Rania was able to meet some of the finest minds in her field through her experience at Portsmouth
I’ve always been someone who likes to put things into practice. Theories are great and philosophies are interesting, but for me it’s about what you're actually doing with your knowledge.
I grew up with a passion for science, but ultimately was inspired by my Dad, while working with him at my family’s company, and attended the University of Alexandria in Business Administration.
Soon after that, I was certified by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and I was able to work with the UN Industrial Development Organization and a number of amazing associations, before ultimately joining one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. It was bad timing, however, as right after, the 2008 financial crisis hit.
Observing its consequences around the world inspired me to pursue a Doctorate Degree to find a solution to the investing and finance industries. I reached out to the British Council in Kuwait, as well as my investment contacts in the UK, and discovered that University of Portsmouth was one of the top universities in applied mathematics. Off I was!
My three years in Portsmouth were incredible. I loved the atmosphere of the city, it felt so personal compared to a city like London.
While the content of the course and the support I received during my PhD was just what I’d been looking for, it was the world I gained access to that really swept me up.
I was able to meet some of the finest minds in my field and attend summer schools for PhD students. Even after graduating, I was invited to gala dinners with chancellors and had the pleasure of meeting the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.
For me Portsmouth bridged the gap between academia and practical work, from leading my own firm (Alexandrite Decisions) to founding a charity organisation for cancer patients support. It’s incredible where a bit of application can take you.
Portsmouth proved to be an important milestone not only in my career, but in my life.