As industrial engineering undergraduate student Abdulrahman Aljahmi prepares to graduate this December, he took a moment with us to reflect on his time in the Cullen College of Engineering – his personal and professional accomplishments, his pursuit of academic success as a transfer student, and how his world-class engineering education at UH has prepared him for the future.
“One of my biggest challenges was transferring to the University of Houston from out of state,” Aljahmi said. “Moving from Michigan to Texas was initially difficult, as I didn’t know anyone on campus or in the area. Another obstacle was transferring my credits, as some of the required electives in Texas delayed my graduation. Looking back, I’m grateful for these challenges, as they shaped my journey and contributed to my personal growth in ways I hadn’t anticipated.”
“I take pride in my academic performance and the knowledge I’ve gained, which has prepared me for the next stage of my career,” he added. “The coursework at UH has provided me with a foundation in critical thinking, technical skills, and problem-solving, all of which are essential for any career. The internship and co-op opportunities I pursued during my studies were invaluable, allowing me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings and gain practical experience.”
Beyond academics, he also cites forming “meaningful connections” with professors and fellow students as one of his greatest accomplishments in his time at the University of Houston.
“Serving as president of the IISE chapter was a highlight of my time at UH, offering me the chance to make a lasting impact on the student community while enhancing my leadership skills,” Aljahmi said.
“My leadership experience as president of the IISE chapter helped me develop key skills such as communication, collaboration, and decision-making. These experiences taught me how to manage teams, handle challenges, and adapt to new situations - skills that are invaluable in both professional environments and leadership roles. I feel that my time at UH has provided me with the skills and connections needed to thrive in any professional environment.”
“Success, to me, is about self-discipline and commitment in pursuing what is meaningful in life,” he continued. “I feel successful when I can make an impact on the lives of others and be useful to those around me. Having a good reputation and excelling in what I do is a great start on this journey.”
Aljahmi offers this wisdom to the students who follow behind him: “I know this journey can be tough, and there will be times when you want to give up, but please keep pushing forward. Trust me, you will get there. Everyone has felt that way at some point. Keep in mind that the value of education extends beyond financial gain; the journey of being a student and the friendships you make along the way are incredibly meaningful. Embrace the challenges - they contribute to your growth and enrich your life in ways that money alone cannot.”