“UoPeople Fits My Life Perfectly,” Says Shahir Ahmad S., a Business Student

For Shahir Ahmad S., education has never been a single path — it has always been a foundation for building something bigger. At 25 years old, the Afghan national is already a civil engineer working full-time in Kabul. In 2025, he added another layer to his journey by enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program at University of the People, determined to combine technical expertise with leadership and management skills. He is expected to complete his degree in 2027 — all while continuing to work and grow professionally.

Born in Baghlan province, Shahir grew up in a home where learning was deeply valued. “My father was a chemistry teacher for more than 20 years,” he shares. “He taught us the value of education every single day.” His mother, a dedicated homemaker, supported a large family of nine children — five brothers and four sisters. “Two of my brothers are civil engineers like me, one is a doctor in Turkey, and one is a school teacher. My family environment pushed me to study hard.”

From grades 8 to 12, he studied at Afghan Türk Maarif High School in Mazar-e-Sharif, one of the country’s leading schools. “It gave me a strong foundation in science and discipline and prepared me well for university.”

Shahir later pursued civil engineering at the University of Engineering & Technology Taxila in Pakistan from 2021 to 2025. Those years were transformative and challenging for him. “Engineering is tough. Heavy coursework, labs, projects, exams — and I was far from home, living alone in a new country.” Being away from Afghanistan during politically and socially difficult times added emotional strain. Financial pressures made it even harder. “I had to manage my costs and support myself,” he recalls. “But those experiences made me stronger and more independent.”

Today, Shahir works full-time as a site civil engineer in Kabul while continuing his education. Balancing work and study requires discipline. “Time management is a daily challenge,” he admits. “But I see it as part of my growth.”

Shahir discovered University of the People while searching for affordable and flexible degree options. “I wanted to add business skills to my engineering background without stopping work or moving,” he explains. “UoPeople stood out because it is tuition-free, fully online, and accepts credit transfers.”

Shahir transferred 30 credits earned during his professional certifications. “The process was smooth, clear, and quick,” he says. “UoPeople’s admissions team guided me well. It saved me time and money and let me jump ahead in the program. It was one of the best strategic moves I made for my career.”

What he values most about UoPeople is the university’s flexibility. “I can study after work or on weekends without fixed class times,” he shares. “It fits my life perfectly.” He also appreciates the global classroom experience. “I connect with students from everywhere. It opens my mind.” For Shahir, business administration complements his technical background. “The courses are practical and relevant to real life. It strengthens my engineering skills with management knowledge.”

Looking ahead, Shahir hopes to combine his civil engineering expertise with business and leadership skills. “My goal is to take on bigger roles in project coordination, research, or international organizations,” he says. He also plans to apply for competitive master’s scholarships such as Chevening or Erasmus Mundus to continue building his expertise abroad.

Outside of work and study, Shahir enjoys staying active and relaxing with friends. “I love playing football,” he says. “It helps me relax.” He also enjoys watching movies and TV series. “Breaking Bad is my all-time favorite — I’ve watched it multiple times,” he adds with a smile. “It’s a great way to unwind after a long day.”

With the help of strong family support, Shahir is currently balancing a full-time role as a site civil engineer and email administrator at a construction company while completing his degree. “My family motivates me a lot,” he says. “Especially my father’s belief in education. Without their encouragement, I couldn’t do it all.”

As a university committed to expanding access to education worldwide, University of the People is proud to support students like Shahir. His journey reflects how determination, family support, and flexible learning can empower students to build multidimensional careers — even while working full-time in challenging environments.