Alumni

Mohamed Najim

Career Path: Export Manager, Al Ameed Coffee
Location: Jordan

I started my career as a door-to-door Sales Representative, I always knew had the skills to grow my client base and hence my sales. After finishing with my Masters at Northumbria University, I decided to aim higher and head to a Brand Consultancy. This job gave me the opportunity to understand and apply the science of building a brand that could compete within various industries. In 2013, I joined Maatouk 1960 Holding as a Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East and North Africa handling the sales and development within the fast moving consumer goods industry. After four years, Ijoined one of the largest retailers in the Middle East, Al Hokair Food and Entertainment, as a Senior Brand Manager to handle famous brands like La Cure Gourmande and Fauchon Paris.

What are you doing now?

Today, I am working as an Export Manager for Al Ameed Coffee Industries, a passionate family that was able to transform their passion for coffee into becoming one of the market leaders in the coffee industry.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

The variety of Masters programs, and how specific the courses are. For me, to find a program on business with international management was exactly what I was looking for. I did my research very well, and the positive reputation of the University in the Middle East has definitely encouraged me to choose it among others.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria has given me the exposure to meet some of the most inspirational lecturers, ones who have really expanded my horizons. Among them, Dr. Rima Hussein and Dr. Gregory Ludwig.

How connected was your course with industry?

Well, very connected. We had a module where we had to participate in a business game for an auto company, this included working in a group and make decisions on all aspects of the business. I remember we had to present our business review which covered our sales performance, supply chain, HR and finance. Also, we used to get constructive feedback to improve our performance week by week.

What was the best thing about your course?

The seminars, an event where we had the chance to ask and critically discuss what we were learning in the lectures. We always had to present our projects in front of the class, and we always had the chance to freely express our opinions and feedback.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

I had three major learnings from my experience at Northumbria - the first one was time management which was the key success factor in being on top of everything (Dr. Rima Hussein). Secondly, to accept feedback and use it as a self awareness tool to learn from it (thanks to Dr. Fiona Robson). Thirdly, how to use strategy as an essential tool for growth in any business industry (Dr. Gregory Ludwig)

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Time management, presentation skills and team work.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

A trip to a camp where we took self assessment exams to determine our strengths and weaknesses. This was a great experience of working in groups to learn how to develop your strengths and deal with the weaknesses.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Use your time efficiently, make use of the facilities and enjoy them. Northumbria is a great place to study in from both an academic and a social perspective.