Muse Mursal Omar

Profile

As a mature student, Muse Mursal Omar took the leap and decided now was the time to improve his skills and career prospects. Balancing a full-time job with his studies came with its own challenges, but through hard work, Muse is graduating from our Edinburgh campus with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Construction Management.

His ultimate goal is to inspire others who might feel intimidated by the idea of changing careers or learning something entirely new, showing that with persistence and the right resources, it’s possible to achieve your goals.

Find out more about Muse’s story below.

What programme did you study and why did you choose it?

I studied a Masters in Civil Engineering and Construction Management, which followed naturally from my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Studying for a Masters helped build upon my existing skills and I’m very proud to be graduating with a postgraduate diploma.

What were the key differences you found between studying/living in Somalia and Scotland?

A key difference I noticed was the quality of education in Scotland, which is of a very high standard. Compared to Somalia, there are many more experienced professors at Heriot-Watt. With such a reputable University, I knew I would have a great experience studying here and would have the opportunity to develop my personal skills.

What advice would you give to a mature student considering Heriot-Watt?

The advice that I will give to a mature student to help them achieve their goals is to take the time to plan and organise, which will help with setting goals and feeling motivated. I also think it’s important to develop your critical reading and evaluation skills, such as academic writing skills, revision and exam techniques and reflective learning practices.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

After I graduate, I plan to find a job related to my field, continue with my studies, while also taking some much-needed time to relax after a busy year.