Mohamed Mohamed

Why did you choose to come to Surrey?

Numerous factors influenced my decision to do my PhD at Surrey. First, the University's overall rating and the Business School's ranking in particular. After enrolling in the programme, I saw for myself why the School rates so highly: the academic and administrative staff are helpful and allow you to concentrate on what matters. Second, my supervisors, Professors Chanaka Jayawardhena and Sabine Benoit, have outstanding publication records and PhD supervision experience, which gives me confidence that I will get the most from my PhD under their guidance. Last but not least, the focus of the academic staff on research and publishing encourages me to start my publishing journey.

What was your impression of Surrey?

I believe that Surrey is a perfect place for students as it provides several facilities such as MySurrey Hive and MySurrey Nest that enhance the well-being of students during their studies.

What course(s) did you study before undertaking your PhD, and where did you study?

I received both my bachelor's degree in Business Administration and my master's degree in Marketing from Cairo University in Egypt.

Why did you choose to study your PhD?

I work in Egypt as a lecturer assistant, so a PhD is a part of my career development. Also, it is interesting and challenging to get the highest educational degree.

Why did you choose to study it at Surrey?

The University of Surrey is renowned for its research-focused approach. I knew that studying there would allow me to work with esteemed professors and fellow students in a stimulating environment that fosters the development of critical thinking skills.

Why are you passionate about your subject?

The initial idea of the ‘sharing economy’ – of allowing consumers to share assets or services  either for free or for a fee – was very welcome and was expected to overcome many of the resource limitation issues of our planet. However, some companies use such ideas to generate revenue, neglecting the core goal of the sharing economy. So, I believe that digging into the dark side of the sharing economy and trying to provide a path for governments, companies, and communities to mitigate the negative side of such companies would correct the course of the sharing economy to its initial goal.

How has your supervisor helped you to achieve your aims during your PhD studies?

Having a supervising team encouraging you to do better without exerting pressure is both a need and a stroke of luck. I am really fortunate to have such a team, which assists me in enhancing my academic profile and publishing in highly ranked journals.

How much opportunity has there been for collaboration during your PhD, either with researchers and academics at Surrey or with external organisations or companies?

I had the chance to teach undergraduates, allowing me to interact with other academics who were encouraging and helpful. Additionally, I had the opportunity to organise a workshop with other departmental colleagues. Therefore, I would conclude that pursuing a PhD at Surrey was a means of advancing my career.

What have you enjoyed most about your PhD? Have you made any exciting research discoveries?

I enjoyed being part of a very talented and research-orientated academics. This encourages to aim to publish at highest ranked journal in my field.

Do you have any advice for students thinking about postgraduate study?

I would say, “your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow”. So, go for it! It is a challenge, but you can do it.

Try to think of the graduation party when you wear your bonnet; this would make the PhD journey much easier.

Try to build good relationships with your colleagues, have fun, organise your tasks, take some rest, and remember that “as long as they can do it, you can do it”.

Discover more about our PhD programmes here.