How my passion for teaching and research led me from Pakistan to Saxony

My way to Saxony

I am Faisal Qayyum. My life journey started in Sargodha, Pakistan, where I grew up in a middle class family with great ambitions. After completing my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Taxila, I discovered my true passion for teaching and research. For two and a half years, I worked at UET Taxila as a lecturer and researcher. My focus was on multi-scale and multi-physics numerical simulations of metallic materials - a field that still fascinates me today.

I have always been convinced that good teaching is based on a deep understanding of the subject area. This conviction motivated me to continue my academic career in Germany, with the support of a DAAD scholarship. In January 2017, I took a significant step and started my PhD at the Institute of Metal Forming (IMF) at TU Bergakademie Freiberg - a place that offered exactly what I was looking for.

Why I stayed in Saxony

What started with a student visa turned into an eight-year journey of learning, growing and gaining new experiences. During this time, I completed my PhD (2023), worked on a DFG-funded project, learned the German language and recently became a German citizen - a milestone that has a special meaning for me.

I currently work as a research assistant at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg. There I teach international students, support them in their professional development and help them to settle in Saxony. Over the years, I have come to appreciate how much this university has to offer: embedded in a tranquil, nature-filled environment, with state-of-the-art resources, innovative technology and a collaborative environment.

Professionally, this journey has opened many doors for me. It enabled me to work on challenging issues in the field of materials technology and processing. But it wasn't just the work that was enriching, life in Saxony is just as fulfilling. The natural beauty of the region, the supportive community and the pleasant pace of life make Saxony a wonderful place to call home. Finding a place to live is generally straightforward, the cost of living is manageable, and the lower population density contributes to a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

My tip: Be open and get actively involved

What I find most exciting is the development that Saxony is currently undergoing and the opportunities that are opening up here for qualified specialists. Anyone who is prepared to get involved in local life and actively contribute to society will not only find career prospects in Saxony, but also a quality of life that is hard to beat.