Global Careers Calls

Hosted by University of London Careers Service

Business Careers Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

Our Global Careers Calls to employers, current students and alumni of the University of London uncovers the stories behind a range of careers and industries from around the world. These episodes provide insights into professional journeys, as well as tips to get into your chosen industry and much more. The views expressed during these podcasts are purely those of the contributors at the time of broadcast, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of London. To listen to previous episodes and find further resources by our team visit www.london.ac.uk/careers Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-london-careers-service Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 14, 202620 min

Syed Ahmad Hassan Shah: Challenges and Opportunities of AI in Pakistan's Legal Landscape

Sophie Odgers-Roe interviews Syed Ahmad Hassan Shah , a managing partner and lawyer in Pakistan with 35 years’ experience, about generative AI in Pakistan’s legal profession. Ahmad describes both the pros and cons of the use of AI, seeing how AI improves efficiency, information synthesis, and English drafting. But, at the same time warns about how accuracy depends on verified datasets that Pakistan lacks. He also highlights risks around confidentiality and data protection. We hope you enjoy the episode! Key points: [01:12] - Meet Syed Ahmad Hassan Shah [01:58] - AI adoption in Pakistan [03:42] - Benefits and data gaps [07:12] - Hallucinations and responsibility [10:48] - Confidentiality and ethics [12:54] - New markets and training AI [17:08] - Digitalization and regulation projects ahead in Pakistan Further readings: https://www.reuters.com/legal/new-york-lawyers-sanctioned-using-fake-chatgpt-cases-legal-brief-2023-06-22/ Generative Artificial Intelligence in Pakistan | Ipsos Sam Altman Says OpenAI Doesn’t Fully Understand How ChatGPT Works | Observer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 7, 202627 min

Oby Oputa: how intentional use of AI can build critical thinking

In this episode on AI’s impact on work, Sophie interviews Oby Oputa, Associate Director of the University of London Career Service, about opportunities from integrating generative AI and his “AI lenses” framework developed through his master’s dissertation on incorporating AI into careers practice. Oby illustrates how intentional AI use can build confidence, agency, lifelong learning, critical thinking, and more inclusive connection with colleagues and stakeholders, while also helping people move from fear of obsolescence to informed engagement. He describes how his own anxiety about AI led him to research it and use it in ways aligned with his work as Careers practitioner, emphasizing that AI may automate administrative tasks and change some roles while reinforcing the irreplaceable human-centred, relational core of careers practice. Hope you enjoy the call. Key points: [01:19] - Meet Oby Oputa [02:06] - AI Benefits at Work [04:42] - Fear of Falling Behind [06:11] - From Anxiety to Research [10:02] - Human Core of Careers [13:46] - Introducing AI Lenses [16:34] - Six Lenses Explained [17:29] - Intentional AI Pathway [20:11] - Why Switch Lenses [23:33] - Framework Reception Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 30, 202634 min

AI's Role in Shaping Careers in Data Science: A Conversation with SAP's Chief Data Scientist

In this episode, our Careers consultant Sophie Odgers-Roe interviews SAP Chief Data Scientist, Daniel Dahlmeier, about his role managing SAP’s Business AI team in Singapore. He recounts his path from studying computer science in Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany to a PhD in natural language processing at the National University of Singapore, joining SAP research, and pivoting with the deep learning wave toward enterprise AI use cases. Dahlmeier gives practical tips on how to use generative AI. He also shares some tips for students wanting to pursue this career such as staying hands-on and the importance of learning fundamentals (like math and Machine Learning). Key points: [ 01:23] - Introduction of Daniel Dahlmeier [05:25] - Riding the Deep Learning Wave [08:03] - Using GenAI Day to Day [11:55] - Vibe Coding and DIY Apps [13:53] - How AI Products Get Built [20:06] - Breaking Into Data Science [26:59] - Advice to Younger Self [29:04] - Debunking AI Myths Further readings: - Planned Happenstance with Careers https://www.timeshighereducation.com/counsellor/counselling/how-plan-coincidence-and-importance-being-squiggly - Vibe Coding https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/vibe-coding Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 24, 202623 min

Empowering Through Coaching: Kamladevi Sharma's Journey in Entrepreneurship

In this last episode of the 16th season, host Rosie Baber interviews Kamladevi Sharma, University of London alumna and founder of Revive Coach, about her work in coaching and corporate training. Sharma describes a 10-year corporate background, leaving a management role to focus on her family, and building her business through referrals and her corporate reputation. She explains “sustainable success” as achieving career and life goals without burnout. She discusses customized B2B trainings and speak about the role of AI in coaching. Key points: [01:10] - Meet Kamladevi Sharma [02:40] Why Coaching and Business [07:25] Defining Sustainable Success [10:30] Landing First Clients [12:15] Building an Evolving Brand [16:04] B2B Corporate Training [17:51] Advice for New Consultants [20:21] Will AI Replace Coaches [22:09] Closing and Where to Listen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 17, 202629 min

Entrepreneur You: From Thrifting to Exotiq, Ali Ajmal on E-Commerce Growth, Funding, and Staying Relevant

In this episode our host Rosie Baber interviews Ali Ajmal, University of London LLB alumnus, founder of the e-commerce Exotiq Group and also mentor for students at Beaconhouse International College. Ali shares how he discovered entrepreneurship through a thrift-selling venture, then launched Exotiq selling 400 octopus plushies in his first month during COVID. He explains how he researched and retained Gen Z customers using interactive Instagram content, contests, pop-ups, and giveaways. Ali shares tips on how to manage the relationship with investor and the importance of keeping friendships separate from business. He highlights common startup mistakes—lack of consistency, teamwork issues, and poorly managed risk—along with advice on customer personas, branding, competitor research, influencer fit, and balancing work-life harmony and mental health. Key points: [01:25] -Presentation of Ali Ajmal [02:19] - Starting Exotiq [04:18] - Keeping Gen Z Buzz [06:28] - Bootstrapping and Investors [10:45] - Mentoring Startup Pitfalls [12:59] - Risk and Burnout [16:02] - Launch Strategy Basics [19:24] - Influencer Marketing [21:15] - Staying Competitive with AI [25:30] - Work Life Harmony Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 10, 202626 min

