From Brunel to Building Impact

From Brunel to Building Impact

Published: 25 Sep 2025

Ali  Abbas

The on-campus life at Brunel was hands-down the best chapter of my life. The campus felt like a perfect blend of Netflix-worthy fun and top-tier education.

Ali , Postgraduate, Alumni

Product Support Manager, Just Appraised. INC

Engineering Management MSc - 2018

From Pakistan

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?

After graduating, my professional journey has been one of exploration and continuous self-discovery. I’ve navigated through various roles, refining my interests and skills along the way. Over time, I found genuine passion and fulfilment in working closely with customers—understanding their needs, solving their problems, and helping them unlock the true value of our product. This path has not only deepened my sense of purpose but also shaped my approach to building meaningful customer relationships and driving impact through service. Each experience has contributed to a clearer vision of where I thrive and how I can create lasting value.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

My typical workday involves tackling unexpected challenges and constantly working to improve support operations. In a fast-paced startup environment, no two days are the same—there’s always something new to solve or adapt to. I focus on staying calm and flexible, embracing change as part of the process. While it can be messy and unpredictable at times, I do my best to stay resilient and keep things moving forward. It's a balance of putting out fires (not literally!) and driving meaningful improvements, all while learning to thrive amid the chaos.

What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?

A key highlight of my career has been getting promoted at my current job—the first time I advanced within a company rather than switching roles externally. In the past, career growth often meant changing jobs to step into more senior positions. While not the perfect path, it's a common corporate reality many face. This promotion felt especially meaningful because it reflected recognition from within, based on the work I had done and the value I brought to the team. It was a moment of validation and a milestone that marked real progress in my professional journey.

 How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?

Studying at Brunel was like jumping into the deep end—and thankfully, I learned to swim pretty quickly. The international environment didn’t just broaden my horizons, it stretched them in every direction. Working with people from all walks of life taught me that there's more than one way to solve a problem—and more than one accent to explain it in. The academic rigor toughened me up, while living abroad turned me into a master of adaptability (and instant noodles). All in all, Brunel gave me the skills, confidence, and global mindset that continue to shape my career in the best ways.

What is your best memory of studying here?

The on-campus life. Best days of my life for sure. The campus is built on a solid foundation of fun and good quality education. There was never a day where I did not learn and have fun simultaneously and living on campus played a role in that.

If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?

The on-campus life at Brunel was hands-down the best chapter of my life. The campus felt like a perfect blend of Netflix-worthy fun and top-tier education. Seriously, where else can you attend a lecture, have a heated debate over coffee, and end the day at a campus event—all within walking distance of your bed? Living on campus made every day feel like a new episode, filled with learning, laughter, and the occasional fire alarm at 3 AM (character-building stuff). It wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about collecting stories, friendships, and unforgettable memories along the way.

What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?

The journey after graduation isn’t a straight line—it’s more like a rollercoaster with surprise loops. It won’t be easy; challenges will show up uninvited (and often at the worst times). But trust me, everything you learned at Brunel—both in and out of the classroom—has prepped you more than you think. So stay curious, stay resilient, and don’t panic when things don’t go to plan. Everyone’s winging it a little. Just keep moving forward—Google is your friend, coffee is your fuel, and your degree is your secret weapon.

#IamBrunel