We invited Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Founder & CEO at MS Education Consultants FZ LLC for an interview with Most Popular Stories to know more about her entrepreneurial journey.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey as an entrepreneur
I am truly delighted to introduce myself to your readers.
My name is Dr. Mariam Shaikh. I was born in Mumbai, India and have been living in the UAE since the past 38 years.
As a long-standing professional in the Education field my journey has been very exciting spanning over 35 years of professional experience from owning my own Preschool in the 1980s to heading a large K-12 school and then as a Senior Leader and Vice President for well-known and reputed International Universities in the United Arab Emirates.
Having actively contributed to the exponential growth of the student population of Universities such as the Canadian University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus and Amity University Dubai, I now look forward to a new chapter with my own venture, MS Education Consultants which I started in 2020.
My expertise in Higher Education is in the areas of Student Recruitment, Marketing, Strategic Development, International Relations and Student Experience. I am pleased to share that last year, MS Education Consultants was appointed as the official ‘Middle East Strategist’ for the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada; a top ranked comprehensive University, recognized as a Canadian Leader in Student Experience and known for experiential learning and career development. This has been a fantastic milestone for my company and I look forward to continued success and excellence with this prestigious partnership.
I strongly believe in active participation in Public forums and expanding my network. Throughout my professional career in Higher Education, I have participated and contributed towards several Conferences and have been a spokesperson for Higher Education on News channels, foreign & local, to share information on the world class educational facilities and Programs offered at International University Campuses. I have also travelled extensively as a Brand Ambassador, individually as well as with University Delegations.
I am pleased to have served as President of the Indian Ladies Association for many years consecutively, am an active member of the Canadian Business Council Heading their platform Education Connect, also appointed as the International Advisor for the Youth Union Council of India, an active member of the UAE-Africa Initiative, President of the Education Leadership- Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club, Country Ambassador for the World Women Leadership Congress 2022, member of Indian Women In Dubai network and Youth Empowerment Mentor for the Entrepreneurship Cell of the renowned IIT Mumbai.
I would also like to share that a big part of my journey over the years has been about mentorship and supporting students – our future leaders, which is my Passion and I endeavour to enhance such efforts and extend support to Women Entrepreneurs as well which became possible via the multiple International Entrepreneurship Groups where I am a Board or Advisory Member and I get the opportunity to mentor, advise and share my experiences with other women stepping into the world of Entrepreneurship.
2. Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
Focusing on Students and their Success was the main driving force which brought me back to embark on my entrepreneurial venture MS Education Consultants. I wished to continue with my mission of supporting students to turn their dreams into reality and mentor them to stay focused on their career goals and aspirations.
Harvard affiliate Mother Theresa University recently honoured me with an Honorary Doctorate in Transformational Educational Leadership based on the Study Paper I submitted on International Education opportunities for students from all over the world aspiring to develop their career goals from the best the world has to offer.
I developed a paper that would serve as a landmark in the development of Educational affiliations worldwide to help students achieve their goals and dreams with the GPS that I would provide through my new venture in Dubai ‘MS Education Consultants’ A Name to reckon with. For the excellence that you Target’ To be the Best in the World..!!
After having been a senior leader in many Universities in Canada and Dubai, I have now initiated my Entrepreneurial venture MS Education Consultants where I continue with my mission of assisting students globally. Advising and mentoring students towards the right choice of University is my PASSION and -” I feel the same excitement as the student does once he/she reaches their study destination and achieves their career aspirations”.
3. What was the vision behind it?
It was January 2020 . I had decided to retire from my last position as VP of Amity University, Dubai and move back to Mumbai to manage my home and Art Gallery there. Unfortunately, Lockdown was declared and I was stuck in Mumbai for 7 whole months.
It was a really difficult and challenging time for me with so many restrictions and I was unable to do anything there. Frustrated and terribly disappointed that I could not even open my Art Gallery or Office, I felt socially very disconnected as we could not invite people over nor go out of the house. Being the socially active and extroverted person that I am, I decided that Retirement was not ready for me as I had a new Dream, a new Goal to accomplish and new targets to set…… I was absolutely not ready for RETIREMENT!!