Entrepreneur You- Building and Scaling an IT Business with Royson Rajan

In today’s episode our host Rosie Baber speaks with Royson Rajan, based in India and founder of 2 IT companies: Atlas SoftWeb and CrossTrip. Royson will talk about his entrepreneurship journey after studying computer engineering and earning a graduate diploma in management from LSE (University of London). Royson shares how IT’s rapid evolution demands adaptability, and highlights key Global Employability Skills: communication, transparency, quality delivery, and strong decision-making. He explains why branding is so important and which strategies he adopted to scale his business. Key points: [01:23] – Presentation of Royson Rajan [02:35] – Why I have founded an IT Business [03:43] - Founder Skills That Matter [05:20] - Branding From Scratch [06:44] - Evolving Atlas and CrossTrip [10:48] - Bootstrapping and Funding Growth [13:57] - When to Scale Up [15:17] - Scaling Mistakes to Avoid [17:14] - Finding Customers and Marketing [19:12] - AI and Staying Current Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 18, 202628 min

Career Launchpad: Internships and Work Experience talk with Pratham and Omnya

This episode hosted by University of London Careers Consultant Afua Kudom features Pratham Kanodia, a University of London graduate from Mumbai working in India as an equity research analyst, and Omnya Elshazly, a senior Economics and Management student from Egypt. They discuss how internships and virtual work simulations can build technical and soft skills, clarify career preferences, and increase confidence with networking. Pratham describes internships in marketing and agriculture, finding roles through LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and University of London career platforms, and using Forage virtual simulations; he explains how these experiences support his sector research and reporting. Omnya shares onsite internships in banking, sales, and the Central Bank of Egypt, highlighting learning, communication, teamwork, and proactive outreach for opportunities. [02:19] - Pratham’s Role in Equity Research [04:12] - Pratham’s Internship Journey [06:34] - Finding Internships Online [07:39] - Omnya’s Internship Experiences [08:51] - In-Person vs Virtual Work [10:36] - Virtual Simulations on Forage [11:48] - Skills and Career Impact [16:04] - Omnya’s Career Direction [18:49] - Networking Without Fear [20:30] - Top Tips to Get Experience [23:47] - Future Plans and Lifelong Learning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 11, 202613 min

Exploring Career Paths: Kamran Qadir Internship Journey

In this episode, Kamran Qadir, a distance-learning LLB and data science student who has worked as a research scientist in nanomaterials and environment technologies, shares his experience with an internship he completed in a South Korean laboratory and the value of a virtual programme called Bright Network. He explains the benefits of carrying out an internship and advises students struggling to find internships to engage with alumni networks via LinkedIn, use online work simulations platforms like Forage to build and showcase sector-specific skills, and attend career fairs, conferences, and seminars to increase their visibility and make connections. [1:15] - Meet Kamran Qadir [02:36] - Internships He Chose [05:42] - What He Gained [07:58] - Employability Skills [09:39] - Finding Opportunities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 4, 202620 min

Navigating Internships: Insights from a Cybersecurity Student, Ayra Iqbal Mir

In this episode, Ayra Iqbal Mir, an MSc Cybersecurity student at the University of London joining from Kashmir, India, discusses the value of internships and other forms of work experience. She talks about her current IT management internship focused on consulting around technologies such as AI tools, website design, and cloud solutions. Ayra highlights transferable skills, networking, and recommends using platforms like LinkedIn, the university vacancy board, and Forage to source work simulation and internships. Useful links: Internshala - Indian internship board Key parts: [02:38] - Current IT Management Internship [03:33] - Finding and Choosing Internships [05:51] - Application Stages Breakdown [07:30] - Help from Peers and YouTube [08:48] - Five Internships Across Sectors [11:17] - Skills and Benefits Gained [14:53] - Career Service Tools Forage [16:18] Top Tips Handling Rejection Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 3, 202519 min

Law in the Age of AI: Balancing Tradition and Technology with Roma Vedamuttu

In this episode, Sophie speaks with Roma Vedamattu, a trainee solicitor originally from Colombo and now in England. They discuss about the evolving landscape of the legal profession in the age of generative AI. Roma share insights about the impact of AI on routine legal tasks, essential skills for future lawyers, and the balance between traditional methods and modern technology. The episode also includes insights from Rosie Baber on the implications of AI on critical thinking and productivity in the legal sector. Join us to explore how AI is transforming the legal profession. Key points: [03:05] - Personal Insights and Experiences with AI [04:36] - Journey into Law and Key Advice [06:45] - The Duty of a Lawyer: Ethics and Client Service [08:16] - Impact of University of London on Career [09:24] - Discussion on AI transformations in the legal sector with Careers Consultant Rosie Baber [12:52] - Balancing AI and Traditional Methods in Law Articles mentioned: Microsoft Study Finds Relying on AI Kills Your Critical Thinking Skills Lawyer caught using AI-generated false citations in court case penalised in Australian first | Law … https://fortune.com/2025/10/07/deloitte-ai-australia-government-report-hallucinations-technology-29… https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/06/deloitte-to-pay-money-back-to-albanese-gover… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.