In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to University of Limerick graduate Hadi Hameed, who studied MSc Project Management.
From hours spent in the library to craic in The Stables, joining multiple clubs and building an international network, Hadi discusses how he embraced campus life.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am Hadi Hameed, hailing from a small coastal state in the south west of India called Kerala. I came to Ireland in 2018 to pursue my Masters. I’m currently based in Dublin, working as a Management Consultant for EY Ireland.
What course did you study?
I pursued my MSc Project Management from Kemmy Business School from 2018-2019. I graduated in January 2020.
Why did you choose to study at UL?
I explored several universities to pursue my masters degree. UL excited me the most as it was rated one of the best in employability index.
Moreover, as Ireland’s sporting campus, I loved the sports amenities and infrastructure, which I thought would be a great place to find the perfect balance, to continue pursuing my passion for football, alongside the course.
What were the highlights of your course?
I really liked the teaming aspect while delivering various assignments and mini projects. Working with people from various backgrounds, geographies and cultures brought unique perspectives and ideas to the table.
I also liked the fact that the entire programme was not just academic centric as we had to work on interesting projects such as business simulation and case studies to identify solutions to solve real world project management challenges.
As a KBS student, you had the opportunity to learn from some of the top academic talent, in state-of-the-art facilities. What was your experience like as a student here?
I enjoyed the overall experience. It wasn’t an easy year, recalling most of my time spent in the library to complete the assignments and course work. However, I always had people to help me and provide constructive feedback to improve my performance.
My peers were really supportive in helping me get well acquainted with the Irish academic system, which is different from the education system in India. I also liked the Glucksman Library and the modern facilities made available for students.
What advice would you offer to students considering studying at UL?
If you’re looking for a unique university experience and real international exposure with access to world class faculties and state of the art facilities, I would recommend UL. It is also affordable, and Limerick is well positioned with job opportunities, as Ireland’s leading industrial hub.
MSc Project Management is a course that opened up several avenues and job opportunities for me. I liked the overall structure of the course, and most of the learning has been very much applicable to my current role. It improved my soft skills especially communication, teaming, and time management.
All the projects I worked on as part of my assignments taught me so much in terms of how to manage projects effectively and efficiently; various challenges that Project Managers could face during the project lifecycle, and how to navigate through them.
Were you a member of any clubs or societies?
I was part of a few clubs and societies. I loved UL Outdoor Pursuits Club, for a bit of adventure during the weekends with hiking and trekking, and UL Social Soccer Club for the Tuesday evening friendly matches. It really helped me to network and socialise with people outside my course and business school.
What are some of your favourite memories from your time at UL?
Volunteering in UL. Being an International Student Ambassador for UL Global, writing blogs about the university experience and coaching the underaged (U-10) kids in soccer during the weekends was one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences I’ve ever had in UL.
At UL, we’re known as the ‘Home of Firsts’ – are there any important ‘firsts’ that you experienced as a UL student, that you would like to share?
The first thing that comes to my mind is the networking. I built a strong international network with people from different parts of the world. This helped me understand different perspectives and stimulated my critical thinking, by suggesting ideas and sharing thoughts that are unique.
Are there any campus locations that hold special significance to you?
The Living Bridge for that relaxing evening walk, the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance theatre for the real Irish experience and The Stables for a bit of ‘craic’ on Fridays!
How did your course and your overall UL experience prepare you for entering the workplace upon graduating?
I developed a lot of skills during my year in UL. Working with my peers on various projects and case studies helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses and identify the areas for improvement.
Volunteering experience equipped me with lot of transferable skills which I could demonstrate at my workplace. I was fortunate to work for three different employers since graduating from UL, which gave me varied experience and made me a confident professional overall.
Could you update us on where you are now in your career?
I am currently working as a Senior Technology Consultant with EY Ireland. My role involves working with the client to deliver large scale complex projects and programmes. I’m currently part of a major energy transformation programme for a leading power and utility client in Ireland.
What has been a career highlight so far?
I think the purpose in what I do matters to me so much. I decided to take up a new career challenge during the pandemic outbreak and joined a leading global medical devices firm in March 2020. Having no prior experience, I had to work with front line workers and key emergency medical services accounts like National Ambulance Service, Dublin Fire Brigade, and the Department of Defence, to support them with their day-to-day operations and equip their fleet with lifesaving medical equipment such as the defibs, chest compression devices and data transmission units.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
I am very excited for what the future holds. My current role is very interesting (at the same time challenging), and involves identifying solutions to support Ireland for a decarbonised, decentralised, and digitised electricity network that will help transform the nation to operate a low-carbon and sustainable electricity distribution network, using renewables and modern operational technologies.
I’ve grown and learnt a lot over the past three years, working in such a large-scale energy transformation programme and I’m really looking forward to developing my skills and expertise in the sector that is undergoing massive transformation globally.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you, UL for giving me a great experience and for all the opportunities I’ve got to work for the university. From being an International Student Ambassador to being the Global Alumni Ambassador lately, I’m humbled and honoured to represent UL in various levels and support prospective students, by sharing my experiences and learnings.