PhD researcher, Saheed Ibrahim, reflects on his experience at the That's Me! talent Xchange event, which offered him valuable insights, connections, and confidence. He highlights the importance of the event for students identifying as Global Majority.
"After my bachelor’s degree, I was carried away by my grades and the fact that I graduated top of my class. My achievements sat pretty well on my CV, and I believed they would get me a job as soon as possible. Little did I know that the job market is built differently. I was not prepared.
I had almost zero professional experience. If not for the industrial training I did as part of my third-year modules, I would not have had any hands-on experience at all. Days turned to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years.
I still landed no job.
Finding myself in that situation was not entirely my fault. I had no guidance, and there was no forum where life after school was discussed. It was all about getting good grades and leaving. No one really talked about what happens next or how to prepare for it.
Coming to the UK for my PhD, I found myself dealing with a similar sense of uncertainty, especially in terms of what life would look like after completing my programme. Being an international student from the Global South adds a few extra layers of complexity. To address these uncertainties, I have made it a point to attend programmes and events that provide insights into post-PhD life. One of the most impactful events I have attended so far is the That’s Me! Talent XChange.
This event felt like an answered prayer.
There were several things that stood out for me. First, the format of the event was engaging. It was not the typical sit-and-listen kind of programme. From panel discussions to one-on-one engagements and networking sessions, everything was designed to make us interact, reflect, and take action.
One of the most important takeaways for me was learning what I should be doing before graduation. It is easy to get caught up in thesis writing and forget that the world after the PhD won’t wait for you to “figure it out.” The insights shared by experts like Dr Sulayman Bah – Law and Journalism Scholar at BCU – and Dr Rabia Arshad – Programme Training Manager at University Alliance – were particularly helpful. They spoke not only from knowledge but from personal experience. I got to understand what employers really look for when hiring PhD holders for academic roles, and it is not just about having publications.
The event also opened my eyes to opportunities in the industry. For someone who thought the PhD was a straight line to academia, learning how to transition into the professional world was eye-opening. Through the sprint networking session and one-on-one conversations with employers, I discovered roles and sectors I had never considered before. I left the event with several of my questions answered: questions that had been running through my mind for months.
Another important part of the event was the CV review. I submitted my CV for feedback and was honestly surprised at the level of detail and honesty I received. The feedback helped me see both the strengths and weaknesses of my CV. I have since incorporated those suggestions and updated my CV to better reflect my skills and career direction.
And what is the relevance of an event if you cannot network? The That’s Me! Talent XChange created real networking opportunities, not just small talk, but meaningful conversations. I met academics, professionals, and fellow students who share similar interests and experiences. Some of us are already planning future collaborations, and I am genuinely looking forward to those.
The vibe of the event was warm and welcoming. There was no pressure to perform or pretend to know everything. Instead, there was space to ask questions, express confusion, and get real answers. The organisers clearly understood the needs of international and minority students, and that was reflected in both the content and the atmosphere.
Beyond my personal experience, I believe this event is exactly the kind of support international students, especially those from the Global South, need. We often face unique challenges when navigating life and career in a different political, social, and economic system. Events like this bridge the information gap and empower us to take control of our journey."