Haseeb Ahmed Alumni Profile

What did you go on to study after The Radclyffe School?

A-levels at Oldham Sixth Form (2018 – 2020):

• A-level Maths
• A-level Chemistry
• A-level Physics
• As-level Computer Science

Process Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (2020 – 2021) – AstraZeneca:

• Studied 1st of Chemical Engineering as part of the degree apprenticeship – University of Strathclyde

Transitioned from Process engineering to Digital and technology solutions (2021)

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree apprenticeship (2021 – 2025) – AstraZeneca:

• Studying Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineering specialism) – NorthEastern University London

What does a typical day in your job look like?

Every day at work is different and unique (which is what I love about my job), but if I had to summarise a typical day it would include:

• Checking emails in the morning
• Stand-up meeting with the team to discuss progress on my projects as well as any blockers
• Working on my projects for the rest of the day, it can include:
  • research
  • technical coding work
  • technical demos
  • meetings with stakeholders
• spending some dedicated time for personal development (certifications etc)

There are occasional days when I have the opportunity to travel to different AstraZeneca sites. These visits allow for face-to-face interactions with my team members and project stakeholders enabling more effective collaboration.

Furthermore, there are days when I get to represent AstraZeneca by visiting colleges and schools, where I promote apprenticeships and STEM careers. These outreach efforts aim to inspire and guide young individuals toward STEM careers and apprenticeships.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the variety of projects I get to work on; every day is unique. Particularly as an apprentice, I rotate into different teams every 8 months to gain maximum exposure to different teams and job roles. The rotation structure allows me to develop a wide range of skills as well as expand my professional network. I really enjoy the culture at my workplace, it is geared towards ensuring my personal development is prioritised and as an apprentice, I’m given all the support I need to develop and thrive in my job role. In addition, I absolutely love travelling with work, having the ability to travel to different offices and connect with new individuals is incredible.

How did your experiences at The Radclyffe School help you with decisions on your future goals?

The experience I gained at Radclyffe has been instrumental in shaping my aspirations and accomplishments throughout my career and academic studies. As I started my secondary school journey, I found myself initially placed in the bottom sets for most subjects in year 7. This served as a powerful reminder and I recognised that in order to achieve my goals and ambitions, I needed to make substantial strides in my studies. I was fortunate to have many great teachers around me who supported me in my journey through secondary school, their guidance and encouragement were crucial in my transformation from achieving pathway grades of 4 to attaining a majority of 7s and even a few 9s in my GCSEs. The solid educational foundation I built at Radclyffe laid the groundwork for my achievements in college, where I excelled in my A-levels. Ultimately, these accomplishments led me to secure a degree apprenticeship position at AstraZeneca.

What is your favourite memory of life at The Radclyffe School?

One of my favourite memories out of many during my time at Radclyffe School was completing the Duke of Edinburgh award. The expedition part of the award was a key highlight, where as part of a team we hiked as well as camped. Also, during the expedition, a game of football against teachers was one to never forget. Furthermore, another significant highlight of my time at Radclyffe was my active involvement in the school’s cricket team. The opportunity to represent the school in cricket was fulfilling, particularly winning the Oldham cricket cup (indoors).

What advice would you give a Radclyffe School learner looking to study/work in the same field as you?

The technology field is constantly evolving and changing, and it’s in need of people who are passionate about technology as well as willing to adapt as the technology landscape evolves. As a student in secondary school, I would suggest you explore your passion for technology by learning and trying out skills such as programming – there are many online resources as well as YouTube, that you can use to learn and explore if you have opted to not take Computers Science as a subject. As you develop your skills, try to implement them and create examples/passion projects which you can showcase to your potential future employers. In addition, explore apprenticeships within the tech sector, apprenticeships are a great pathway to gain entry into the tech sector, allowing you to learn on the job and gain practical experience.

What advice would you give to learners coming up to their final 2 years at The Radclyffe School and making decisions about their future?

To make informed decisions about your future, it is essential to thoroughly explore all available options. This entails considering a wide spectrum of opportunities, encompassing degree apprenticeships as well as traditional university pathways, and deciding which path aligns best with your aspirations. Additionally, actively engaging in extracurricular activities, such as participating in the Duke of Edinburgh program, can prove immensely advantageous when pursuing future employment, applying to universities, or seeking entry into degree apprenticeships. Extracurricular activities not only broaden your skill set and experiences but also enhance your overall profile, showcasing your commitment to personal growth and development.

Describe your time at The Radclyffe School in 3 words

• Transformative
• Empowering
• Memorable