Being able to start my own company has been my lifetime Goal, and this is true for me – I was seriously impacted by these words….. “It is never too late to set a new Goal or Dream a new Dream..!! So right from my desk in Mumbai, I initiated the process to set up my company in Dubai and decided to return to Dubai, my home of 38 years to continue with my passion!!
My core business in MS Education Consultants is providing a one-stop solution for students applying to Universities in the U.K, US, Canada, Australia, Dubai, Europe, Malaysia and India by counselling and advising them through the application process, choice of programs, career perspectives, how to get internships abroad, assisting them with housing on/off Campus, Visa assistance and anything else they require to make their student journey a wonderful one!! My experience since the past 35 years in leading International Universities is what sets us apart from other providers.
Also, over and above the regular information we provide as in Information on Programs, rankings, costs, scholarships our focus is more on advising students with a more holistic approach on new programs being launched, developing skills to be University – ready, what to expect when you move to another country for higher education, adapting to differences in culture and environment, career opportunities of the future, developing soft skills like team-playing and resilience which become as important as the technical skills acquired, the art of collaboration and working in groups, how to secure internships abroad, examining the skillsets most desired by employers in different regions and countries. emphasis on mental health and well -being thus being a friend, mentor, guide and a counsellor all in one.
Students today are juggling a dizzying array of challenges from coursework, relationships, and adjustments, parental and family expectations, wanting to follow their passion rather than go with the traditional programs, coping with moving away from home, social media distractions and trying to keep up with their peers. Supporting them is crucial to their well-being and providing the right guidance which is purpose-driven leaves the student far more confident and in control and better equipped to step into University life.
4.Describe the services that you offer to your customers and in what way they are unique?
“I strongly believe in the development of society through Education, and its value system, to leave a profound legacy for the future generation. I am of the opinion that international exposure and amalgamation of various cultures will help to create a tolerant and peaceful global society that will be progressive and will establish a bright future.” Dr. Mariam Shaikh
We are constantly coming up with new solutions, training programs, workshops on career perspectives for the jobs of the future and mentorship initiatives for the young entrepreneurs to help them achieve their objectives.
One of my new initiatives is my recent launch of the Student Cultural and Higher Education Experience Program.
In my previous role as VP of International Partnerships of a University, I initiated and executed several MOUs to partner with institutions in the US, Austria, India and China to encourage internationalisation and cross-cultural student mobility.
I was also among the first to bring in 120 Chinese students to study in Dubai.
The future of international mobility today lies in combining physical and digital experiences to reach a wider range of students. The number of internationally mobile students in higher education has grown dramatically However, this is just 2.6% of the total world student population. With Covid-19, higher education institutions and schools were closed in 185 countries, affecting about 1.5 billion learners but the pandemic also showed how online teaching and learning innovations shifted the potential of international exchange.
More than ever before, now is the time to reimagine student mobility so that more students can benefit from an international experience in ways that are not subject to changing global health or political restrictions, and that consider the planet’s well-being.
The incredible creativity and innovation shown during the pandemic to ensure students can continue to benefit from cross-cultural exchange using information and communications technologies need to be harnessed and further developed so that student mobility becomes possible, not only physically but through virtual modalities.
The future of student mobility will combine physical international experiences with digitally driven virtual opportunities that can reach a wider range of students and build greater cross-cultural awareness and skills. This is what we will continue to strive to do to keep pace with the changes needed to provide more access to students globally.
MS Education Consultants offers many verticals:
1. University Admissions: Through extensive experience with Undergraduate and Graduate Applications, we offer student-centred guidance and assistance for Admission into Degree Programs that suit the Student’s Academic and Vocational/Career aspirations. We assist students to pursue their higher education in over 400 Universities located in UAE, USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Europe.
