Alumni Stories: Nima Sarmadi

I completed my PhD in Engineering at the University of Warwick in 2023, and I now work in industry as a Civil Engineer in KCB, focusing on Dam design and supervise construction.

During my time at Warwick, I took part in a few Intercultural Training workshops, which gave me a valuable framework for understanding how people from different backgrounds communicate, collaborate, and approach problems.

What I found particularly useful is that these skills apply far beyond the academic or professional setting. For example, I’ve experienced how important intercultural awareness is in team sports, where players bring different communication styles and expectations, as well as in social contexts such as participating in demonstrations for women’s rights at Warwick, where understanding different perspectives is essential.

In my current role, I work across international contexts, including collaboration with teams in the UK and Sweden. The ability to adapt my communication, be aware of different expectations, and approach situations with an open mindset has been extremely important.

The workshops helped me not only recognise cultural differences, but also actively respond to them in a constructive way. It’s something I continue to develop and apply in both my professional and personal life.