ASU grad paved the way for future international students
Recent Sun Devil grad Mahmood Raza was inspired to study business by the American dream, and he spent his time at ASU paving the way for other international students to get the most out of their time at the university.
Raza graduated from the W. P. Carey School of Business with a master’s in business administration and a master of science degree in business analytics. He was an elected student government leader with the Graduate and Professional Student Association, and he also worked with International Student Engagement to develop resources for incoming international students.
ASU grad Mahmood Raza
He was involved with the International Convocation as well, a more intimate celebration for international students. The celebration was a culmination of a lot of memories and experiences tied to his graduation from his two years as an international student from India and a Sun Devil.
Sharing his experiences at Arizona State University, Raza said, “There have been a lot of ups and downs in my journey with ASU but the one thing that I will always carry forward is the good friends that I have made and a wide network of amazing people that I have met on my way.”
Raza believes an MBA is all about one’s holistic personal growth.
“MBA is not only about what you learn inside the classroom but also about what you learn outside the classroom, with your team, managing your priorities, balancing your personal life along with professional responsibilities,” he said.
“It taught me to manage myself, to be dedicated to my life goals and missions, channelizing the energy in the right direction, toward the right path,” said Raza.
One of his favorite experiences as a business student was working with the team Maroon1, a team of W. P. Carey classmates that worked on case studies together.
“I worked with Maroon1 for over a year. They showed me places around; we went on a trek to Camelback. It was the best outing,” he said.
Talking about his experience with different student clubs, Raza said one of his greatest achievements was being elected as the director for international student affairs with the Graduate and Professional Students Association at ASU. In that role, he chaired a committee bringing all the international leaders onto one platform. He worked on developing international student relations across ASU with GPSA. He also played a key role in organizing events like Thanksgiving dinner, finals boost and coffee and conversation
He worked with International Student Engagement to create a handbook for all the international students, which will be available starting in fall 2020.
“Students can now find important resources which we, as international students, are not aware of,” he said.
In the weeks after graduation, Raza reflected on his time at ASU and his advice for current students.
Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: [I was inspired by] the great American dream.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: Committing yourself to your daily routine.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: Because of the name and fame of ASU.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Professor Douglas Olsen.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Use your time wisely. Be committed to your goal.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: Global Education Center and McCord.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Working at Amazon as a program manager.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would build a school and a hospital in my village where poor people can afford quality education and treatment.