Worcestershire’s Shaaiq Choudhry Talks About Personal Development and Plans for the Future

What personal development have you chosen to undertake these past 12 months and why?
I have a keen interest in graphics and photography and am currently undertaking an on-line Diploma in Professional Photography with The Photography Institute. I am also teaching myself to use various graphics software packages, in particular Photoshop and Illustrator. I already assist friends and family with brand design e.g. designing logos, leaflets, flyers, posters, etc. My main motivation for finding an interest outside of cricket was the fear of finishing my cricket career and having nothing to fall back on. 

How are you finding the course?
I am thoroughly enjoying the course so far, as it has enabled me to develop my skills in a field that I have a great interest in. Distance learning has been a challenge, as time is often limited during the cricket season. I have found myself working on rain-affected days, and any other free time that I can squeeze in for the Diploma. I am glad to be undertaking this course, as it allows me to further develop the skills I acquired during my degree, whilst obtaining another qualification.

What are your plans for the coming winter, and longer-term aspirations in this area?
My initial plan for the winter is to complete the Diploma, and to continue to develop my skills in graphic design. I have currently been undertaking some voluntary work, just to gain experience and put the skills I have acquired into practice. In the future, I would like to set up my own business in this field. It is something I could do around my cricket or on a more permanent basis after my cricketing career.   

What impact, if any, has your recent personal development had on your cricket commitments, outlook and aspirations?
At the moment, cricket comes first; so the Diploma or other work has not had any impact on my cricket at all. With the busy cricket schedule, it can be difficult to dedicate time to my personal development, so when needed I have put study on hold. Once the season is over, I will have more time to put into my course and personal development. For this reason, it has been a good decision to opt for the self-learning mode of study, as I can work at my own pace.

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