I nostri testimonials: Hamza - Pakistan

Student of Management Engineering

"Being in Italy, I've met people from many different countries, and I've learned almost as much from late-night conversations, group projects, and cultural exchanges as I have from lectures" 

About myself 

My name is Hamza, and I come from Pakistan with a background in Mechanical Engineering. Currently, I'm pursuing a Master's in Management Engineering at the University of Padua, and honestly, the experience has been eye-opening. What I enjoy the most is how the programme allows me to combine my technical problem-solving skills with a broader, more strategic way of thinking — it's like connecting the two worlds I've always been curious about. Life outside the classroom has been just as rewarding. Being in Italy, I've met people from many different countries, and I've learned almost as much from late-night conversations, group projects, and cultural exchanges as I have from lectures.
Looking back, I remember how many questions I had before starting my Master's, and I notice the same curiosity in prospective students today. That's why I enjoy helping students from around the world and believe that peer-to-peer discussions are incredibly valuable. Reflecting on my journey, I can see how much I've grown — not only as a student but also as a person who feels more confident, curious, and ready for challenges. For me, this experience is not only shaping my career, but more importantly, it's shaping the person I aspire to become.

Why did you choose the University of Padua and the Management Engineering degree programme? How did you learn about our institution?

It was suggested by one of my friends who lives in Milan about how prestigious this University is and especially the Management Engineering programme of the University of Padua. The best thing about having my master’s in the University of Padua is that I can select my own academic journey with choices of courses for my study plan and even from different study programmes that I am interested in and looking to have my career in, for example finance courses. Since I bring a 4-year experience of working in the core mechanical engineering field, while working in the power plant and chemical plant in one of the most renowned companies in Pakistan, I believe that having a master’s in the Management field, can help me escalate in my career. Also, management engineering has multiple career paths and I really wanted to explore myself in a newer role and new challenges.

What are the main features of your degree programme?

The courses are curated in such a way that they are taught with different methodologies that bring interest in studying that course. Especially the projects that we are given during the semester allow us to dive deeper into the subject and create something which engraves the concept in our mind. Also, I really feel a sense of achievement that I have learned to use more than 6 new pieces of software that are definitely going to help me in my professional career.

Is there any class/subject that has stood out to you so far?

Last semester I took a course on Machine Learning, Clustering and Data Mining, which turned out to be so interesting and that has stood so far to me. Specifically, this course has allowed me to polish my skills in data and business analytics, programming and understanding the big data. Also, the professor had arranged a challenge which was organized by one of the companies in Italy, that allowed us to work on real time data and produce data-driven results for a company, and this helped them in making the management decisions.

What advice would you give to prospective students when it comes to preparing a successful application?

I would advise to speak your heart out while writing the motivational letter for the admission in your prospective field of study. Mention with honesty why you want to come to Italy and to do your studies. This will not only help you in creating a successful application but will also help you in solving all the confusion in your mind and will motivate you further when you reach Italy, because then you will have in your mind what you are doing and why you are putting so much effort, while having your goals in your mind.

What advice would you give to students thinking of studying in Italy?

Studies in Italy are top-notch and comparable to any other bigger educational institutes in the world. Italy offers a fantastic life-style, it’s safe and people are very welcoming. Also, not necessary, but it is highly beneficial to learn some basic Italian while coming to Italy, this will help you a lot, and it is not that difficult to learn. There are some very beautiful places to visit in Italy and the country is well-connected with the transportation systems. In-short you are really going to enjoy while studying. So, buckle up and get ready to explore!

What do you do when you’re not studying? How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to travel, so usually when I am not studying, I travel within Italy, sometimes having a coffee in Rome and having a pizza in Naples, or enjoying the scenic beauties in Venice, which is very nearby. Also, I travel to other European countries which are very easy to go, (having really economical flights sometimes) and love to having a croissant in Paris, and truly loving the Belgian chocolates. Also, the city vibes of the city I live in is so cozy, I wander sometimes in the streets or at a small mountain hike to have a city view and enjoy my coffee with the views.