Wajid was born in East London and grew up in Hackney. He was the first person from his father’s side of the family to attend university. Wajid graduated from Queen Mary University of London in 2013 with a BSc in Business Management and later graduated from the Institute of Education with a PGCE in Post Compulsory Education. Wajid has a vast array of experience teaching BTEC Business and A Level Business curriculum in the FE sector. He has taught at Hackney Community College, Sir George Monoux College, and currently at City of Westminster College and has helped over 1000 students achieve their ambitions. Wajid is also a Learning Coach and coaches’ teachers to develop their practices and offers CPD sessions. Wajid’s ultimate goal is to move into higher education and lecture at universities.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
London – Born and bred in East London. Can’t see myself feeling at home anywhere else.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Purchasing my first property at the age of 25 in London with my wife Anum Fatima. I had to work several jobs to save up and made many sacrifices.
3) What inspires you?
My two daughters (aged 4 and 2) and my family inspire me to do better for them.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Not having financial freedom as it has prevented me from enjoying my life. It is something which I am working towards.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My uncles, Aamir Safdar (Property Investor) and Imran Safdar (Business Owner) have been the biggest influence on my career to date as they have guided me through a rough period in my life from 2015-2018 when my mother was hospitalised with mental health.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Being able to unlock the potential of future business men and women by guiding them through their college life.
7) And the worst?
There is nothing bad about my current role – I seek to help students to give them the tools to be able to achieve their goals.
8) What are your long-term goals?
I would love to become a lecturer at a University and move out of the FE sector.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would ensure that all politicians earn the average salary within their boroughs. I believe if you work in politics, you should earn the average salary as the community. My belief is that the job should be for the people not for the salary.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
Imam Hussain (Grandson of the Prophet Muhammed (SAW)); I would love to learn how to bring about justice in today’s complex society.