Ally Memon

BSc (Hons) Psychology and Business, 2004

Ally Memon moved from Ireland to Wolverhampton to study his degree in Psychology and Business. Today he is an Assistant Professor, consultant with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and studying for a PhD.  

Q. What made you decide to study Psychology and Business?

“I have a personal interest in psychology and business and so I was delighted that I could study both subjects at Wolverhampton as a joint honours degree. Combining the two also meant that I was able to enjoy greater choice when it came to career options and postgraduate study routes. When I graduated I chose to continue my studies with a Masters in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management and a second Masters in Management of Training & Development.”

Q. What are your memories of studying at Wolverhampton?

"I chose the University of Wolverhampton because the Psychology degree had an excellent reputation and I knew the University to be one of the largest in the UK. Throughout my course I received great support from lecturers who I looked up to as individuals with great knowledge, teaching skills and interesting research areas. I was also particularly impressed with the facilities which I found to be very competitive with other universities.”

Q. How do you think your degree prepared you for your career?

“I gained knowledge and skills in two separate subject areas as well as specialist analytical and communication skills which I believe are important to become a successful professional entering the job market.  On a personal level, my university experience helped me to build trust in my own ability and cope with performing under pressure. An earned degree gives you maturity and improves your ability to think critically and reason logically. I feel this is the most essential part of the achievement.”

Q. Where has your career taken you after you graduated?

“I have been working as an Assistant Professor teaching courses such as Healthcare Project Management and Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management. I also co-established a Training and Development firm which provides training and consultancy services to over 35 organisations globally in the Education, Government, Retailing, Banking and FMCG sectors.

I am currently undergoing a PhD degree at the University of Edinburgh and teaching alongside my research. Being a Chartered member of the CIPD, I also engage in various projects both as a trainer and consultant. Currently, my focus is on research with the aim of improving evaluation practices in public sector organisations.”

Q. What do you think are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your job?

"As a lecturer, I find it satisfying to teach and disseminate knowledge. To teach is a great experience because you are learning from it yourself all the time. Working in training and consulting, I feel a linkage with various sectors and this gives me a major opportunity to learn about the practicalities of industry. Researching for a PhD degree is a route to self-growth and improvement and it challenges me to keep thinking and testing my ability to research and write.”

Q. What do you think is the most important skill required to do your job?

“I believe that employers are looking for maturity, a sense of responsibility and a strong character.  Knowledge and skills can always be improved and it is an on-going process. I still find myself having to deal with pressure but I am able to rely on myself to achieve and to me, this is the most important skill required to do any job.”

Q. What advice would you give a potential student of the University?

“Take full advantage of the opportunity to learn at University. Be open to ideas and make the most of the time you get with those who teach you. The University gives you a platform through which to make lifetime acquaintances, so avail the opportunity.”