Do you remember your first day at RGU?

Yes - although I was studying remotely, I clearly remember the sense of anticipation when I began. It marked the start of a very focused step toward my goal of specialising in construction law and arbitration. From the beginning, I felt I was entering a structured and professionally relevant learning journey.

Why did you choose to study at RGU?

I chose Robert Gordon University because of its strong reputation for industry-informed teaching and its well-established online learning model. As I was already working full-time in a demanding professional role, it was important for me to find a programme that offered flexibility without compromising on quality. I needed something that combined academic rigour with practical application and the MSc in Construction Law and Arbitration offered exactly that, allowing me to continue my job while advancing my specialisation.

How would you describe the learning environment and support you experienced?

The learning environment was rigorous, engaging, and highly supportive. Despite studying remotely, I remained closely connected with academic staff who had strong industry insight. I was also part of a diverse global cohort, which created a collaborative learning experience and broadened my professional perspective.

Did you take part in any placements, internships, or industry projects during your studies?

While I did not undertake a formal placement, I was already working on complex, high-value construction projects. One of the key strengths of the programme was that I could immediately apply what I was learning to real-world situations, making my professional work itself an extension of the learning experience.

In what ways did your course prepare you for your career?

The course deepened my understanding of contracts, legal frameworks, and dispute resolution mechanisms. More importantly, it strengthened my analytical thinking and practical approach to managing disputes, which directly supported my ambition to become an arbitrator.

Tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like.

I currently serve as a Country Manager alongside my role in contracts and procurement, working on construction projects of national importance in Pakistan. It’s a role that’s both demanding and very rewarding, as it allows me to contribute at both a strategic and operational level.

As Country Manager, I focus on overall direction; working with stakeholders, supporting teams, and making sure our projects are aligned with wider organisational goals. At the same time, I remain closely involved in contracts and procurement managing contractual frameworks, mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and supporting dispute avoidance.

A typical day is quite dynamic. It can range from high-level discussions and decision-making to reviewing contracts, coordinating with teams, and solving day-to-day challenges and addressing commercial and legal challenges to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and successfully. I enjoy that balance it keeps me grounded in the technical side while also allowing me to grow as a leader.

What’s one thing you learned at RGU that still shapes your life or work today?

One thing that has really stayed with me is the importance of being structured, fair, and balanced in how I approach challenges. During my time at Robert Gordon University, I learned to look at situations from multiple perspectives and make decisions carefully and professionally.

That mindset continues to guide me in my daily work, especially when dealing with contracts, managing responsibilities, and working with different stakeholders. It has helped me become more confident, thoughtful, and consistent in the way I handle my role.

What’s a career moment you’ll never forget?

Achieving Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators is a milestone I will never forget. It represented the realisation of a long-term goal and was made possible by the strong foundation I built during my studies at RGU.

What one piece of advice would you give to an RGU student today?

Make the most of the opportunity by actively connecting your studies to real-world practice. Engage with your peers, apply your learning immediately, and stay focused on your long-term goals; the value of the programme lies in how effectively you use it.