfully winning and delivering a range of projects for a range of clients.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham?

After obtaining my MSc degree I have worked as a Highway Design Engineer in Dubai for a year and half and then moved to Atkins in Dubai followed by Atkins based in Birmingham, UK.

What is the best thing about what you are doing now?

Highways for me is not a job only, it's something I enjoy a lot; sitting behind a computer designing highways and coordinating with other parties is just fun to me. I can sit for hours designing. It's just another world for me especially after seeing the project I designed actually constructed. It's not a job, it's a passion!

What motivates you?

New challenges, self-development and career advancement.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

I originally applied to Birmingham because I found the program interesting and was influenced by a colleague who was doing his PhD at the university and the support of a professor who obtained his PhD from University of Birmingham.

What are your fondest memories of the University?

Making friends with international students, the cultural mix and being able to understand the diversity and difference in cultures.

How did you grow as a person?

By coming to the University I grew as a person as I became more independent and improved my communication skills (speaking, listening and presenting).

What did you think of the learning experience within the University?

The masters degree in general was helpful in my career. It gave a broad look on how things work and how people manage things outside the Middle East. It prepared me to be more ambitious, enthusiastic and confident.

What inspired you most during your time as a student?              

I was most inspired during my time as a student by the lectures and guest speakers from external companies around the UK.

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?

My advice to current students studying on my degree programme would be to attend all inspirational lectures offered during the programme. Use the most of the career related services provided to students on campus.