Mohammad Forid Alom is Senior Product Manager – Analytics, at Riskonnect, and is a graduate of the ELBA Eagles programme. Mohammed Forid here tells us about how the Eagles programme has been instrumental in his career and development, equipping him with the fundamental skills necessary to become successful in a professional environment. Read on to hear why he thinks the programme is an absolute no brainer for anyone interested.

Please provide a short outline of your current role and a brief description of any other relevant career experience
As a Senior Product Manager for Rickonnect, I provide innovative analytic solutions – within our integrated risk management software solution – for our clients across the globe. This includes harnessing the power of big data, automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence for data-driven decision making.

Prior to this role, I worked for East London NHS Foundation Trust for almost nine years as a Senior Product Manager for Analytics and Improvement. This included developing integrated analytical solutions for decision making, supporting the organisation and partner organisations in the use of data for improvement using statistical process control, and finally developing improvement-focused software solutions.

Tell us about your experience of the Eagles programme
I joined the Eagles programme in 2012 having completed my masters in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Queen Mary, University of London. My placement was with ELBA itself, supporting the Legacy 2020 team in the Olympics campaign.

The Eagles programme has been instrumental in my career and development. It helped me acquire the fundamental skills to become successful in a professional environment. Unfortunately, whilst university provides you with a whole host of transferable skills, you are not taught the fundamental skills required for any job from networking to presentation skills. This essentially leaves a big gap in your skill set which you quickly realise when you graduate. The Eagles programme starts off with training in these core skills before your placement, which makes a huge difference in having a successful placement.

What have you gained from the programme?
I’ve gained a whole host of skills and experience that proved essential in my career so far. From project management skills with Hult Ashridge to presentation skills throughout the placement. A big part of the programme is the network you are exposed to, from other Eagles within your cohort to the wider corporate community. This gives you a great deal of exposure to what is needed to be successful in a professional environment.

What have you done since you finished the internship/placement?
Since my placement, I’ve done various roles utilising and enhancing the skills I gained throughout the programme. During my time within the NHS, I’ve presented our work at multiple national and international conferences with 3000+ audience members. Something that would not have been possible without the training received on the placement. I’ve continued my professional development, attaining certifications in improvement, product management and MBA with Ashridge Business School.

Tell us your top piece of advice for others considering the Eagles programme
It is an absolute no-brainer. Not only do you get invaluable training throughout the placement, but you get experience and exposure to a whole host of global corporate companies, unlike typical graduate schemes where you are only work with the placement company. The Eagles programme is a brilliant stepping stone for anyone, helping inject a boost in your career.