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Project recognition from the Prime Minister is a career highlight for our PhD alumnus

Project recognition from the Prime Minister is a career highlight for our PhD alumnus

Published: 13 Mar 2023

Shahbaz Khan

My choice of Brunel was based on the very impressive profile of my research supervisor, Professor Hamed Al-Raweshidy. My four years at Brunel was the time when I tried to learn all the good things from very talented people who came from all different parts of the world.

Shahbaz, Research, Alumni

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board

Electronic and Electrical Engineering PhD - 2009

From Pakistan

Previous Institution

National University of Sciences and Technology - Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering)

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?

For the past five years, I have been working as Managing Director of an autonomous body of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, effectively working as the Chief Digital Officer of the province responsible for the digital transformation of the province. Prior to this, I worked in academia and completed a large-scale research project.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Every day has unique experiences. Quite often it starts with coordinating meetings with a range of partners and stakeholders from the provincial and federal government agencies or private and development sectors. If I am not travelling, it includes interaction with internal teams, reviews of existing projects, participation on committees and speaking at various forums.

What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?

There were a few occasions, including the time when my team established the largest start-ups incubator network of the country, and when I received personal appreciation from the Prime Minister for one of our projects during his address on national TV.

How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?

I believe that we are a sum of our experiences in life. Those four years at Brunel was the time when I tried to learn all the good things from very talented people who came from all different parts of the world and tried to un-learn many things. Without that experience, I believe I would have been very different. Brunel is a lively place and I would want to repeat my experience at Brunel.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

My choice of Brunel was based on the very impressive profile of my research supervisor, Professor Hamed Al-Raweshidy.

What is your best memory of studying here?

It was the day when Professor David Edwards from Oxford University, who was my external examiner for the PhD exam, approved of what I did in the four years with his remarks: "Excellent piece of work."

If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?

Brunel has so much to offer - take it. There will be a time when you will miss these days.

What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?

Follow your passion!

#IamBrunel