Nuriyah Iqbal, Boston College Carroll MBA Class of 2027
Age: 28
Hometown: Potomac, Maryland
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Maryland, College Park, Bachelor of Science in Community and Behavioral Health
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Project Management, Healthcare and International Development, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to pursue business school to deepen my understanding around how businesses approach complex social and environmental challenges. I’ve always been motivated by impact and want to see how different industries respond to these issues in today’s world. Business school at this point in my career will position me to build on my experience and guide organizations in creating both business value and positive impact.
Why did you choose Boston College Carroll? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Boston College because of the strong emphasis the program places on data analytics and the opportunity to pursue a STEM MBA. The curriculum’s focus on data analysis, programming, and machine learning was especially attractive to me, since I’ve been working to grow my technical skills in these areas. I first started learning coding during the pandemic just for fun, and quickly realized how much I enjoyed it so BC’s curriculum felt like a natural fit and an easy choice.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My background is in the nonprofit sector, which is a less common path to business school.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to film – wherever I travel, I capture raw footage of cities and everyday life and turn it into short films. Right now, I’m trying to edit eight hours of footage into just four minutes – not an easy feat!
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to help companies elevate their mission and brand in ways that contribute to sustainability and meaningful change
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
—What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Give yourself time. Applying for an MBA can be stressful, so it helps to start early and pace yourself with each deadline.
—What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Looking back I wish I had reached out earlier to current students about the transition to graduate school and moving to the Boston area – it helps a lot to have someone guide you through the process.
—What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped the GRE, I would have. What helped me was starting early, building a schedule that gave me time to take the test at least twice before applications were due, and setting up a study routine that fit around work without burning me out. Remember to take rest days!
What is your initial impression of the Carroll students/culture/community?
So welcoming! I feel so lucky to be studying alongside such incredible and inspiring people from so many different backgrounds.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined the Marketing Club and Graduate Women in Business to connect with people who share my interest in working with brands, and to learn from and support other women in the business field.
What is one thing you have learned about Carroll that has surprised you?
How supportive everyone is! I knew CSOM had a strong reputation for supporting students, but I was still pleasantly surprised by how hands-on the program is and how present people are every step of the way. The support truly is incredible.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am really excited to meet new people and learn from them – I love hearing different perspectives and getting the chance to see the world through a variety of voices, opinions, and walks of life.