2. Education Consultancy: We promote the United Arab Emirates as an Education Hub and also encourage the growth of Educational Institutions in new markets through advising and consulting on New Campus Start-Ups and developing Student Recruitment plans and Outreach Strategies both locally and internationally. We also advise on Effective Marketing Budget Utilisation and Planning, Growth and Retention solutions, Government Accreditation, Training and Development for Student Recruitment Teams, Partnerships and collaboration guidance and promote initiatives that contribute to positive Student Experiences.
3. Online Training: Through valuable partnerships, we facilitate training courses by Industry professionals to help boost interests, skills and knowledge. Furthermore, we support the launch of Innovative learning programs and courses offered by leading providers to young and adult learners.
5. What difficulties you have faced or you are facing?
I have certainly faced challenges in my professional career whether it be the uphill battles of achieving goals or fierce competition. I believe anyone with smart habits and a positive ‘Can Do’ attitude can be a success. We should always be aware that a few conscious changes to behavior and attitude could prove to be very rewarding.
Along my journey here, I have faced many challenges but each one of them has only strengthened me to make me the person I am today; a thorough professional who knows exactly what she wants; someone who sets her eyes on a goal and does not lose sight of it, unless it is achieved.
All Women have to contend with a wide range of challenges in business. The biggest challenge for me was when I first moved from a senior professional role in a University to becoming an Entrepreneur. The very first change I had to get used to was not seeing my salary credited to my account at the end of the month. For an entrepreneur, it is definitely quite a different story. You have to continuously be on your toes or hustle as it is commonly called to generate funds.
Most women feel as though they need to adopt a stereotypically “male” attitude toward business: competitive, aggressive, and sometimes harsh. But I believe that in order to be a successful female CEO, always remain true to yourself and find your own voice which is key to rising above preconceived expectations.
“Be yourself, and have confidence in who you are.” Yes, it’s a change as you are no longer associated with the Company you worked for. But thankfully for me, the trust and the expertise accumulated over the past 35 years was a great asset as I was already well known in the Education Space for my achievements.
Not all start-up founders look for investors to help get their businesses off the ground, but those who do, know how difficult the pitching process can be. Raising capital is even more difficult for women-owned businesses. I have not had the need for this yet, but definitely as my business scales up I will have to make myself pitch ready.
There are some women’s groups which provide coworking space for female entrepreneurs They inspire and encourage female investors to grow and support them through both funding and strategic educational workshops.
At one time or another, most women CEOs find themselves in a male-dominated industry or workplace that does not want to acknowledge their leadership role.
“As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, earning respect becomes a struggle for most women ” But living and being a woman entrepreneur in Dubai is a blessing!!
Empowerment, entrepreneurship and growth. Holding two-thirds of public sector posts in the UAE and almost a third of senior decision-making positions in the government sector, the changing role of women in Dubai mirrors the Emirate’s explosive growth in recent decades. Turning popular misconceptions on its head, Dubai is at the global forefront of female empowerment and entrepreneurship in the business sector.
6. How do you handle pressure and manage stress?
Each and every one of us has stress and work pressure. Managing both effectively is essential for productivity, happiness and well-being.
As for me I manage pressure as I am a workaholic and don’t mind working the extra hours to get it right!! I plan and organise schedules well in advance and work towards my deliverables in a structured manner never losing sight of other demands on my time.
My Passion keeps me going 24/7 and this is what makes me happy and makes me shine because I truly love what I do….. I am often referred to as a Glucose Shot as when I am energised I can radiate that energy to others. That makes me inherently happy.
Work life balance is the key ingredient to staying happy and successful.
Luckily for me, I have my husband and my kids who have always supported me and understood the dedication that my job requires in terms of time. Additionally, having worked with the best teams all along my journey has helped me to reach where I am today.
As a Transformational Leader I have always created clones of myself in my work space so that I am able to manage my time in the best way possible
.
I cannot emphasise enough on planning and strategy . I always prioritise my tasks and plan my week effectively.
Often, work takes precedence over everything else in our lives. Our desire to succeed professionally can push us to set aside our own well-being. Creating a harmonious work-life balance or work-life integration is critical, though, to improve not only our physical, emotional and mental well-being, but it’s also important for our career.
