Malik Umair Khan

Find out how studying at the University of Birmingham helped Malik achieve his career goals.
  • Malik Umair Khan

    My Graduate Story

    My name is Malik Umair Khan, and I completed a MSc in International Development (distance learning) at the University of Birmingham.

    I currently work as the Deputy Head of Mission, for the Embassy of Pakistan in Lisbon (Government of Pakistan).

A Day in my Life

As a Pakistani diplomat currently posted in the Embassy of Pakistan in Lisbon, Portugal, I serve as the Deputy Head of Mission. My role involves managing a wide range of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Portugal, including political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people relations. Each day is dynamic, with a mix of diplomatic meetings, policy discussions, and public outreach efforts aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.

I often spend my mornings reviewing diplomatic communications, preparing reports, and briefing the Ambassador on key developments. Throughout the day, I meet with Portuguese counterparts, engage in bilateral negotiations, and organize events aimed at fostering collaboration between our two countries. In the afternoons, I focus on coordination and strategy to ensure that our embassy’s goals align with Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities. The evenings are usually spent in meetings with cultural institutions or attending events that highlight the strong ties between Pakistan and Portugal.

My role requires balancing the demands of diplomacy with a deep understanding of international development, which I find truly rewarding. I’m always striving to use my position to further enhance Pakistan’s relations with Portugal in meaningful ways

 

My Journey to the Embassy of Pakistan

Studying International Development at the University of Birmingham has been integral to my diplomatic career. It has helped me understand the significance of bilateral relations in the economic development of both countries. The insights I gained from my coursework have been invaluable in my current role as I work to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Portugal.

My dissertation, which focused on the role of innovation in the development of a country, gave me a unique perspective that has been instrumental in shaping my approach to international relations. The connections and networks I formed through the university have also been incredibly beneficial in furthering my career.

Before joining the Embassy of Pakistan in Lisbon, I worked in various positions related to international development, which helped me apply the theoretical knowledge from my studies to real-world diplomacy and development efforts. The transition from academia to a professional diplomatic role was smooth, thanks to the solid foundation laid by my studies.

 

My Birmingham Experience

Studying at the University of Birmingham was a great experience that combined both theoretical and practical aspects of International Development. The distance learning format allowed me to apply my learning while working, making it a highly flexible and enriching experience. The course provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how international development works in practice, and how global and bilateral relations play a key role in fostering economic and social progress.

I particularly appreciated the blend of modules that examined both the challenges and opportunities in international development, and how innovation and collaboration can transform countries. The university also arranged numerous events that provided excellent networking opportunities, enabling me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and gain insights into global development challenges.

 

Birmingham's Impact

The University of Birmingham equipped me with a solid foundation in international development that has directly impacted my career. The networking opportunities provided during my course allowed me to engage with professionals and experts in the field, giving me valuable insights into global issues. The diverse academic environment at Birmingham also helped me broaden my perspective on development issues from various parts of the world, which has been extremely beneficial in my diplomatic work.

One of the highlights of my time at Birmingham was the support and guidance I received from my professors, who encouraged me to explore innovative ideas for my dissertation. The feedback and mentorship I received played a significant role in my academic success.

I also received the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, which helped pay for my tuition fees. This scholarship played an essential role in making my studies more accessible and allowed me to focus on my academic and professional goals without the added financial burden.

 

My Achievements

I’m proud to have earned a distinction for my dissertation, which focused on the role of innovation in the development of a country. The research process was both challenging and rewarding, and I was able to contribute new ideas to the field of international development. This achievement has been crucial in advancing my career and has helped me gain recognition within the field of diplomacy.

Additionally, my work at the Embassy of Pakistan in Lisbon has allowed me to put my academic knowledge into practice, particularly in strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Portugal.

 

Advice for Students

My advice to students is to focus on learning as much as you can and take full advantage of the networking opportunities offered by the University. Make connections with your peers, professors, and industry professionals. These relationships can be incredibly valuable in your future career.

Additionally, be open to exploring diverse areas of study and development, as this will provide you with a well-rounded understanding of global issues. My advice would also be to always strive for excellence, as I did in my dissertation, where I earned a distinction. Your hard work will pay off, and you will find doors opening for you. Finally, be curious and take every opportunity to learn from those around you