Muna Al Bader

Master of Business Administration 2016

1. Tell us about yourself
I am a passionate person, and passion is what drives my success. I graduated with a Master's degree in Business Administration from ARU and have also completed academic studies in computer engineering, but I have a great passion and love for art.

My journey in art started long ago, when I was still a student at school. I used to participate in art competitions and have won many over the years. I was also appointed as the supervisor of artistic activities for my class, but these experiences weren't a big deal to me. I didn't think that winning art competitions had any significance or made a difference to my life until I had finished high school. Suddenly, I had a lot of free time, and so decided to fill it by attending art workshops. One of the first comments I received came from an instructor who told me I was very slow at completing paintings, where my peers would finish 6 or 7 by the time I had finished one. This was disheartening but I didn't let it affect me; I used his comment as fuel because I believed I had something valuable to offer and he was amazed by how detailed my first painting was when it was finished.

These experiences motivated me to attend more workshops and learn different techniques, and years later I won first place in an art competition open to all Arab countries. This motivated me to learn more about art and dive into its world. 

Although I was passionate about art and very talented, which helped me win the competitions, I also loved IT. I was torn between the two, as I had to decide which subject I would pursue for my undergraduate studies, and ultimately I chose IT as I believed it would be a better career option. 

Today, I work in IT by day, and when the sun sets, I fly in the sky of art. 

2.What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
I loved the start of every semester, and my journey from London to the Chelmsford campus. I also have beautiful memories of winter, the cold weather and snow. These burdens were easy to bear in order to learn and obtain my degree from such a prestigious university in Britain.

3.What has been your favourite job?
I used to work as a Computer Support Specialist, then I worked in the field of customer service, and after that I worked as a Computer Engineer, and was promoted to manager of IT Business Relations. I am now working as Vice President of Corporate Communication at Milaha in Qatar, alongside my work as an artist. For me, this life is a journey of experiences, and every job I've undertaken along the way has given me experiences and learnings that have contributed to who I am today. I started in a technical role and have ended up as a manager who motivates my employees to manage their work and achieve the goals of the organization.

4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
I had waited several years for my dreams to come true, which they did at ARU.

5. How did your time at ARU help you?
Obtaining a prestigious academic degree from such a prestigious university opened many doors for me in the field of business. It increased my knowledge and gave me the strength I have today to become one of the biggest officials within a large sector of logistics and maritime services.

6. What did you love about your chosen course?
Studying a Master of Business Administration brought me knowledge in several areas, including human resources and managing major projects, as well as standing in front of senior officials to talk about my projects. In addition to academic studies, the university gave me self-confidence and reliance on research and innovation in study and in project studies.

7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Undertake a comprehensive study of the requirements of the market you're interested in going in to. Learning is easy and creativity depends on innovation, but you have to select the required specialization in the market you're interested in pursuing, which will lead you to achieving your future goals in business.

8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
I have spent many years undertaking academic studies and searching for the specialization the market needs, and this is calculated within my age. I wish I had realized the needs of the market from the beginning, to shorten these long years.

9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
The failures that I have encountered during my career have been the greatest inspiration for me. If it were not for these failures, I would not have persevered and worked diligently to reach my goals and achieve the job stability that I wished for, for such a long time.

10. What advice would you give your younger self?
Work harder and harder to reach the peak, as there is no limit to the sky.

11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I still yearn for the my university days at ARU, and am looking to study a PhD, as I have a permanent nostalgia for the UK.

12. What’s next?
To complete a PHD and incorporate it with my passion in art.