Eesa Kasujee
BSc Computer Science with Digital Technology Partnership, 2023
Student Coach, Coaching With Eesa
I help students achieve highly, live with purpose and find balance while at university through coaching, workshops and online content. My days usually include 1-to-1 coaching sessions, delivering workshops to students and making videos that share lessons I wish I was told as a student.
What is the best thing about what you are doing now?
The best thing is waking up every day to help other people live better lives. Seeing the students that I coach go on to grow themselves and achieve great things is such a rewarding feeling.
What made you interested in your current role?
I received some coaching while at university which really helped me to figure my life out and live with purpose. After a while, I thought to myself, "If only this was available to more students". Then I thought: "Why don't I be the person to share the gift of coaching with other students?" I started off by coaching people that I knew and helped them to some amazing results - finding their career paths, starting businesses, doing amazingly at university. Once I got my first paid client I knew I could start a business from it!
How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham?
I dove straight into entrepreneurship after university instead of full-time employment - because it felt like the best time of my life to take risks and try things out! I had very little to lose and I'm glad I took the leap because I've learned so much from starting a business.
Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?
The course I applied to was absolutely amazing and too good to turn down. Also, when I visited campus for an Open Day I could really see myself living here, which I didn't feel at some other unis.
What are your fondest memories of the University?
All the times spent with friends - the hours sitting on the Vale, the summer BBQs in Selly Park, and the study sessions in the library - those are my fondest memories.
Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?
I joined the Meditation Society in my 1st year which was a really lovely space to meet other people, check in on each other and have some deep chats about life. In my 3rd Year, I started a society called Mantality, which was a space for students to have honest conversations about masculinity and mental health. It was an amazing experience bringing an idea to life and if you're thinking of starting your own group, I would definitely recommend it!
Is there anything you wish you knew either before you started your studies or before you graduated that would have better helped prepare you?
There are lots of difficult challenges you may face at university – feeling overwhelmed, loneliness, burnout - but you'll get through them and you're definitely not the only one facing them.
What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?
There'll be a time when you miss this part of your life - even with all its stresses - so remember to enjoy it!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
If you're a student, connect with me on LinkedIn! I love passing on the things I've learned to other students: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eesakasujee/