Student to Tech Intern

Moeez’s Journey from Student to Tech Insider

For many students, finding a career path that aligns with their skills and values can be daunting. Moeez, a final-year chemical engineering student at the University of Leeds, had a similar experience. His journey took a turn when he discovered Muslim Tech Fest (MTF) on TikTok and decided to attend, hoping to explore the tech industry and make new connections.

Determined to participate despite budget constraints, Moeez reached out to his university, which covered his travel and ticket through a participation fund. “I thought: okay, if the university can pay for this, I might as well go. I’m only going to say no to a trip to London,” he shared.

Reflecting on his first major networking event, Moeez explained, “I didn’t expect anything… I just saw: okay, if I go down, see what it’s like—what’s the worst that could happen?” Being among other students, Moeez felt welcomed by professionals who encouraged him to meet people, ask questions, and explore possibilities. Through these conversations, he connected with a startup founder via the MTF WhatsApp group after the event. “He just put up a message saying: oh, anyone want to intern over the summer? So I just… messaged him straight away saying: oh okay, I’d like to do something,” Moeez recalled. This internship gave him experience creating pitch decks, working with data, and helping develop course materials.

“The internship changed everything for me,” Moeez reflected, explaining that it “led to me doing some projects over the summer” and has influenced his career ambitions. “I realised tech isn’t just coding; there’s consulting, project management, research, and more,” he shared, noting that his MTF experience “opened my eyes” to a range of tech roles.

One of the standout aspects of MTF for Moeez was its inclusive, faith-centred environment. He appreciated the availability of halal food and prayer spaces, which allowed him to comfortably participate without compromising his values.

Looking ahead, Moeez plans to return to MTF with new goals in mind and hopes to bring a group of friends from his university. He’s eager to expand his network further, gain more insights into consulting and asset management, and continue building on the foundation he started at MTF. For students considering attending, his advice is simple: “Just take the leap—you never know where it will lead.”

Moeez’s journey highlights how MTF is more than just an event; it’s a community, a network, and a launchpad for young Muslims eager to make their mark in tech and beyond.