"Holland is a Truly Global Country" - Pakistani Graduate

Wittenborg University graduate, Zohair Alam, had no qualms about choosing the Netherlands when he decided to study here. “Holland is a multicultural country that thinks in global terms about business, science, art, innovation and research.”

Zohair graduated in February this year after doing an IBA in Logistics and International Trade. This, despite the fact that he already earned a master's degree in Engineering in Industrial Control and Automation from a university in Pakistan in 2011. “I was working for Schneider Electric in Pakistan (in their Supply Chain department), but I did not have any related degree. I was able to complete my bachelor's degree in that field at Wittenborg within one year, which is what attracted me.”

During his studies he stayed in Apeldoorn and worked in a Turkish restaurant over weekends on top of being an Assistant Housing Manager for Wittenborg and helping out in the university’s back office.

What were some of the challenges he faced as an international student? “The Dutch language, the tough weather and I really suffered from home sickness – especially when it came to food!” Nonetheless, he has decided to stay on in Amsterdam after graduation to look for a job. “It is a wonderful place with diverse cultures. Especially in large cities like Amsterdam there are a lot of job opportunities.”

He names Wittenborg senior lecturers, Dr Abdul Rauf and Dr Saskia Harkema, as some of the people who inspired him while studying in the Netherlands. “Dr Rauf is from Pakistan and he holds a good job in the Netherlands. Dr Harkema is also a source of inspiration because she is an all-rounder. My advice to current and future students is to work hard and aim high.”

WUP 6/6/2016

by Anesca Smith
©WUAS Press