Hi! I'm Maryam Amhaz, and when I arrived at the University of Bath as an international student, I was determined not only to succeed academically but also to create something that could make a meaningful difference. That determination led me to found Global Path Connections and launch the Grateful Students, Proud Ambassadors initiative, a platform dedicated to celebrating and connecting outstanding University of Bath graduates with current students.
Identifying a gap and taking initiative
I noticed that many talented alumni had powerful stories of growth, resilience, and career success, yet these stories were not easily accessible to students who needed inspiration and guidance. This gap motivated me to take action. I wanted to build a space where graduates could share their journeys and current students could see what was possible after graduation.
Developing skills through experience
Creating and growing this initiative while studying pushed me to develop a wide range of employability skills. I learned how to lead a project from start to finish, manage a team, communicate effectively, and build meaningful partnerships. I also strengthened my storytelling, content creation, and organisational skills, all of which are highly valued by employers. Most importantly, I developed the ability to turn an idea into reality, even when resources were limited.
Of course, the journey was not easy. Balancing the initiative with my academic responsibilities required strong time management and resilience. There were moments of uncertainty and challenges along the way, but these experiences taught me how to stay focused, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward. These are qualities that have significantly strengthened my professional profile and prepared me for the world of work.
Impact and reflections
What has been most encouraging is the overwhelming response from University of Bath alumni. We have received a large number of story submissions from graduates who are eager to share their experiences and support current students. We are now regularly publishing new stories as part of the Grateful Students, Proud Ambassadors series. You can read the published stories here.
This initiative has taught me that employability is not only about gaining technical skills or work experience. It is also about taking initiative, building meaningful connections, and creating value for others. Starting Global Path Connections has been one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience because it allowed me to grow while also contributing to the wider Bath community.
To any student reading this, especially those who have an idea but are unsure where to begin: you don’t need to have everything figured out to start. What matters most is taking that first step and being willing to learn along the way. The University of Bath offers many opportunities and resources to help you develop your skills, make the most of them. Whether through academic projects, societies, placements, or your own initiatives, every experience contributes to your growth.
I am deeply grateful to the University of Bath for the knowledge, support, and environment that helped me turn my idea into reality. My hope is that by sharing my journey, I can encourage other students to take action, stay resilient, and create their own paths.
If you have an idea that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start small, stay consistent, and trust that the skills you develop will open doors you never imagined.
Respond
