Rachel-Jane Ballouz

A day in my life

A typical day meant finishing work in Abu Dhabi, driving to Dubai for evening lectures, and heading home knowing there was still coursework waiting for me. It was a demanding routine, but I never felt like I was managing it alone.

What I didn't expect was how quickly the programme would influence my work. I found myself applying ideas from class almost immediately, which led me to pursue an opportunity within my company's Design Management Office, one of the fastest growing departments in the organisation. I joined on a part-time basis, contributing to AI implementation and digital transformation initiatives. Studying Advanced Engineering Management while working on projects in the same space meant I could put new ideas into practice almost immediately.

Why Birmingham Dubai?

When I moved from Lebanon to the UAE to begin my engineering career, I knew I wanted to continue my education, but I wanted a course that was relevant to the market I was now working in. I wanted something that would strengthen my understanding of engineering management within the GCC and help me grow as a professional.

The University of Birmingham Dubai stood out because it offered exactly that balance. Their MSc Advanced Engineering Management combined academic rigor with practical relevance, and it was clear that the curriculum reflected the challenges professionals face in today's industry. Equally important, it was designed in a way that allowed me to continue working full time without compromising the quality of either experience.

The University's reputation gave me confidence in my decision, but what ultimately convinced me was the degree itself. It felt current, purposeful and closely aligned with where I wanted my career to go.

I attended an Open Day before joining, and it played an important role in my decision. One of the highlights was meeting the Programme Director, who took the time to walk me through the structure of the programme, the modules, and what I could realistically expect from the year. I left with a clear understanding of what I was signing up for.

At the time, my biggest concern was balancing a full-time job in Abu Dhabi with studying in Dubai. I spoke openly about that, and rather than being given a reassuring answer for the sake of it, we had an honest discussion about what the commitment would look like and the support available to working professionals.

What made Birmingham Dubai the right place to study Advanced Engineering Management?

My undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering gave me a strong technical foundation, but once I started my career in the UAE, I realised that the traditional combination of engineering and management was no longer enough.

In today's industry, and particularly in a market as dynamic as the UAE, innovation, design thinking and adaptability have become just as important as technical expertise and managerial capability. Staying relevant means understanding not only how systems work, but how organisations innovate, respond to change and create value.

What stood out was that the programme reflected where engineering education is heading, not where it has been. Rather than treating engineering and management as two separate disciplines, it integrated innovation, strategic thinking and real-world application into the learning experience.

What I appreciated most was how intentionally the curriculum was structured. Each module built on the previous one, so by the time I reached my dissertation, I was drawing on knowledge from across the entire programme rather than approaching it as a standalone piece of work.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

When I look back, the first thing I remember is how quickly our cohort became friends. We came from different industries and different stages of our careers, but by the end of the first week we'd already organised lunch together at a local restaurant one of my classmates recommended. That became the start of a year filled with dinners, outings and plenty of laughs.

Even after Saturday lectures, no one was in a hurry to leave. We'd stay to play board games in the student spaces, catch up over coffee or spend time in the library before making the drive home.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

One of the things I valued most about Birmingham was the way the Careers Network approached professional development. They helped me think long term through practical frameworks and guided reflection; they encouraged me to understand my strengths, define my aspirations and make career decisions with greater clarity and purpose.

The University's mentorship programme brought that approach to life. I was matched with a mentor who challenged me to think more deeply about every career decision I was making. It wasn't about being given answers; it was about developing a framework for making better decisions, and that is something I continue to use today.

The University offered flexible tuition payment plans, which allowed me to pay in installments. That flexibility made it much easier to manage.

Advice for students

Ask for what you need. Ask early, ask often.

If you never ask, you will never receive. The people here are invested in your growth and will go beyond what you asked for.

If I could change one thing about my own experience, I would have slowed down. I completed my masters full-time alongside work in a single year, but I do not regret it.