Usman Shafi

Improving his management abilities was Usman Shafi’s ambition when looking for a master’s programme. Something he really has achieved.

Usman Shafi from Pakistan is studying his second year at the master’s programme Software Engineering & Management. He has got a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Pakistan and has worked as a user interface wngineer and project coordinator in a software house for an off-shore software development team in Pakistan, before starting his master studies.

When searching for a master programme Usman was more interested in the software management area rather than technical studies. Software Engineering & Management seemed promising.

Management, projects and international experience

He is happy to have found a program that combines his passion for technology and management. The international experience is a great plus and he has learned a lot during his years in Gothenburg.

- During my studies Usman explains, I have learned a lot, almost too much. And I realize that there are so much more to explore.

The multicultural environment at the Software Engineering & Management program has been an advantage. Usman describes that he has learned how to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds and learned how to appreciate their innovativeness and creativity. But he also admits that dealing with people is a tough job.

Working in projects and switching roles in the different projects to try new ones has been interesting and instructive. Criticism as well as appreciation has been educational and helpful in the development of better managing skills. Usman is very positive towards the project oriented courses which was a method new to him.

- It allows you to make use of previous experience and knowledge as well as your theoretical studies, Usman tells. The most appreciative part of the programme was the Industrial challenge project.

- I did a case study at Cybercom Group and we had to contact the company ourselves which was a challenge. It was very exciting to see what they were doing in the industry. We made interviews and compared what they were doing with what we were studying.

Plans for the future

Usman Shafi has got several plans for the future. He would like to stay in Sweden and work, perhaps in Stockholm, and he would like to travel and live in other countries in Europe. He wants to have his own enterprise and work as a consultant in an innovative organisation. But he would also like to contribute to the education in Pakistan.

- There is so much talent in Pakistan. But people cannot reach their full potential because of poverty and lack of opportunities. We have good programmers and I want to give them opportunities to excel in their field. I want to open up a multimedia and software house in Lahore. The people and country could grow and develop if there were opportunities.