Fatehdin Junejo

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and what made you choose the University of Leeds?

I am a Civil Engineer with over two decades of experience in infrastructure development, project management, and monitoring and evaluation of public sector projects. My professional journey began shortly after I completed my Bachelor of Engineering degree at Mehran University of Engineering & Technology in Pakistan. Over the years, I have held diverse roles, ranging from site engineering and construction management to project evaluation and policy-level monitoring, within both multinational corporations and government institutions.

My decision to pursue a Master of Science in Engineering Project Management at the University of Leeds was driven by a strong desire to gain a deeper understanding of how complex engineering projects are conceived, planned, and delivered effectively. Leeds appealed to me not only for its global reputation in engineering education but also for its strong research focus, international learning environment, and emphasis on real-world project management practices.

The course offered an ideal balance between technical depth and management insight, enabling me to evolve from a purely technical engineer into a professional capable of leading multidisciplinary projects and developing institutional frameworks for effective project delivery and evaluation. My time at Leeds was a pivotal phase in shaping both my professional outlook and my long-term commitment to public infrastructure development."

Why did you choose to study your particular course?

I chose to study Engineering Project Management at the University of Leeds because I wanted to bridge the gap between technical engineering expertise and the managerial and strategic aspects of delivering large-scale projects. After several years of hands-on experience in civil engineering and construction management, I realised that successful project delivery depends not only on technical knowledge but also on effective planning, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and value optimisation.

The Leeds programme offered precisely that balance — combining technical engineering understanding with modern project management frameworks such as the PMI’s PMBoK and FIDIC principles. The course’s international reputation, practical approach, and strong link with the industry made it ideal for gaining the global perspective and analytical tools I needed to advance my career.

Ultimately, the decision was driven by my ambition to play a more strategic role in public infrastructure development — leading projects that are efficient, sustainable, and impactful — and Leeds provided the academic and professional foundation to achieve that goal."

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

What I enjoyed most about the Engineering Project Management course at Leeds was its practical and multidisciplinary approach. The programme didn’t just focus on engineering theory — it connected technical knowledge with real-world project delivery, leadership, and value management.

I particularly appreciated the case-based learning, where we analysed major international projects to understand how planning, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making play out in practice. Working with classmates from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds also made discussions rich and insightful, helping me develop a truly global perspective on project management.

The guidance and mentorship from experienced faculty, especially from the Engineering Project Academy, was another highlight. Their emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and professional ethics inspired me to approach projects not just as technical tasks but as opportunities to create long-term value for communities."

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students? 

Leeds is a vibrant, student-friendly city that offers an exceptional balance between academic focus and social life. What stood out to me most was how welcoming and inclusive the city felt — it’s diverse, affordable, and full of energy. The blend of historic charm and modern development gives Leeds a unique personality, making it easy for international students to feel at home.

As an international student from Pakistan, living and studying in the UK was an incredible experience. The University’s support services made the transition smooth, from accommodation to academic guidance. I appreciated how multicultural the environment was — I met people from all over the world, learned to appreciate different perspectives, and developed lifelong friendships.

Leeds also offered everything a student could ask for — excellent libraries, green spaces, cultural events, and easy access to explore other parts of the UK. Studying there not only broadened my academic and professional horizons but also helped me grow personally, giving me confidence and a truly global outlook."

What would you say about the learning and the career support facilities in your academic School or Faculty and at the University in general?

The learning environment at the University of Leeds was outstanding — the academic structure encouraged both independent thought and collaboration. The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences provided access to world-class teaching resources, research materials, and experienced faculty members who were not only experts in their fields but also approachable and supportive. The balance between theoretical learning and practical, case-based application helped me develop strong analytical and decision-making skills.

I also found the career support services at Leeds to be highly valuable. The University’s Careers Centre offered excellent guidance on career planning, networking, and employability. Workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, and career mentoring were especially useful for international students like myself. The exposure to industry projects and networking events with professionals gave me the confidence to apply my academic learning directly to complex real-world challenges.

Overall, Leeds provided an ecosystem that supported both academic excellence and professional growth — an experience that continues to positively shape my career to this day."

What have you been doing since finishing your studies?

After completing my MSc in Engineering Project Management at the University of Leeds in 2006, I have worked extensively in Pakistan’s infrastructure and development sector, gaining over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience in project planning, delivery, and monitoring. 

My Master's degree from Leeds has been central to my professional journey — especially in the application of project management principles, value management, and stakeholder coordination in large-scale public sector development programs. The strong foundation I developed at Leeds in project life-cycle management, risk analysis, and value engineering has enabled me to design and implement effective monitoring systems, assess infrastructure performance indicators, and contribute to the development of policy frameworks that promote transparency and efficiency in government projects.

I have also been involved in training and capacity building of monitoring officers, developing evaluation tools, and preparing comprehensive progress and impact assessment reports. In many ways, my work reflects the very ethos of the Leeds programme — integrating technical expertise with strategic project leadership to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

What company are you working for, what is your role, and what does it involve?

Currently, I serve as Director Monitoring (Infrastructure Development) at the Monitoring & Evaluation Cell, Planning & Development Department, Government of Sindh.

How do you think the skills and knowledge you developed at Leeds whilst studying your Masters helped with your career? 

The MSc in Engineering Project Management at the University of Leeds provided me with a transformative blend of technical, analytical, and leadership skills that have directly shaped my career. The programme gave me a deep understanding of project life-cycle management, value engineering, and risk management—skills that have proven invaluable in managing complex infrastructure and development projects across public and private sectors.

The exposure to international best practices, such as the Project Management Institute’s PMBoK framework and FIDIC contract standards, laid a strong foundation for my later work with multinational organizations like OMV and PETRONAS, and later in government project monitoring roles. The emphasis at Leeds on collaborative learning, problem-solving, and strategic project delivery has helped me lead teams, assess performance indicators, and design effective monitoring frameworks for large-scale public sector initiatives.

I also benefited from the University’s close links with industry and academia—particularly through interactions with faculty members like Dr. Denise Bower, who continues to be an inspiration in the field of engineering project management. These experiences not only broadened my professional outlook but also strengthened my ability to integrate technical engineering with project evaluation, policy design, and sustainable development practices."

Now that you’ve graduated, what would you say to students thinking about studying your course, do you believe your investment into the course was worthwhile for your career?

I would strongly encourage anyone considering the MSc in Engineering Project Management at the University of Leeds to pursue it with full commitment. The course provides a unique balance between technical engineering knowledge and managerial competencies, which are essential for leading complex infrastructure projects in today’s world.

The investment was absolutely worthwhile — it reshaped the way I approach engineering challenges, not just from a technical perspective but also through strategic planning, value management, and risk-based decision-making. The academic environment at Leeds promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and global awareness, which prepared me to manage projects across public and private sectors, including roles in multinational organizations and later in government project monitoring and evaluation.

The international exposure, diversity of classmates, and interaction with faculty such as Dr. Denise Bower were deeply influential in developing my confidence as an engineering professional. The skills and mindset gained at Leeds have continued to serve me every day in my work — ensuring that I approach projects with professionalism, innovation, and accountability.