My Journey from Mechanical Engineering to Life Coaching

Syed Inam Abidi

October, 2023

In the spring of 1998, I proudly graduated from NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, with a gold medal and presidential honors for earning the top position in Mechanical Engineering in all four years. It was a moment I had spent years working towards, and I felt like the world was at my feet. Little did I know that this was just the beginning of a journey that would lead me to unexpected places, through twists and turns I could never have foreseen.

During my years at NED University, I developed a passion that would change the course of my life. It wasn't directly related to engineering design, solid or fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, or the principles of mechanical engineering. Instead, it was the world of computer networks that fascinated me. In my final year, I pursued a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineering certification. I was captivated by the promise of this emerging field, one filled with opportunities for a successful and fulfilling career.

After my graduation, I made an unconventional choice. Instead of diving headfirst into mechanical engineering, I sought out opportunities in computer networking. It was a decision driven by a combination of passion and foresight, as I recognized the potential of this field.

In Islamabad, I embarked on my professional journey, working as an instructor at a multinational company, teaching Microsoft courses and doing systems engineering. This role provided me with invaluable experience and served as a stepping stone for my subsequent adventures.

Late in 1998, my journey took an unexpected turn when I decided to relocate to the United States. There, I began my career as an instructor for Microsoft courses. It was during this phase that I became a Microsoft Certified Trainer, a role that was both rewarding and enriching as I delved into new and emerging technologies in the land of opportunities.

My insatiable thirst for growth led me to Manhattan, NY, where I joined one of the top investment banks as a consultant in its highly acclaimed IT department. I started at the bottom, providing user support and site support. I worked my way up, taking on the responsibilities of a systems administrator. An exciting opportunity awaited, and I transitioned into a role as a lead engineer for remote computer systems in another Fortune 100 organization.

In tandem with my professional journey, I pursued a master's degree in Management Information Systems, broadening my knowledge and skillset. With time, my experience and expertise allowed me to ascend to the role of IT manager, where I had the privilege of managing a diverse team spanning different states and countries. The challenges of working with a cross-collaborative, multicultural team were invaluable, teaching me the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness.

While my career soared to great heights, my personal life was also evolving. I had married early in life, and my wife was a physician from Karachi. As our careers blossomed, we found ourselves juggling the demands of professional life with the joys and responsibilities of parenthood, as we were blessed with two boys who needed our time and attention.

In 2011, we made a life-altering decision to move to the Midwest, seeking a slower pace of life and a better work-life balance. However, for me, it meant leaving behind a career that was on the cusp of becoming even more rewarding, with the potential to reach senior management level. Yet, family came first, and I knew it was the right choice.

During this transition, I pursued project management certification, becoming a PMP-certified project manager. For the next decade, I worked as an independent consultant, collaborating with various clients remotely. Working remotely provided me the flexibility to spend quality time with my family as well as the ability to strike a better work life balance. It was during this time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, that I found the space to reflect on my life's journey.

While my project management career was going well, I couldn't help but feel that something was missing. It was a sense of purpose that eluded me, a feeling that I was meant to do something more meaningful with my life. This quest led me to explore the field of life coaching.

Coming from humble beginnings, I had always valued the significance of hard work and perseverance. During my time at NED University as well as in my professional roles, I took pride in empowering my peers and team members, using my leadership skills to foster growth and collaboration. Witnessing those around me succeed and reach their full potential was deeply fulfilling.

My transition to a life coach was a natural evolution. It was a calling that had been present since my university years, a propensity for helping others navigate their career choices and academic pursuits. Even though I may not have recognized it at the time, I had been engaging in coaching and consulting activities by providing valuable advice to family members and peers.

One of my most significant coaching experiences involved supporting my wife, a physician, in her career journey. Serving as her coach played a pivotal role in helping her excel in her profession. Similarly, I dedicated myself to coaching my two sons, the elder of whom is now pursuing a medical degree at Harvard. Their academic journeys yielded impressive results and further fueled my passion for coaching.

I devoted a year to training and certification as a professional life coach before launching my own practice in early 2023. As a life coach, my mission is to empower individuals, providing guidance, support, and the necessary tools for their journey of self-discovery. My role is to foster self-awareness and encourage personal growth, enabling individuals to tap into their inner wisdom to uncover the answers that lie within.

Looking back on my journey, I am reminded of my time at NED University, where I studied mechanical engineering. Those years of rigorous education and the support of colleagues and mentors equipped me with the skills to become a better problem solver, engineer, and person. Although my career path diverged from my mechanical engineering roots, I remain forever grateful to my Alma Mater for the opportunities, resources, and learning that shaped my future. I am a proud NEDIAN.

My journey has been a testament to the transformative power of passion, adaptability, and the pursuit of purpose. It serves as a reminder that life is an unpredictable adventure, and sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most fulfilling destinations. Today, I stand as a life coach, guiding others to discover their own paths, echoing the principles of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of a meaningful life that I've held dear since my journey began.