Student Q&As: Nahim Ahmed on positive, sustainable change

Nahim Ahmed is currently studying on the Strategic Management of Projects MSc at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction (BSSC). He is the Youth and Community Engagement Manager for Poplar HARCA / Spotlight, and in June 2021 was awarded an MBE for services to disadvantaged young people in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

What was it that interested you in studying at the BSSC, and the Strategic Management of Projects MSc in particular?  

Over the past decade I have been working both in the private and voluntary sectors to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds with their development, and am currently the Youth and Community Engagement Manager for Poplar HARCA / Spotlight. I wanted to take my career to the next level by directing projects that will help bring positive, sustainable changes to the wider community - particularly to deprived areas affected by poverty - and decided to apply for the Strategic Management of Projects Msc. A big part for me wanting to study at the BSSC is simply because of its reputation in the global community when it comes to project management - UCL are disrupting the project management industry by focusing around ethics and values! 

What are you enjoying about studying at the BSSC?  

Meeting and learning from new people who are from all over the world in one class is definitely up there as a unique/enjoyable experience. The BSSC Is really supportive in my development and they attract top professionals from various industries to come and share their journey.

As a Londoner, did studying at UCL change your perspective on the city?  

Being raised as a Londoner in one of the most deprived places in the UK, unfortunately I was not able to see the opportunities around me as my environment didn’t allow it. However, now I am so grateful to be a part of UCL and have access to the range of opportunities that are available right in front of me.  

Do you feel like the skills/knowledge you are acquiring at UCL will allow you to make a (further!) difference? 

Absolutely! Currently, I am in a decision-making role that directly impacts thousands of disadvantaged people in the community. The skills and knowledge I have acquired from UCL is enabling me to maximise my capabilities and make positive, sustainable changes in society. 

What are your plans for after you graduate from The Bartlett? 

I want to lead a not-for-profit organisation/service that caters for disadvantaged people and implement innovative ideas to tackle some of the inequalities in modern society. 

What advice would you give to others thinking about studying at the BSSC? 

If you want to create a real change to others, and the environment around you, I would urge you to join the BSSC! The community you will be a part of will unlock opportunities and ideas that will be ground breaking. 

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