A good work-life has numerous positive effects, including less stress, a lower risk of burnout and a greater sense of well-being. This not only benefits employees but employers, too.
When creating a schedule that works for me, I think about the best way to achieve balance at work and in my personal life. Work-life balance is more about having the flexibility to get things done in your professional life while still having time and energy to enjoy your personal life. There may be some days where you work longer hours so you have time later in the week to enjoy other activities.
When you hear “work-life balance,” you probably imagine having an extremely productive day at work, and leaving early to spend the other half of the day with friends and family. While this may seem ideal, it is not always possible.
Don’t strive for the perfect schedule; strive for a realistic one. Some days, you might focus more on work, while other days you might have more time and energy to pursue your hobbies or spend time with your loved ones. Balance is achieved over time, not each day.
Although work is an expected societal norm, your career shouldn’t be restricted. If you hate what you do, you aren’t going to be happy, plain and simple. You don’t need to love every aspect of your job, but it needs to be exciting enough that you don’t dread getting out of bed every morning.
Your overall physical, emotional and mental health should be your main concern.
Prioritising your health doesn’t have to consist of radical or extreme activities. It can be as simple as daily meditation or exercise.
Don’t be afraid to unplug. Cutting ties with the outside world from time to time allows us to recover from weekly stress, and gives us space for other thoughts and ideas to emerge. Taking that time to unwind is critical to success and will help you feel more energised when you’re on the clock.
Sometimes, truly unplugging means taking vacation time and shutting work completely off for a while. Whether your vacation consists of a one-day staycation or a two-week trip to Bali, it’s important to take time off to physically and mentally recharge.
Make time for yourself and your loved ones.
While your job is important, it shouldn’t be your entire life. You were an individual before taking this position, and you should prioritise the activities or hobbies that make you
When planning time with your loved ones, create a calendar for romantic and family dates. It may seem weird to plan one-on-one time with someone you live with, but it will ensure that you spend quality time with them without work-life conflict. Just because work keeps you busy doesn’t mean you should neglect personal relationships.
Set boundaries and work hours.
Set boundaries for yourself and your colleagues, to avoid burnout. When you leave the office, avoid thinking about upcoming projects or answering company emails. Consider having a separate computer or phone for work, so you can shut it off when you clock out. If that isn’t possible, use separate browsers, emails or filters for your work and personal.
I always believe in setting goals and priorities.
Those who do maintain a successful balance between their work and life often point to their flexible work schedules. Recent research found that in the past seven years, many employers have allowed workers greater flexibility both with their schedule and where they work.
In our always-on world, balance is a very personal thing, and only you can decide the lifestyle that suits you best.
For me my relaxation is spending time with my family, playing board games with my grandson, swimming, I enjoy shopping, designing my own clothes, meeting with friends and networking.
7. How do you market your business?
Each new year brings new customer trends and expectations, so wise business leaders will turn to a blend of well-established insights and fresh strategies to meet current and prospective customers where they are-and where they will be.
As for my marketing strategies I believe that effective social media engagement, setting your brand apart by focusing on excellence, operating with a strong purpose and vision and using the right tools for Search engine optimization and digital marketing will help you reach your target audience. Word of mouth and testimonials from your clients are a great value add as I feel that most of my clients come from referrals. Networking in appropriate groups to speak about your business also is good as this platform gives you and your business the right kind of exposure. Active participation in work related conferences and workshops will also give you an opportunity to speak about your business.
Timely outreach to pique customers’ interest at the start of the year to new and improved methods that will leverage the realities of the 2023 marketplace is effective.
We have found that operating as a purposeful company in a highly competitive market can be a differentiator and driver of brand consideration. The clients and candidates that we prospect are evaluating our attributes and offerings against others and find meaning in a commitment to solving endemic issues. For us, leading with an inspiring purpose is a way that we create meaningful connections.
So relevant content honed to solving business needs always performs well. Search engines have significantly updated their algorithms this year with a focus on improving the relevance and quality of search results. Content, search engine optimization and search engine marketing all go hand in hand and this is my main focus.
