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 (Awareness and Teamwork), which gave me valuable frameworks for understanding how people (including myself) from different backgrounds communicate, collaborate, and approach problems. The facilitators did a great job helping us to learn how to reflect on our own perspectives and attitudes and understand that our way is not the only way.

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 to recognise cultural differences, and actively respond to them in a constructive way. It’s something I continue to develop and apply in both my professional and personal life.