People Profile: Former STRIDE participant Abdul Amar shares his experience
Abdul Amar is a Master's in Management student at Queen Mary. In this profile Abdul tells us about taking part in the Summer Training Research Initiative for Diversity and Equality (STRIDE) Programme, the skills he built, and his advice for students looking to take part in this summer's STRIDE programme.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve studied at Queen Mary?
My name is Abdul Amar, and I am currently in my fourth year of study at Queen Mary University of London. I completed my BSc in Business and Management and am now studying for a Master’s degree in Management at Queen Mary. Throughout my time at the university, I have been keen to gain practical experience alongside my studies, which led me to get involved in programmes such as STRIDE.
What project did you work on as part of the STRIDE programme?
As part of the STRIDE programme, I worked on a project focused on improving the completion rates of female postgraduate students at the University of Nairobi. Research and institutional reports showed that a significant number of female postgraduate students were not completing their degrees and were dropping out before completion due to a range of academic, social, and personal factors.
The aim of the project was to identify the key factors contributing to these high dropout rates and to develop practical recommendations and solutions that could help address these challenges and support female students through to degree completion.
Describe your average day/week working on the STRIDE programme?
My average week on the STRIDE programme was well structured while remaining flexible. Every Thursday, we attended personal development sessions that focused on building key professional skills such as networking, communication, and teamwork. These sessions typically lasted around four hours and provided the foundational skills needed to successfully carry out our projects.
In addition to this, I had regular weekly meetings with my supervisor, where we discussed project progress, reflected on findings, and set objectives for the following stages of the work. Alongside these meetings, I was assigned independent tasks, which involved conducting research, gathering and analysing data, and writing reports. I spent a few hours each day working on these tasks, with progress and outputs submitted to my supervisor for feedback and review.
Overall, the programme was largely remote, which made the workload relaxed, flexible, and easy to manage alongside other commitments.
What are some of the things you enjoyed on the STRIDE programme?
One aspect I particularly valued about the STRIDE programme was the supportive and inclusive environment it created. From the beginning of the programme, we were informed about the option to deliver individual presentations. Initially, I was hesitant and nervous, as I had not previously delivered a solo presentation. However, I saw this as an opportunity to challenge myself and build confidence.
Over the course of the eight-week programme, we were taught key presentation and communication skills, which gradually helped me feel more prepared and confident. As a result, I decided to take part in the presentation. This became one of the most rewarding parts of the programme, as it allowed me to develop greater self-confidence, improve my public speaking skills, and learn about the impactful and diverse projects my peers were working on.
Did you develop any skills that have helped you in your studies on the programme?
One key skill I developed through the STRIDE programme that is currently benefiting my studies is research skills. As part of my project, I was required to carry out extensive research, which involved collecting data, analysing findings, and critically evaluating sources. This process helped me develop the ability to differentiate between reliable and unreliable information. These skills have been particularly valuable during my Master’s degree, as they continue to support my academic research, analysis, and written work.
What’s your favourite place on any of our campuses?
My favourite place on campus is IQ East Court, where I often spend time with my friends playing pool.
Do you have any hobbies, pastimes outside of university?
Outside of university, I run two businesses. One involves importing vehicles from Japan and retailing them in the UK, while the other is an online business focused on selling MMA and boxing equipment. Managing these ventures takes up much of my time outside of my studies and has allowed me to develop strong entrepreneurial skills.
Would you recommend other students getting involved with the STRIDE programme?
I would highly recommend the STRIDE programme to other students, as it is both a highly rewarding and valuable experience. The programme equips students with a wide range of transferable skills, including research, communication, teamwork, and professional development skills, all of which are essential for academic and career success. In addition, it provides students with the opportunity to gain insight into new and diverse topics while working on meaningful, real-world projects. Overall, the STRIDE programme offers a supportive environment that encourages personal growth, builds confidence, and enhances students’ employability.
If you'd like to take part in the STRIDE 2026 programme yourself, visit our STRIDE 2026 applications news story to find more information.