Sara Hussein is a graduate in business administration.
Sara Hussein is a graduate in business administration.

Class of 2022’s Sara Hussein: I took every opportunity I could get

This month, we are celebrating the Class of 2022, a group of 89 exceptional individuals who received their CMU degrees on May 9.

Today, we talk to Sara Hussein, a graduate in business administration.


Did you always want to study business administration?

No, I thought I would study engineering. When I told my brother, he thought I was crazy. He pointed out that even from a young age, I was doing little mini-businesses. In my spare time in high school, I was doing this cake business. He said, ‘How do you not see it? Like two plus two equals four!’ 

 

How did you decide to study in Qatar? 

So, I did have a family connection here, but I was applying absolutely everywhere else as well. But the minute I got into CMU and I’m not joking, my application process stopped. I knew this is where I’m going. 

 

Is there a particular area of business that you’ve really enjoyed learning about? 

My favorite is business analytics because I’ve had an amazing teacher in Professor Agustín. He has taught me a lot about not only how to conduct proper analytics on large datasets, but how to thoroughly write up a proper research question and paper. All of his courses have been absolutely amazing.

 

You are a student who has really made the most of the internship opportunities through our Career Development Office. How many have you done?

I’m on my sixth internship right now. I guess when you consider the two part-time jobs I have had at CMU-Q, that would be eight. 

 

How has that added to your understanding about business?

I’m starting to see a lot of connections. I did six months as a marketing intern at Talabat, and in the internships after that, I saw that all the information that I learned, plus what I learned in class, is transferable. I’m making connections about market segmentation–how do you advertise, what are you advertising, and how big of an impact does that make? It’s fun and it’s interesting.

 

Wow. And you have also been very active in the student community.

I was a part of the Carnegie Mellon Finance Association, and on the executive team for Carnegie Consulting. I also was on the executive of the TEDx Club. I think I’ve done more, but I can’t remember. Oh right, the Language Bridges Program. I was on that executive team too. 

 

It strikes me that all of the internships and clubs you have been involved with are all very career-oriented. It takes a lot of focus.  

I took every opportunity I could get. It’s not easy to get internships, it’s actually really hard, but I felt like the CMU environment encouraged me to move in this direction.

 

What will you miss about CMU?

The people–hands down, the people. There is not one individual that you ask for help, who won’t help you. That’s a really big thing. The environment is very supportive. From my classmates to the staff and faculty, everyone has been very kind and considerate. And of course I will miss my friends.

 

Are you born a Tartan or do you become a Tartan?

I think in first year, everyone has Tartan potential, and over the four years you realize that you are a Tartan. It’s just a matter of going through the process, taking opportunities as they come, and being open and willing to understand. And then you realize that this is actually where you belong. 

 


The Class of 2022 is made up of 18 biological sciences graduates, 25 business administration graduates, 14 computer science graduates and 31 information systems graduates, as well as one graduate who completed dual degrees in biological sciences and computer science. The graduates come from 23 countries, and 44% are Qatari citizens.

 

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