Usama Anwar

• Year of graduation: 2022
• Current job title: Accounts Executive & Director
• Current employer: SEZWAN & Podiatry For All LTD
• Industry sector: FMCG & Podiatry

Meet Usama Anwar, a BSc Accounting and Finance graduate whose university experience laid the foundation for both his professional success and personal milestones. Since graduating from the University of Northampton in 2022, Usama has progressed into a role as an Accounts Executive while also taking on responsibilities as a director within his own business ventures. Through academic learning, leadership roles, and support from the Changemaker Hub (now Student Futures), he developed the practical skills and confidence needed to secure employment before graduating and build a dynamic career across finance and business.

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

I have a lot of memories during my time at the university. For obvious reasons, meeting my wife and marrying her while I was at the university has to be the first ones. Apart from that winning Varsity at Bedford with the men’s hockey team is a special memory as well. I still think about my morning ride from the Park Campus to Waterside, and then going to grab a subway and hot chocolate at MC Coll’s before heading to the 9 am lectures. The calm atmosphere of the Waterside campus and just the amazing uni life.

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

So currently I am working as an Accounts executive. The day starts with analyzing and recording of invoices from the day before. Then slowly moving towards planned payments for the day and constant contact with the bank in terms of payments made by the debtors and issues regarding those payments. Then it ends towards sending over supermarket sales data to the invoice factoring firm to maintain future payments. In addition to this, ad-hoc tasks related to my own company Podiatry For All LTD, especially finance related issues.

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

The course and the lecturers are integral part of what you will be when you go out to work. It shapes you as a professional. Being the treasurer for the men’s hockey and cricket team along with the World society did help as well in terms of managing money. In addition this, the placement offered by the course was essential as well.

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

I always understood and later emphasized as well regarding the importance of the Changemaker Hub (now Student Futures). I managed to secure a full-time job before I graduated; the Changemaker Hub was really helpful with this, especially Kate and Laura. People like these can really change the course of things in your future.

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

The motivation to stay connected to the university. I loved my time at the university, and University of Northampton is an integral part of mine and my wife’s life. We both made lifelong relationships here.

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

Use your university! This university has a lot to offer and you need to discover what it has to offer. Because if you ask, the university can help you in ways you can’t even imagine like it did for me. Communication is key.

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

For the time being, I am happy where I am. I am hoping for a career change but not quite sure what the future holds for me. However, I also have intentions to come back and do my Masters here via distance learning as well.