Amil Khan

A Day in My Life

A typical day for me is never the same, which is what makes my job so exciting! One day I could be working with academics on writing a policy brief on key areas of research, while the next could involve attending a United Nations climate conference or coordinating an institutional response to a government inquiry. I might also be involved in supporting a Ministerial visit to campus. It’s this variety that makes my role so fulfilling and keeps me on my toes.

My Journey to Public Affairs

After completing my degree at the University of Birmingham, I initially went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Law. However, I realized that a career in law wasn’t for me, so I pivoted to working for Remembering Srebrenica, a national organization dedicated to promoting Srebrenica Memorial Day and educating communities about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. During my time there, I worked with high-profile figures, including the Prince of Wales, Bill Clinton, and Angelina Jolie.

The experience taught me invaluable skills, including leadership and managing high-profile events, which shaped my career path in public affairs. It also instilled a deep sense of civic duty that continues to drive me in my work today, particularly in terms of volunteering and giving back to the community.

My Birmingham Experience

The University of Birmingham played a significant role in shaping my career. The most impactful part of my experience was learning from a diverse group of academics who were some of the foremost experts in their fields. The joint honours degree in History and Political Science allowed me to explore two disciplines that gave me a broad understanding of the world, which has been crucial in my career in public affairs.

The University also inspired me to engage more deeply with my local community, which is something I continue to do through my volunteer work as a school governor and trustee for several charities. The opportunities and resources at Birmingham made a lasting impact on me, and the friendships I built during my time there are something I still treasure today.

Birmingham's Impact

My time at Birmingham not only shaped my professional life but also instilled in me a strong sense of civic responsibility. This was reinforced through the university’s focus on producing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society. The experience I gained in public affairs has been invaluable, and the university’s network provided me with the necessary support and inspiration to get to where I am today.

Additionally, my participation in volunteering during and after my time at Birmingham, including roles like being a school governor, has been an extension of the university's ethos. These efforts reflect my commitment to contributing to the community, a passion that the university cultivated in me.

My Achievements 

One of my greatest achievements was being awarded two scholarships by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, which allowed me to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law. Although I ultimately moved away from law, that scholarship experience helped to broaden my professional network and gave me the confidence to pursue my career in public affairs.

Another proud moment was my time working with Remembering Srebrenica, where I was privileged to work with distinguished leaders such as the President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, former US President Bill Clinton, and Angelina Jolie, whose words and actions inspired me to think more deeply about the impact of policy and how we can all contribute to a better society.

Advice for Students

 My advice to current students would be:

1. Keep Learning: Graduating marks just the beginning of your journey. Never lose the curiosity and drive to learn more.
2. Find What Drives You: It’s important to explore different areas during your time at university to see what excites you. The more you try, the better you will understand what truly motivates you.
3. Volunteer and Engage: Take the time to engage in the community. Volunteer work has given me immense value in terms of personal development and networking.
4. Be Resilient: The road ahead will have its challenges, but they are part of the process. Learn from setbacks, and don’t compare your success to others. What matters is your own growth and finding fulfillment in what you do.
5. Network: Take advantage of all the resources and support your university provides. The network you build during your time at university will be a powerful tool for your future career.