Khola Khalid Choudhary

• Year of graduation: 2024
• Current job title: Sr. IT Asset Management Administrator
• Current employer: SHI International
• Industry sector: IT

Meet Khola Khalid Choudhary, an MSc Computing (IT and Security) graduate who has turned resilience and determination into a promising career in IT. After graduating from the University of Northampton in 2024, Khola secured a role as a Senior IT Asset Management Administrator at SHI International, where she is building expertise in software asset management and data analysis. Having navigated the challenges of studying abroad, Khola developed strong analytical skills and a proactive mindset, supported by the University’s community and career initiatives, which have helped her confidently step into the fast-evolving world of technology.

What are some of your favourite memories from your time at the University of Northampton?

One of my most memorable experiences at the University of Northampton was the support I received when I first arrived from Pakistan. I was feeling very homesick and anxious adjusting to a new country and culture. The university assigned me a mental health nurse who supported me during that difficult time, and it made a huge difference in helping me settle in and continue my studies. It’s a memory that really reflects how supportive the university community can be.

Can you tell us about your current role and what a typical day looks like?

I’m currently training to become an IT Asset Management Analyst. A typical day for me involves a mix of training and hands-on work analysing customer data related to software licensing and usage. I spend time learning about different software vendors, licensing models, and the tools used to manage software assets.

Software Asset Management is about helping organisations keep track of the software they own and use, ensuring they stay compliant with licensing agreements while also identifying ways to optimise their software investments. It’s a field that combines data analysis, technical knowledge, and problem-solving to help businesses manage their IT resources more effectively.

What experiences or opportunities helped shape your career after graduating from the University of Northampton?

One of the experiences that really shaped my career after graduating from the University of Northampton was my final year project. I researched how COVID-19 affected people of colour using AI, which required extensive research and data analysis. During that project, I learned how to critically evaluate information, identify reliable sources, and ensure that the data I was using was accurate and credible.

Those research and analytical skills have been very valuable in my current role as I train to become an IT Asset Management Analyst. In Software Asset Management, we often need to research software publishers, understand complex licensing models, and analyse how vendors charge for their products. My university project helped build the analytical mindset and research skills that I now apply when reviewing data and understanding software licensing structures.

How did the University support your career development while you were a student?

The University of Northampton supported my career development by organising events that connected students with employers and provided insight into different industries. These opportunities encouraged me to research careers in the IT sector and helped me understand how to prepare for working in a technology company.

What motivated you to get involved in mentoring students through the Student Futures programme?

Volunteering, speaking up about things that matter, and giving back to the community have always been important to me. When I received the invitation to become a mentor through the Student Futures programme, I didn’t think twice about accepting it.

During my own journey, I learned that sometimes you just need someone to look at your situation from a different angle to give you a whole new perspective. If students can learn from some of the mistakes or challenges I faced and feel more confident in navigating their own paths, that would be a big achievement for me as a mentor.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar career path?

One piece of advice that has always stayed with me came from a mental health nurse who supported me during my time at university. They once told me that you are in the driver’s seat of your life. No matter who is sitting in the passenger seat or in the back, the car will only go where you decide to drive it. That perspective really stayed with me and reminded me that you have to take steps to make things happen for yourself.

My advice to students who want to pursue a similar career path is to stay consistent and disciplined. Progress often comes through small, daily steps, so keep your head down and keep going.

It’s also important to stay up to date with developments in the IT industry, especially as technology is evolving very quickly with AI becoming more prominent. Try to build a portfolio, gain as much hands-on experience as possible, and showcase those projects on your CV. Keeping your LinkedIn profile updated and engaging with the professional community can also help open doors.

What are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?

I am very passionate about IT and see myself continuing to grow within IT Asset Management. Asset visibility plays a critical role in both security and IT governance, as organisations need a clear understanding of the technology they use to manage risks, maintain compliance, and optimise their resources.

My ambition for the next stage of my career is to gain deeper expertise in IT Asset Management, develop stronger analytical and technical skills, and contribute to helping organisations improve visibility and control of their IT environments.