Muhammad Hussain has never confined himself to any industry. His experience has taken him all over the world and now, he’s studying at CSI in Chicago with hopes of starting his own business someday.

It’s been a professional journey from Pakistan to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and now the United States. Today, Muhammad Hussein is a student at Computer Systems Institute (CSI) with a clear goal in mind. He’s preparing for the next chapter of his career as an entrepreneur.

Muhammad grew up in Karachi, Pakistan, one of the busiest cities in the world. He attended the University of Karachi, earning both a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master’s degree in Pakistan Studies. 

Global Business Experience

College gave him a strong foundation, but for Muhammad, studying business was only the beginning. He wanted to experience it firsthand, “I didn’t just want to learn about business in the classroom,” he explains. “I wanted to see how it works in different parts of the world.”

That mindset would eventually take him across three continents. His first major international experience came in London. For three years, Muhammad helped manage the movement of media products across international markets.

From London, Muhammad’s career took him to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he entered the technology industry. He began working in IT hardware gaining hands-on experience in a constantly evolving sector. Working in tech exposed him to the operational side of large businesses and the digital economy. 

But one of the most significant turning points in his career came during his time working with Cisco. Muhammad was selected for specialized sales training through the prestigious Gustav Käser Institute, an internationally recognized program focused on advanced sales strategy and negotiation techniques. 

The training took him to Prague and Kraków where he studied sales methods, relationship-building strategies, and negotiation practices used in international business environments. “It was an incredible experience,” Muhammad says. “The training focused not only on selling a product but also on understanding people, communication, and long-term relationships in business.”

Interest in Entrepreneurship

After years of working in different industries around the world, Muhammad began thinking about his long-term goal of building a business of his own. To prepare for that next step, he made a move to the United States.

Since arriving in 2019, Muhammad has been building the foundation he believes he needs to become a successful entrepreneur. Rather than pursuing just one area of study, he has chosen programs that strengthen different aspects of business.

After attending another school in Chicago, Muhammad started the Marketing Concentration at CSI. Once he finished, he decided to pick up the Business Fundamentals program, where he is currently enrolled.

Mohammad planned each step along the way, building what he calls an entrepreneurial toolkit,  “Every successful business leader needs to understand different parts of business,” he says. “You have to understand the numbers, the market, and how to lead people.”

Life at CSI

At CSI, Muhammad is refining those skills while studying alongside a diverse group of international students. He is enrolled in the school’s hybrid program, attending evening classes that allow him to balance education with family responsibilities. His schedule includes online classes Tuesday through Thursday nights, with additional in-person immersion sessions on campus during the semester.

Muhammad says the supportive environment at CSI has been one of the most rewarding parts of his experience. “The best part about being a student at CSI has been the opportunity to grow both academically and personally,” he says. “The professors and classmates create an environment where you can ask questions, explore new ideas, and stay motivated.”

In addition to managing coursework and assignments, he’s also having to balance family life. But Muhammad says learning to juggle those things will help him in the future, “One challenge has been balancing schoolwork with other responsibilities,” he says. “But it has helped me become more organized and manage my time better.”

Outside of school, Muhammad enjoys spending time with his family. His wife and two sons live with him in the United States and have been an important source of encouragement throughout it all. “They are very supportive,” he says.

Despite his impressive professional background, Muhammad approaches his current studies with the same mindset he encourages in other students; stay organized and remain committed to learning. One study strategy that works well for him is breaking large assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks.

For students considering a program at CSI, Muhammad offers advice based on his own experience, “Stay organized, manage your time well, and take advantage of the resources available,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to ask professors or classmates for help when you need it.”

Looking ahead, Muhammad remains focused on the ultimate goal that has guided his journey across countries and industries. By combining his international experience with American business education, he is preparing to take the next step as an entrepreneur, “My goal is to become a business leader who understands the numbers, knows the market, and has the vision to grow a global brand,” he says.

Whether you’re just getting started on the path to a career or have years of experience like Muhammad, CSI can give you the education you need to reach your goals. Reach out to our staff today to see how we can help.