By Iman Fatima
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Iman Fatima
Forging an entrepreneurial spirit
Entrepreneur Iman was always inspired by the idea of building something from the ground up, but her time at University College Birmingham gave her the skills and confidence to take the leap.
Now she runs a business, AIORA, dedicated to empowering Pakistani students by providing them with a global platform for business guidance and mentorship.
“I chose to study business enterprise in order to gain an understanding of not just how businesses work but how they are built,” she said.
“With its strong reputation for work-integrated learning and the supportive environment for international students, UCB seemed the perfect fit.”
While studying, she found the mix of theory with real-world experience, delivered in part through guest lectures and workshops to be hugely beneficial.
“The University’s emphasis on practical experience allowed me to apply my classroom learning directly. My course gave me the confidence to take risks, knowing I had the knowledge to back up my decisions,” she said.
“It led to my launching AIORA, where I have even secured partnerships with entrepreneurs featured on major platforms like Dragons' Den and Shark Tank.”
With plans to study for a master’s degree and expand her business, Iman’s goal is to advocate for social change, and provide the next generation of leaders with the tools they need to build impactful businesses.
“My time at UCB was truly transformative. It encouraged the leader and female entrepreneur that was hidden inside me,” she said.
“If a girl who was once too afraid to even leave her room can now lead a business and aim to change the world, then truly, anyone can.”