ALUMNI STORIES
Sohrab Vazir , Business Management & International Relations , Class of 2014 , shares the role of Keele in his career to date .
14 | FOREVER Keele
ALUMNI STORIES
How attending Keele University helped me scale a tech start-up
Sohrab Vazir , Business Management & International Relations , Class of 2014 , shares the role of Keele in his career to date .
Attending university is a pivotal milestone in any student ’ s life , particularly for those studying abroad and adapting to new cultural and environmental landscapes . I found that Keele University provided an exceptional setting for me to hone my communication skills and embrace cultural diversity . The unique , close-knit atmosphere of Keele ’ s campus offered me an immersive experience that helps international students like me develop cultural competency and navigate life in the UK with confidence .
I arrived in the UK at the age of 17 , embarking on this journey alone . Although I had previously lived in Switzerland and started learning English at seven , I still faced a significant culture shock upon transitioning to life in the UK . Keele ’ s vibrant campus life and the diverse community of students played a transformative role in my development , allowing me to grow from a reserved undergraduate into an adept communicator .
After completing my BA at Keele , I pursued a master ’ s degree at Newcastle University . The skills I gained at Keele laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey . Following my postgraduate studies , I launched a property technology start-up that was later endorsed by Newcastle University , enabling me to secure two business visas . This venture expanded to cover 30 UK cities , creating 13 jobs across four roles , and ultimately led to my eligibility for British citizenship .
In entrepreneurship , the ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships is vital . These skills facilitate collaboration , foster trust , and help navigate the challenges of launching and scaling a business . Keele provided me with the foundational tools to master these essential skills , which have proven invaluable throughout my career .