Ahmad Alkuchikmulla, a final-year BSc (Hons) Politics with Economics student, reflects on how stepping outside his comfort zone and embracing new opportunities have shaped his personal and professional development at the University of Bath.

When Ahmad first arrived at Bath, he wasn’t sure what kind of opportunities lay ahead, but looking back, he can confidently say each experience helped open the door to the next. From student leadership roles to high-profile speaking events and professional internships, Ahmad has used his time at Bath to develop the communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills essential for his future.

Seizing the moment at One Young World Bath

One of the first opportunities Ahmad embraced was joining the Planning and Coordinating team for One Young World Bath, an event that brings together young leaders to tackle global challenges. He even became the panel host for one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) panels. A friend encouraged him to apply — an invitation that became a turning point.

'Organising a large-scale event involving international speakers was very exciting to me,' he says. 'Managing logistics, from venues to catering to speaker travel, was a huge responsibility, and it really pushed me to grow.'

The experience helped Ahmad develop vital transferable skills, including time management, clear communication, and professional presentation. Just as importantly, the process was deeply collaborative:

'The organisers didn’t just support the event — they supported us as a team, giving us constructive feedback and helping us improve as we went.'

From campus representation to national conversations

Building on that momentum, Ahmad was later nominated by fellow students to become a Faculty Representative, a role that involved gathering student feedback and voicing it at board-level meetings with senior academics and staff.

During his time as a Faculty Representative and SU member, he supported senior management colleagues on sensitive war and conflict topics.

'That position taught me how to advocate effectively and respectfully,' he says. 'It gave me a chance to understand how decision-making works within a university and gave me the confidence to speak up on behalf of others.'

The role also introduced Ahmad to professional etiquette and leadership in formal spaces — skills he believes are essential for any future workplace, especially in sectors like politics and policy.

The following year, Ahmad returned to One Young World Bath, this time as a Panellist on SDG 16 (promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies), sharing the stage with academics and professionals from across the UK. The chance to shape public discussions on complex topics was another milestone in his growing confidence and public engagement. He even became the chair of the Islamic Society to further support the University community.

Applying experience to the real world

Ahmad’s involvement on campus eventually translated into real-world experience.

He undertook internships with the University of Bath’s Institute for Policy Research (IPR) as a Research Assistant and also with the Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in London, working as a Political Economic Analyst.

His prior experience in leadership and planning helped him transition seamlessly into a professional setting.

'I was able to build on everything I’d learned — problem-solving, research, and communication — and apply it in a role I’m genuinely passionate about. It helped solidify my interest in diplomacy and international affairs.'

These moments, whether at university or in a formal diplomatic context, helped Ahmad clarify his future ambitions and develop a clearer sense of direction.

Advice for future students

For students wondering how to stand out in a competitive job market, Ahmad offers a simple piece of advice:

'Be proactive. Opportunities won’t fall into your lap; you must look for them and take initiative. That doesn’t always mean doing a professional placement.

'I learned and gained a lot of experience through short internships during summer and term time. But above all, do something you enjoy. That’s when you’ll gain the most.'

As Ahmad prepares for graduation, he’s proud of how far he’s come and is excited for what’s next.