Zaid Mukadam

My Graduate Story

My name is Zaid Mukadam, and I graduated from the University of Birmingham with an MSc in Advanced Engineering Management: Construction Project Management pathway.

I am a Consultant/Assistant Project Manager based in London, where I work full-time, with a hybrid approach.

My role involves managing projects from start to finish, ensuring that all phases are executed efficiently and in line with the clients' expectations. This includes overseeing project timelines, budgets, and teams while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and requirements.

I also have a design background which has allowed me to contribute to developing project briefs and concept designs. I work at AMR Consult, a building consultancy practice that provides project management and consultancy services across various sectors.

A Day in my Life

In my current role, I typically start the day by reviewing project updates and checking for any critical issues that need immediate attention. A good portion of my day is spent in meetings with clients, design consultants, or contractors — either to resolve design queries, track progress, or coordinate upcoming tasks.

I manage multiple projects at different RIBA stages, so my tasks range from developing concept designs, managing tender processes, contract administration duties and essential communications to keep the project rolling. I also maintain key documentation like the project programme, risk register, and cost tracker, and I follow a structured but adaptable approach depending on the stage or urgency of each project.

The variety keeps things interesting, and my focus throughout is to ensure smooth delivery, clear communication, and alignment with the client's objectives.

My Journey

The journey was quite challenging, filled with obstacles in a competitive market. After submitting my dissertation and essentially completing my coursework in September, I immediately embarked on a focused journey to secure a role that aligned with my background and career aspirations.

I began by researching various companies in the UK with strong reputations for offering career development opportunities in construction project management. Each company had its own hiring process, so I tailored my CV and cover letters to fit each role, highlighting my background and relevant experiences from university and previous jobs. Additionally, I actively networked with professionals in the industry through LinkedIn and industry events, which helped me connect with potential employers.

As an international student, I faced the challenge of navigating visa considerations, which limited my access to certain job opportunities. It was difficult to wake up to rejections piled up in my inbox, but I remained persistent and focused on pushing forward despite these setbacks.

After securing a few interviews, I was able to showcase my skills, experience, and passion for the role. Each interview helped me refine my approach, and ultimately after two months of tiring application journey, I received an offer that aligned with my career goals and values.

My Birmingham Experience

My MSc course offered a strong blend of technical and business management modules, equipping me with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to navigate project management within a consultancy environment. There was a strong emphasis on areas such as project programming, resourcing, risk and stakeholder management, and sustainable construction practices.

Assignments based on real-life case studies allowed us to apply our learning in practical scenarios, which was invaluable. Additionally, guest lecturers from the industry regularly shared insights and experiences, helping us better understand the real-world challenges faced by professionals. Although I initially intended to pursue a career in core technical project management, the course unintentionally broadened my perspective and skillset, preparing me for opportunities within consultancy roles as well.

One of the best aspects of my course was its well-rounded curriculum, which blended both technical and business/management modules. This allowed me to gain comprehensive knowledge in construction and project management, while also exploring key areas like operations, finance, and business growth. The course offered a balanced perspective, equipping me with valuable skills from both the technical and business worlds, which was essential for my future career.

The course also provided ample real-world exposure through case studies, live projects, and sessions with guest speakers and industry experts. These experiences, alongside occasional site visits and study trips, allowed me to connect theory with practice. Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures was incredibly enriching, broadening my perspective. With access to career support services, mentorship programmes, and placement fairs, the course also helped me build strong professional networks to support my career journey.

Birmingham's Impact

The Careers Network played an important and supportive role in my job application journey. The team, including individuals like Anna Flatt and Tom Ellis, were instrumental in providing guidance on application submissions. Their feedback helped me significantly refine and strengthen my CV and cover letters.

In addition to one-on-one advice, there were also bookable sessions focused on application strategies and tackling specific challenges I faced along the way. The Careers Network provided access to a range of resources to support assessment preparation, as well as opportunities to practice for interviews, which proved invaluable. Overall, the support I received gave me the confidence and tools I needed to eventually secure a job in the UK.

My Achievements

During my MSc programme, one of my biggest achievements was attaining an overall Distinction grade while balancing part-time work to support myself, living far from home on a different continent. I took pride in leading teams for group assignments and excelling in individual coursework, which not only strengthened my academic abilities but also developed my leadership skills. Alongside my studies, I was honoured to be selected as the Student Representative to the Guild of Students, where I actively supported my peers by gathering feedback and presenting their views at Staff-Student Forum meetings to help enhance their academic experience.

In addition to academic success, I was proud to receive the Postgraduate Professional Development Award, which recognised my efforts in building key employability skills such as public speaking, communication, teamwork, and project delivery through a range of Masterclasses and activities. I also took every opportunity to develop professional networks by attending career fairs and connecting with the university's Careers Network. Altogether, these experiences helped me grow both personally and professionally, setting a strong foundation for my future career.

Advice for Students

In today's competitive job market, my top tip would be to make your applications stand out by tailoring them to your dream companies. Invest time in crafting personalised resumes, cover letters, and application materials that truly reflect your skills and aspirations. Additionally, networking is essential — especially in the UK market. Start early and connect with professionals, including alumni, to expand your network. Referrals can significantly increase your chances of landing a job, as hiring teams often trust recommendations from their colleagues. Attend industry events and don't hesitate to reach out for advice; showing enthusiasm and initiative is always appreciated.

Another crucial tip is to keep enhancing your skills and knowledge. The job market is constantly evolving, and continuous upskilling through certifications and personal projects is essential to stay competitive. It's also important to remain consistent during the job search process, especially when facing rejections — don't compare your journey to others. Celebrate the small wins and focus on your long-term goals. Lastly, remember to take care of yourself. Balancing studies with job hunting can be overwhelming, so prioritise your physical and mental well-being to avoid burnout. Taking regular breaks will help you stay focused and energised throughout your journey.