Summary
This profile tells the story of Malak Ibrahim, a Computer Science graduate at CMU-Q who embraced uncertainty to find her passion in embedded systems. Originally from Egypt, Malak's journey includes global learning trips to Vietnam and the Netherlands, a semester at the Pittsburgh campus, and significant research in robotics. The story highlights her leadership as president of the Computer Science Club and her transition toward a career at the intersection of technology and business.
Starting without a plan
When Malak Ibrahim applied to Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), she didn’t have a clear plan. What she did have was curiosity and a willingness to explore.
“I was one of those students who didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do,” she said. “But I knew computer science would give me the flexibility to try different things and figure it out along the way.”
Originally from Egypt and raised in Qatar since 2010, Malak attended Newton International Academy, becoming the first student from her cohort to apply to and be accepted at CMU-Q. She was drawn to the university’s strong reputation in computer science and the opportunities it offered beyond the classroom.
Finding her footing
Her first semester coincided with the FIFA World Cup, making for an intense start after a demanding final year of high school. “It was a bit overwhelming at the beginning,” she said. “But everyone was very supportive, and that made it easier to settle in.”
Learning beyond the classroom
As she found her rhythm, Malak took full advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom. She joined global learning trips to Vietnam and the Netherlands, where she volunteered and explored sustainability challenges.
“It was a life-changing experience,” she said. “You’re connecting with people and seeing a completely different way of life.”
She also spent a semester at Carnegie Mellon’s Pittsburgh campus, taking courses in robotics and neural computation, and later returned for a consulting project. “It felt like a second home,” she said.
Building and researching
Academically, Malak found her focus in embedded systems, drawn to the integration of hardware and software. She built a robot designed to teach children computational thinking, a project that developed into a research effort and led to two published papers.
Alongside her studies, she completed internships in research, business intelligence, and business analysis. At QCRI, her team developed an AI-based educational platform introducing users to the lives of scientists, earning third place in the program.
“At CMU-Q, I learned that it’s okay not to understand everything right away,” she said. “What matters is taking the time to really learn.”
Leading and giving back
Beyond academics, Malak took on leadership roles across campus. She served as vice president and later president of the Computer Science Club, worked as an Orientation Leader, and supported students as both a mentor and course assistant.
Looking ahead
With a minor in business administration, Malak is exploring roles at the intersection of technology and business, including business analytics and technology risk, with plans to gain industry experience before potentially pursuing an MBA.
“I want to gain experience and keep exploring before deciding on my next step,” she said.
Looking back, she encourages future students to embrace uncertainty. “You don’t have to have everything figured out,” she said. “Be open to trying new things and learning along the way.”
That openness, she says, is what turned uncertainty into opportunity and shaped everything that followed.
