Omar Abdelhamid
Country Of Origin: Egypt
Degree: BA Management and Entrepreneurship, 2018
Business Development and Commercial Executive, Gridtech
What was the best thing about your course?
I came in naïve and lost but graduated confident and ready to kick-off my career after being well prepared academically and practically in Lancaster University.
What/who inspired you most at LUMS and why?
Every single mentor had a role in developing the level of knowledge I have at the moment and who I am today. If I were to choose I would say Dr Allan Cruz for social aspect of entrepreneurship, Dr Sophie Al Khaled for supporting equality in the world of entrepreneurship, and Prof. Magnus George for developing new ventures.
Did you do a project, placement, study abroad? What did this involve and what did you gain?
I worked in Ford Motor Company, as Global Airfreight support buyer, where it included a lot of negotiations and analytical work with the top five couriers. I learned communication skills, negotiation techniques, people and social skills, and how to operate in an international company.
Describe your time at LUMS in three words:
Challenging. Exciting. Rewarding.
What are the best things about living in the Lancaster area?
Lancaster is very safe, calm, and relaxing. Personally I believe that the city vibes helped me to study and have a great time socially.
Which parts of your Lancaster experience were the best preparation for your job?
I would say my placement and final years were a big part as they helped me link academic material to the reality that we are living in. In addition, they helped me become more critical and analytical of what I get told or taught, which helped me develop significantly as an individual.