Testimonials

What they say about us

I have had the chance to interact with Andy on several occasions in the panel discussions he orchestrated so well, the alignment of skills always added a lot of value to the discussions, regardless of the industry that was highlighted. Andy has always known how to bring a lot of value to the audience and the students while keeping the panelist engaged and eager to contribute

Ons Mubarak, Venture Builder, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

I met Andy at a Networking Career Forum at the university he was working with. He came across as very keen to present his students with all the practical tools to succeed in their academic and professional paths. He was very professional and passionate about his students having he best launchpad for their future, and he went out of his way to make sure the students got the most benefit. Seldom would you find someone who loves his job as Andy.

Omar Turk, Head of HR, Al Naboodah Group

To most of my pals, Mr. Andy was the go-to person for academic help, but what they fail to realise is Mr. Andy’s business intuition. Mr. Andy helped my team and me to develop early prototypes for our platform and mentor on various aspects of abayaah.com. Mr. Andy also enabled me to identify the critical elements of the business model that would work well in our pitch. His help was crucial in our success at our university’s annual entrepreneurship program. It is a pleasure to seek Mr. Andy’s guidance on academics as well as my entrepreneurial aspirations as I look forward to more interactions with him in the future.
Abubakr Sajith, Student, Entrepreneur

The level of intelligence in a student is an undeniable factor that directly correlates with the student’s academic achievements, however, it’s not nearly as affective as the involvement and approach of his/her teacher. Teachers have the power to shape excellence in their students, I learnt this when being taught by Andy! Most of the educators I have come across in my life pales in comparison to Andy, due to simple factors such as his commitment to his students inside and outside the classroom, his ability to makes the most boring classes something students looked forward to attending and his capability to pull the most out of each and every one of his students! Educators of Andy’s caliber are a rare species and I hope that I may once again have the opportunity to be mentored by Andy. It’s been an honour.
Praveen Ranasinghe, Student, Director at Helmont Composite Solutions

Professionals like Andy are scarce. He was a real gem to liaise and work with for a career fair that recently took place at his university. He assisted me and my team with setting up an activation for student engagement at the career fair and was ever so polite, patient and courteous with every request we had for the set up. Here’s to some interesting conversations we had during our short catch up, Andy! Wish you the best where you go! I will always look forward to working with you in the future.
Zeon Sequeira, Marketing Manager

Andy was the forefront of organising and hosting seminars and events in the university, wherein he would introduce students to his wide network of well accomplished businessmen and women. Such informative sessions and the opportunity to build a career were like gold for many students. One amongst my many personal experiences for which I cannot thank him enough, would be his continuous support towards our entrepreneurship initiative (abayaah.com). He helped us through various aspects of our initiative and provided valuable feedback for which we are extremely grateful. It goes without a doubt that great professors like Andy are extremely rare and hard to find. 
Gazala Parkar, Student, Entrepreneur

As a former colleague and mentee of Andy’s I can vouch for his support and professionalism throughout my tenure as Finance and Accounts Manager, and as a Post Grad MBA student. Andy’s reputation preceded him, and I had heard plenty of plaudits for his help and encouragement from other students. For me, personally, Andy’s tutelage was instrumental in gaining my degree, as his incredible attention to detail and guidance in my assignments was invaluable. Andy was a pleasure to work with, always smiling, always bringing a new dimension in meetings and discussions. His out of the box thought process is quite brilliant, and with this he allows and encourages others to look at ideas from all manner of angles. I have no hesitation recommending Andy, and I fully endorse his capabilities as a teacher, a mentor and a true professional.
Lansell Pinto, Purchase Ledger Management

Andy Pacino is a passionate Educator and Student Learning Advisor who zealously helps students find a career path that’s right for them. He prepares students for their dream job as they transition from education to employment. Andy also builds rapport and maintains strategic relationships with numerous corporates and connects them to student talent via meticulously planned on-campus career fairs, high impact guest lectures, professional development workshops, digital career portals, and other innovative platforms. As a student you know you are in good hands when your faculty cares enough to challenge you and help you succeed. Through his leadership and guidance numerous students have been well placed at some of the finest firms in the UAE. In addition, the university’s student debate team has excelled at every competition and forum under Andy’s mentorship.
Gary Fernandez, Student Admissions Manager

I’m not a massive fan of modern business-speak, but if anyone I’ve ever known in my life can be described accurately as a positive Disruptor, then it is Andy Pacino. He holds a skill-set the breadth of which I have never encountered in others and has a rare and enviable blend of both left and right-sided thinking. He is hugely intelligent and vastly loyal to those who are deserving. He possesses a massive work ethic, is hugely conscientious, and will give his all in everything he does. If you want a robot, a shrinking violet or a ‘yes’ man, then don’t look here; but if you want someone who will listen, learn, analyse from angles most of us could barely imagine, then brief and improve anything you give him, then Andy is your man.
Gary Steiger, Health & Wellbeing Counsellor

As a former student, I’ve had the pleasure of working for & alongside Mr. Pacino for a considerable period of time. It’s pretty amazing how he’s so easily able to relate with & connect with student of all backgrounds. His office was always warm (because he doesn’t use air-conditioning) & welcoming; as a result, he was extremely popular with the students. He would usually be the first person we’d run to if we were having any issues academically or even otherwise. Even though I’ve left Uni, I still keep in touch with him & speak to him often. 
Suhail Mohammed, Student

Mr.Andy taught me my first undergraduate unit at university, and he had a way with conducting his lectures which made me never want to miss a class. His teaching style was engaging and to top it with his diverse abilities and skill set, he is a great support. If I had any issue academically or otherwise, I could always hop in and talk to him and I’d feel better. He’s a valuable person with a range of skillsets. It was a pleasure to have him as a lecturer and student learning advisor.
Fatima Sheikh, Student

I am one of the few lucky people who had the opportunity to be a student in one of Andy’s classes. Andy’s teaching and communication skills are amazing, and it is indeed a pleasure to be in one of his courses as its always entertaining and very knowledgeable. One of the most supportive and helpful teachers I have ever had.
Kunal Nihaleney, Student

Andy is a gifted mentor who grabs your attention and keeps it there with humour, spunk, and years of experience to boot. The sort of personal insight and career advice he provides is authentic, direct, and actionable. I’m very glad he was my student learning adviser – and will continue to be!
Aafia Raheem, Student

I first truly built my relationship with Andy when my literature club and debating campaign at university were getting off the ground. He is an excellent mentor who provides no-nonsense advice while supporting you in whatever challenge you pursue with an endless amount of enthusiasm. During some of my most difficult phases of my university life, Andy motivated me to find my strength and bounce back to successfully graduate. Andy is well-connected and has a wealth of knowledge and networks amongst recruiters, teachers and students alike. Pay heed to his perspective, anyone can find themselves learning something new after a conversation with him.
Farvez Afridi, Student, Future Youtube Millionnaire

ELT Central presented a workshop on Igniting the Creative Flame for 200 pupils from Pristine Private School in Dubai. The students had been working on dioramas for literature, and Andy, an author, researcher and filmmaker, gave some excellent advice in bringing stories to life.

ELT Central’s Andy Pacino arranged an expert panel discussion on Entrepreneurship and Establishing a Brand for UAE students. Guest panel members were Cosmin Menea, CTO of Instashop, Omar turk, Head of HR Al Naboodha Group and Alina Khan, CEO of Al Wasiq Group.