I make it a point to explore new mediums that I may have overlooked. I perform an analysis on what didn’t perform last year, the events that did not provide the right value outcome and allocate some of that budget to test something different. For example, more people are working from home now, and direct mail marketing has been performing better than ever. Or, research the top influencers in your industry and create partnerships with them to promote your brand.
Timing is everything. Generate buzz leading up to the new year and set up a discount code or limited-time offer to expedite their purchase.
We always need to think beyond the functional and emotional needs of our customers. More and more, consumers are demanding social and environmental commitments from their brands. Making value propositions that include a cause or a purpose will not only respond to your customers’ demands, but it will also increase the well-being of others. If communicated properly, this will turn into a competitive advantage.
Truly get to know your customer. Show how your solution will have a positive impact on your prospective customers on a personal, purpose-driven and trust-building level. Customer stories in video, blog, podcast and infographic formats will help boost sales. Craft your messaging, improve your offer and grow your business and brand. Maintaining share of voice is key in creating a customer pipeline.
The foundation of my marketing is educational content. The production of valuable, search-optimised content-whether written, audio, video or visual-is a key strategy that companies should be working on now so that they have it in place before the new year. Getting visits and leads through valuable content boosts your sales team’s efforts, drives new pipelines and helps generate sales.
8. How many hours a day do you work on average & can you describe/outline your typical day?
I do not have any set hours for work! I believe in working till I’m done…….
My typical days starts with a meeting with my Team members when we work on the schedule for the week, get our marketing collateral in order, communicate with students and their parents on emails and Whatsapp to answer all their questions, attend events, 1:1 meetings, and later on we work with regional meetings to meet with representatives from other regions and share information on our assigned territories as well as share updates on numbers of applicants, data analysis, etc.
I do try to squeeze in an hour to go to the gym as being physically fit and feeling energised is very important with a hectic work schedule like mine!!
9. In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
“Success is definitely no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, dedication, consistency, confidence, self-belief, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, Love of what you are doing !! “
One can attribute success to so many things around. Things like families, friends, education, work, skills, and talents could all be part of your success. Apart from them, certain core variables constitute the right success equation. Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude
Among them, the first and foremost variable is ‘doing things that you love’. When you do things that you love, you find every positive outcome as a success even if it’s little. There’s no obstacle for you, but only challenges and opportunities.
By Doing What you LIKE, your focus and hard work falls in line automatically. Constant learning and improvisations will become a part of you.
Above all, it will never seem like hard work for you. The process and journey will be enjoyable. Despite the good and bad, your perseverance will shield you against all the odds.
Success needs some sacrifices from you. It takes at least a little. Success will ask you to sacrifice your comfort zone.
Working towards your dreams and goals can make you sleepless and stay awake without a count. Sometimes, success needs you to work at the cost of all the fun things you thought you could do.
The list goes on. But there is no success at the cost of families, friendships, and other good things in life.
Finally, do what you like. Do it with the best of your efforts. Success wraps you eventually.
Good things don’t come effortlessly just by magic. You need to have not only the right mindset but also great discipline and perseverance at all times. And more importantly not be afraid to lose and take on risks and challenges. In fact, the only way to reach success is by being ready to take on risks, by developing resilience through failure, being disciplined and by standing back up again no matter what.
A strong mindset, a deep belief in the ability to reach your goals and professional success,
coupled with hard work and discipline paves the way to excellence.
10. What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aspiring entrepreneur?
UAE is my home. I believe all the success I have achieved in my professional career and since being able to start my own venture here has only been possible due to the highly conducive and supportive environment that UAE offers to its residents.
We are blessed to live in the UAE in a culture that understands, supports and respects women as much as men. We feel truly empowered!!
It comes as no surprise that UAE is voted as one the best places in the world to live, work, and settle. The exceptional quality of life with modern accommodation and medical facilities, excellent private schools, and highly developed infrastructure is why UAE is consistently chosen as a country to reside. I look forward to exciting times ahead and all that UAE has to offer to enrich the quality of our lives.
