May 2025
Sohaib’s Story
By Sohaib Hassan
Share post:Read time: approx 1 mins
Sohaib Hassan
Preparing to take over family business
As a keen traveller, Sohaib, from Pakistan, was looking for a university degree overseas that would give him the skills to take over and scale up his family’s business.
“I wanted to gain as much knowledge of business and different industries and how you get from point A to point B in business,” he said.
“I had done a lot of research on University College Birmingham, and they had exactly the course I was looking for.
“I have found it to be 10/10 for academic support, the lecturers, the library. And student services are great, all the guidance I’ve received has been wonderful.
“I especially benefit from the Centre for Academic Skills and English (CASE) to learn my academic skills.”
He said he really enjoyed the university environment – but also Birmingham. “It’s very friendly and the cost of living is much better than many other cities, especially London,” he said.
As an international student, Sohaib said he initially found the visa process tricky, but was guided by University College Birmingham all the way.
“They showed me the whole process and their guidance was excellent,” he said. “10/10. And since then, they have supported me with any immigration issues.
“I’ve no words to describe the efforts of the university staff and I’m very thankful to all of them, they have helped me a lot.”
After his course, which includes modules such as finance for managers, market researching, entrepreneurial thinking and behaviour and digital innovations, Sohaib has big plans.
“My father has been a business owner for the past 20 years and I’ll sure I’ll be able to take over because of the knowledge I’ve gained during my studies,” he said.