Summary
This story profiles Maryam Al Suwaidi, a Business Administration graduate with a minor in History. It tracks her progress from an early interest in entrepreneurship—selling vinyl records in Doha—to her academic and leadership roles at CMU-Q. Maryam discusses the concept of "antifragility," her experiences in the Pittsburgh campus exchange, and her career goals in business strategy following internships at QNB and Aspire.
By the time Maryam Al Suwaidi arrived at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), she already knew what it meant to take an idea and run with it. Before university, she had launched a small venture selling vinyl records in Doha, sparked by her love of music and a natural instinct for spotting gaps in the market. When it came time to choose where to study, CMU-Q was her first and only choice.
That decision took shape when she attended the CMU-Q Summer College Preview Program in 2021. “I knew I wanted to study business, and CMU-Q was the place I wanted to be,” she said. “The reputation of the program was strong, and I could see that it would open doors.”
Learning to be antifragile
Maryam pursued a degree in Business Administration with a minor in History, a pairing that reflected both her analytical instincts and her broader curiosity about the world. It was through this environment that the concept of antifragility took root and stayed with her.
“One concept that really stuck with me is being antifragile,” she said. “CMU-Q teaches you that challenges don’t have to break you. They can make you stronger.”
A community that shows up
From her very first weeks on campus, Maryam felt the distinctive character of life within a small, close-knit university. Students supported one another across year groups, professors were approachable and helpful, and the collaborative spirit became a defining part of her experience.
“The professors here know you,” she said. “They support you, challenge you, and help you see what you’re capable of. Everyone is on the same journey and willing to help.”
Art, awareness, and life on campus
Outside the classroom, Maryam brought the same energy and creativity to student life. As Vice President of the Awareness and Movie Club, she helped organize film screenings tied to global issues, creating space for conversation and reflection on campus. She also contributed to the CMU-Q Murals Project, helping conceptualize and execute the business mural near the food court, a lasting mark on the campus she called home.
A summer spent in Pittsburgh in 2024, living independently alongside a close friend, became one of the most personally significant chapters of her time at university. “It was one of the most meaningful things I did here,” she said. “I came back knowing myself better.”
Looking ahead
Through internships at Aspire and QNB, Maryam found her footing in strategy and innovation. As she prepares to graduate, she is exploring opportunities in this space, building on her experience and growing interest in shaping business strategy.
“CMU-Q helped me find what I am good at,” she said. “It gave me confidence, resilience, and the belief that I can keep growing.”