My advice to other Women Entrepreneurs is ‘” Build something that you are passionate about. As an Entrepreneur, you have to have the passion and drive to stay the course!!”
‘It is entirely up to us to challenge our boundaries, our comfort zones, and get out and see what else is out there in the world and what else is possible, and give ourselves a shot to go a little bit deeper, a little bit further!!’
A commonly cited Hewlett-Packard study on internal hiring practices found that men often apply for a job when they meet 60 percent of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100 percent of them. There is an unconscious belief that unless a woman meets the criteria exactly, she won’t be considered. Changing that belief starts with the individual woman. Each one must believe she is capable. Success is found outside of one’s comfort zone, but is often hindered by the fear of the unknown. Every successful entrepreneur and business leader did what they were afraid to do instead of just letting the fear rule in their personal and professional lives, this applies to everyone, men and women.
Data provides a clear window on the state of women in leadership including both gains and losses. The insights are sobering, but also enlightening. By understanding the reality and making sense of it, we can become more resilient, solve problems and innovate toward greater happiness, fulfilment and achievement.
There is no doubt that women are and can be strong leaders with many already achieving great strides. However, The pipeline for women in leadership has many leaks where women fall out of the progression toward higher-level roles.
I strongly believe that the state of women’s progress in the workplace and in leadership isn’t just a women’s issue. It is an issue for all of us. We need to build communities where we can tap into the very best from each of us.
Women are energy from Space, they are Achievers, Visionaries, Women are Family and Life. They give everyone Love, Light and Peace.
I truly believe Where there is a woman there is MAGIC!! All of us women have magic within us!!
The success of every woman should be an inspiration to others, we should raise each other up!!
As we try to navigate these complicated times, what I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I’m especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories. Each of us is celebrated because of the stories that we tell, and this year we became the story.
“As for me the research journey never ends. There are always new ideas to imagine, new dreams to dream, new goals to set and new avenues to explore, with the intent to benefit our local and global communities.”
Never forget that Behind every great community stand great women, leading each generation and raising our families and nation higher.
AWARDS
GCC Woman Leadership Award 2019
Global Super Achiever Award 2020
Lifetime Achievement Award 2020
Woman of Wonders Award 2020
Achievers Award in Entrepreneurial Venture 2021
Excellence in Mental Health – World Health Award 2021
SHE Business Woman Award 2021
Gem of India Award 2021
The only UAE Nominee for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Education Industry’
by PIoneer Awards 2021
Awarded Global Excellence in Education 2021 from H.E Sheikh Eng. Salem Bin
Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah
(RAKDCA) & Chairman of RAK International
Awarded the Prestigious Fame Times International Excellence Award 2021 from
a renowned International Award organisation supported by The World Book of
Records, UK, South Asian Chamber of Commerce & many other renowned
Organizations
Awarded for Outstanding Contribution to the Education Industry Under the
Patronage of The Private Office of H.E Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi
2021
Business Excellence Award 2022
Excellence in Education – UAE WIM Top 50 Global Awards 2022
Excellence in Education – Indian Women Awards 2022
Entrepreneur Award Winner – Emirates Women Award 2022 from H.H. Sheikh
Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority,
Chairman & CEO of Emirates Airline and Group
AFFILIATIONS
Student Safety UK
Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club
Ladies in Business Global Community Group
UAE Africa Education Initiative
International Women Entrepreneurs Group
World Education Community
Indian Women in Dubai Network
Social Media Networking Groups in UAE & GCC with 50k+ audience
Youth Empowerment Mentor with IIT E-cell Mumbai, India
International Advisor for the Youth United Council of India
CSR INITIATIVES
Dr. Mariam works closely with UNHCR to provide scholarships for student
refugees . She is of the opinion that wherever they are, children must go to
school. Education can help refugee children and youth to succeed despite
the severe challenges they face.
For boys and girls forced to flee violence and persecution, an opportunity to
study will provide them hope to define their future and realize their potential.
Website : https://www.mseduconsultants.com/
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamshaikh/
Email Id : [email protected]