Hina Khan
Student spotlight details
Hina's experience in fast-paced senior strategic roles led her to enrol on the Advanced Diploma in IT Systems Analysis and Design to advance her knowledge of software systems and data analysis.
'My name is Hina Khan. I recently completed the University's Advanced Diploma in IT Systems Analysis and Design course during the course of 2024 while graduating with a Global MBA from another Business School (Equis Accredited) university in the UK. I also worked in a professional role at the same time, first in a standards body at a group level and then transitioning to an educational institution in a new role as an analyst specialising in marketing data and trends and providing insights to drive successful strategic business decisions. I have also previously studied at Oxford University, gaining a Social Entrepreneurship course certificate.
'My experience working in professional senior strategic roles, such as at a group level, drew me to the Advanced Diploma in IT Systems Analysis and Design at Oxford. These fast-paced and demanding roles require me to work across multiple countries and regions. As a result, I am working on several software systems, and joining the course has allowed me to advance my current knowledge in that area.
'The most challenging aspect of the programme for me was capturing the essence of the assessment criteria within a specific word count while creating complex diagrams outlining system processes. I often wrote my assessments in great detail, causing them to exceed the given word count. As a result, I spent a lot of time amending and revising my work, trying to capture the essence of the content within my assessment framework.
'Creating diagrams and establishing relationships between multiple entities was initially difficult for me at the beginning of the course. I struggled with the complexity of integrating various layers into one smooth system process. Over the months that followed the course, I began picking up the integration and processes much quicker than I anticipated. It became easier for me, and I used tools online to be able to help me create these diagrams.
'The most rewarding and enjoyable parts of the course was the opportunity to learn and implement SQL and being nominated to work as a Team Leader on the final module.
'Learning SQL enhanced my problem-solving abilities and allowed me the freedom to layer, create processes, and structure data for real-world scenarios. It provided me with a perspective on the depth of detail that must be present in the back end of the software I would use on a daily basis.
'During my final module, my course director selected a handful of students. I didn't expect to be nominated as a Team Leader, and when I did receive my nomination, I was ecstatic. The Team Leader nomination came on the basis of my extensive knowledge of the subject, my leadership qualities, and my dedication to the course; it boosted my confidence and made me sense that I was on the right track. Being a Team Leader to a global team, I learned, adapted, and led my team to successful completion through task assignments, time management, regular check-ins, and delivering high-quality outputs.
'My team and I successfully completed the final course module much earlier than the deadline. The overall experience gave me a greater sense of purpose, which I’ll never forget, and to this day, I feel honoured to have been part of that.
'Studying this course will significantly improve my career. It will enhance my skills and help me contribute and add value to the organisation in which I work. I will be able to make more informed strategic decisions and be the confident go-to expert for specific software systems.
'As for my future plans, I aim to run a software company someday, continue as a data specialist or scientist, or perhaps even pursue a PhD.
'My advice for someone considering undertaking a course with the University of Oxford would be to consider managing the financial aspect of the course, funding, time management, and balancing personal time and work commitments. They should also consider what they aim to achieve by completing the qualification and how it will positively impact their lives. Most importantly, I encourage them to keep going, no matter how difficult it gets, and not to give up. It’s worth it.'
