Bradford College

Former Student Becomes Woman of Achievement

Nasreen Karim was voted the winner of the Lloyds TSB Entrepreneur Excellence Award and shortlisted for Asian Women of Achievement Awards in 2009. As a former student of Bradford College, Nasreen Karim is positive role model – demonstrating how hard work and a determination to succeed, really can pay off.

In a frank and revealing interview, Nasreen Karim speaks passionately about how she intends to make a difference to the students at Bradford College as a recently appointed member of the Bradford College Corporation.

Nasreen Karim is an inspirational role model. Graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1997 armed with a Law Degree, she began her career working as an Associate Solicitor, before setting up her own company ‘Platinum Partnership Solicitors’ in 2004.  Without funding, she has grown the business in size and reputation to become the well respected company we know today.  In 2007, Nasreen felt the time was right to establish her next creative business venture Hiba Hampers Limited, running both businesses successfully.

Offering motivational advice to students starting out in their careers, Nasreen said: “I’m local and a former student of the College. If I can succeed – and I’m no different to anyone else, then I don’t see why each and every student here can’t do the same.”

Nasreen continued: “I intend to make a difference by getting to know the students.  I want to find out what they’re learning, what results they’re coming out with - and what they intend to do once they’ve left the College.” Keen to discover what career paths our students follow once they have left the College, Nasreen said: “I want to know if our students have gone on to enjoying successful careers or are sitting at home claiming benefits.”

Nasreen continued: “I think it’s that key stage from being on the middle of a course here, to leaving, that I think I can help with.  I want to open their minds to all the benefits of enjoying a successful career and getting a good education.  That’s one of the reasons I wanted to join the Corporation.”

Nasreen added: “As a former student, it was actually an honour to be asked by the Principal to become a member of the Corporation.  Like I said, I’ve actually been brought up and still live in the area, so I wanted to give something back.  I want to see if any of my own experiences or input could actually make a difference to the lives of the students at Bradford College.”

With her sharp business acumen, Nasreen is determined to drive home the message that hard work and determination to succeed, does pay off.  Nasreen concluded: “Some of the kids in the area don’t have huge ambitions.  I think they follow each other.  I want them to realise they can be different - and go on to do great things!”