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Our alumni

When you graduate from the University of Wollongong you become a UOW graduate and join a global community of more than 190,000 leaders and innovators.

UOW’s global campus network spans Australia and overseas, giving students access to education and research across regional, city and international locations. Each campus connects students to opportunity, community and a world-class university experience.

Our alumni

Helena Dorczak
Sherif A. Mohammad
Saqer Faqih
Mustafa Abdullah Ibrahim

Alumni stories

Helena Dorczak

Now making an impact as…

Chief of Staff at SURJ Sports Investment

How it started

Helena studied a double degree in Arts & International Studies at UOW Wollongong Australia (2014–2017), majoring in Politics and International Relations. A 9-month internship with Football Australia unexpectedly kicked off her career in sports business.

Where it led

Eight years later, she’s the Chief of Staff at SURJ Sports Investment, part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund - investing in global sports IPs that grow economies and inspire active lifestyles.

Her UOW edge

“Studying at UOW taught me to make the complex simple - from policy to play. It gave me the analytical thinking and many transferable skills to succeed in the world of sport.”

Her message

“Go where the action is. UOW is building in the world’s fastest-growing regions - Malaysia, Dubai, Riyadh - giving students global access few universities can.”

Helena Dorczak - Chief of Staff at SURJ Sports Investment Helena Dorczak - Chief of Staff at SURJ Sports Investment in Saudi Arabia

Sherif A. Mohammad

Now making an impact as…

Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at British Telecom International Group

How it started

Born in Saudi Arabia and shaped by a multicultural journey across Egypt and Australia, Sherif joined the Master of Business Administration in 2022 at the University of Wollongong, Australia, studying both online and at the Sydney CBD campus. The flexible format gave him the autonomy to learn at his own pace. Although he completed his degree with Distinction in 24 months, he was still able to customise the subjects to his needs and personal learning capacity, all while expanding his business acumen at British Telecom International Group.

Where it led

Already a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at British Telecom International Group, leading sales engineering work across Australia, Sherif leveraged his Master’s Degree to combine technical expertise with leadership and strategy.

His UOW edge

“The coursework pushed me beyond tech - into design thinking, finance, and leadership. I applied it all at work, immediately.”

His message

“UOW gives you structure, flexibility, and global recognition. You’re surrounded by people who want you to succeed - and a network that reaches every continent.”

Sherif A. Mohammad - Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at British Telecom International Group
Sherif A. Mohammad - Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at British Telecom International Group in Australia

Saqer Faqih

Now making an impact as…

Master’s Graduate in Human Resource Management

How it started

Born in Jezan and later working in Riyadh as a teaching assistant, Saqer’s life has always been defined by movement and ambition. A high achiever both academically and athletically - from soccer and basketball to swimming and ice skating, his world changed after a series of serious injuries, including multiple ankle fractures and a car accident.

Despite enduring chronic pain, long recoveries, and having to leave university, Saqer refused to give up. His resilience and belief that “a hard time today will help us tomorrow” kept him determined to continue learning and to inspire others through his story.

Where it led

Saqer’s journey brought him across the globe to UOW College Australia, where he studied in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Even on difficult days, he found strength in the kindness of his teachers and classmates, forming friendships that bridged cultures and languages.

From there, he went on to complete his Master’s in Human Resource Management at the University of Wollongong: a milestone he achieved with determination and pride. Today, Saqer has been awarded a fully funded scholarship from the Saudi Arabian government to pursue his PhD, continuing his academic journey with the same drive and optimism that have defined his path.

His UOW edge

Through the EAP program, Saqer mastered essential academic skills, from research and academic writing to critical analysis, all of which built the foundation for his success. He attributes his confidence and growth to the supportive learning environment and the sense of belonging he found at UOW.

His message

“Keep moving forward,  even when it’s hard. With courage, support, and determination, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.”

Saqer Faqih - Master’s Graduate in Human Resource Management
Saqer Faqih - Master’s Graduate in Human Resource Management & Saudi Government-Funded PhD Scholar

Mustafa Abdullah Ibrahim

Now making an impact as…

Senior AI Engineer at the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi

How it started

Born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mustafa earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Wollongong in Dubai from 2009 to 2012. The program’s focus on strategy, critical thinking, and adaptability gave him a foundation that would later power a career no one could have predicted at the time - in Artificial Intelligence.

Where it led

Now a Senior AI Engineer at the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi, Mustafa leads AI-driven digital transformation across more than 55 government entities. His work bridges business strategy and advanced technology - developing machine learning and large language model solutions that make public services smarter and more accessible.

His UOW edge

“UOW taught me how to think - not just what to learn. The business framework, diverse environment, and case-based approach gave me the confidence to move from business into AI and design real-world solutions that impact millions.”

His message

“Choose a university that prepares you for a career that may not even exist yet. When I graduated in 2012, ‘AI Engineer’ wasn’t a job title. The world isn’t the same anymore - AI has redefined the playing field. With the right foundation, you won’t just adapt to the future - you’ll help shape it.”

Mustafa Abdullah Ibrahim - Senior AI Engineer at the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi
Mustafa Abdullah Ibrahim - Senior AI Engineer at the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi

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