Pooja Patel graduated in 2008 with a BA (Hons) in International Tourism Management with Business Studies. She is currently employed as a Travel Associate with LOGCAP III Travel Services and enjoys being able to use her degree directly. She responded to a newspaper advert and was appointed after an online application and interview. Her current employment offers her variety and challenge and she is looking forward to studying for a Masters in the future to further enhance her career prospects.

Benita Adelore is currently employed as an HR Officer with Deloitte & Touche Middle East. She graduated in 2008 with a BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management with Business. She sourced her current job at the university's annual career day where she volunteered to assist Deloitte for the afternoon. She was selected for an internship with Deloitte and applied for her permanent position soon afterwards, having applied online, passed online tests and face to face interviews. Benita reports that 'the skills acquired during my studies have helped prepare me for my present role.' She enjoys the daily challenge and the opportunity to use her initiative in her current role: 'Studying an HR degree and working in the same field was my dream come true. I intend to continue in the HR field while studying for my professional qualification with CIPD which I am already a member and a Masters degree after some years of experience.' Her advice to fresh graduates seeking their first job is that they should: Attend career related seminars and career fairs Research the companies they are interested in Practice online psychometric tests as most companies use this selection tool especially for fresh graduates Improve their communication skills and time management skills - these are tested during tests/assessment centers and interviews She also urges students to make good use of the Careers & Employability Service which, she says, 'is very active and seeks to assist students gain placement/employment with reputable organizations

Mardi Grey-Byrne graduated in 2009 with a BA (Hons) in HRM with Psychology. In the same year, she launched her own business, Xpat Partners, a recruitment company specializing in helping women find flexible work, and provides businesses with an alternative approach to staffing. She has found her degree useful as 'recruitment is obviously related to HRM and Occupational Psychology and the management, finance and marketing modules I took have been really helpful in running my own business.' She really enjoys being her own boss while 'helping women find work they love and assisting businesses to see new and more effective ways of managing their staffing. Being challenged every day to learn something new to help my business grow and be successful.' Looking ahead, Mardi hopes to grow and franchise Xpat Partners across the region, starting by opening a branch in Abu Dhabi. Her advice to students choosing careers is to 'do what you love and it won't feel like work - but be prepared to work your way up.'

Santosh Sarma graduated in 2007 with a BSC (Hons) in Business Information Systems with Business Studies and Marketing. He secured his current job as a conference organizer for Green Power Conferences after it was advertised through the university's career service. After 3 interviews with the company he was appointed the day after his graduation. He says that his major in Information Systems helps him to 'understand our Customer Relationship Management Software much better than otherwise.' Business and Marketing studies have likewise helped broaden his perspective on how various multinational firms function. Santosh particularly enjoys working with his clients, a list which has included JP Morgan, Baker & McKenzie and Fortis. He thrives on the challenge of communicating with decision-makers and the opportunity to travel to almost every continent on business. He advises students to 'Aim high and then aim higher. Believe that you deserve a better opportunity than just taking up the first job on your door step. Negotiate hard with your employer. Your degree entitles you to.'

Simmy Mathew graduated in 2008 with a BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance and immediately began work as an Associate at Ernst & Young. Her appointment followed her response to the opportunity advertised on the Ernst & Young web-site, which was followed by a series of assessments and interviews. Her ambition is to be an auditor and her current role is an important step along that path. It offers her a challenging and supportive environment in which to interact with clients from different industries. Simmy will be working towards her ACCA professional qualifications and advises undergraduates to keep themselves well informed about their options and think hard about their career goals. Only then will they love the job they do. She also encourages students to make good use of the Careers and Employability Service, which helped greatly her during the application process.

WHO are the alumni of Middlesex University (UK)?

Many alumni from our UK campus are now living and working in the Middle East. Read about them here:

Case Studies (UK)

On their way!

Middlesex University Dubai Alumni Association

If you are a graduate of Middlesex University Dubai and want to get in touch with your former classmates and members of staff, the Middlesex University Dubai Alumni Association will be launching soon, including:

•  Networking opportunities
•  Special membership benefits
• Opportunities to participate in campus life as a Mentor, Internship provider or guest lecturer - see  Middlesex Connects

For further information, contact:

Becky Kilsby
Manager of the Careers & Employability Service
Middlesex University Dubai
b.kilsby@mdx.ac
04 3612897