Ali Youssef

• Year of graduation: 2019
• Current job title: Co-Founder
• Current employer: Skillwork
• Industry sector: Software Development

I chose this course because I was interested in technology and its potential to bridge the gap between business and IT, and I felt that the University of Northampton’s comprehensive curriculum and supportive environment provided the perfect platform for me to explore how software solutions can address real-world challenges.

I appreciated the emphasis on practical application and collaboration, which prepared me for the entrepreneurial journey I would later embark on – the skills and mindset I developed during my studies were instrumental in founding Skillwork, a software agency that I’ve grown from the ground up. The University not only fuelled my passion for innovation, but also gave me the confidence to merge technical expertise with a business-oriented perspective, enabling me to build impactful solutions across industries. I particularly enjoyed the practical application of the course as it opened my eyes to the different aspects of the field and made me realise that you can still be involved in the software industry without necessarily having to be a developer.

My time at UON was pivotal to both my career and personal development. The degree not only equipped me with a strong foundation in software engineering, but also fostered critical skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability – qualities that have been essential in my entrepreneurial journey. The structured approach to learning taught me how to navigate complex challenges, while the University’s focus on innovation inspired me to think creatively about using technology to drive business growth. This perspective has been integral in building Skillwork, where I’ve applied these lessons to grow a thriving software agency.

On a personal level, my studies instilled in me a sense of resilience and a lifelong commitment to learning. It’s also where I began to see the value of merging technical expertise with a deep understanding of human and organisational needs – an insight that continues to shape how I mentor, advise, and build meaningful connections in my professional life.

My career so far has been an incredible journey of growth and resilience. Straight out of University, I co-founded Skillwork with my best friend. With no prior work experience or funding, we had to build a network from scratch, prove ourselves at every step, and learn as we grew. Despite these challenges, we successfully bootstrapped Skillwork into a thriving software agency with a team of 40, in just four years, and our journey has been one of constant evolution.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on scaling Skillwork’s presence in the fintech and medtech sectors, leveraging technology to solve meaningful problems globally. However, challenges remain – the competitive nature of these industries, complex regulations, and the need to continually innovate while maintaining our company’s values and culture will require strategic focus and adaptability. Nevertheless, I’m confident that the lessons I’ve learned at UON and the network we’ve built, will be key to overcoming these hurdles and driving future success.

Beyond technical skills, the problem-solving mindset I developed during my studies has been a cornerstone of my career. The course encouraged me to think critically and systematically, skills that I rely on daily as I lead a team, strategise for the future, and tackle complex challenges in the fintech and medtech industries. Equally important were the opportunities to collaborate on group projects during my degree. These experiences taught me how to communicate effectively, work within a team, and manage diverse perspectives – skills that are vital in leading a multidisciplinary team and building relationships with clients and partners.

Perhaps most significantly, my degree laid the groundwork for my ability to merge technical expertise with a deep understanding of business needs, which has been essential in growing Skillwork into a successful agency. It gave me a sense of resilience and adaptability, qualities that helped me and my co-founder navigate the challenges of starting a company with no prior experience or funding.

As well as leading Skillwork, I’m actively involved in several initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation. As a mentor within the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, I work closely with aspiring entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector, helping them navigate the challenges of turning their ideas into impactful solutions. I also serve as an advisor for Techstars, Collective Continuum, and the UCL School of Management, where I provide guidance to start-ups and students looking to make their mark in the business and technology world. These roles allow me to share my experiences, help others avoid common pitfalls, and contribute to the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Being part of these communities is incredibly rewarding, as I get to witness the passion and creativity of the next generation of innovators, while giving back to the broader community that has supported my own journey.

The advice I would give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be to focus on building meaningful relationships, stay adaptable, and don’t be afraid to start from scratch – success comes from learning and growing with each challenge you face.

My time at UON was the foundation of growth, learning, and resilience that shaped my career.