Graduate of CPS: Ayaan Mohammed
Master of Professional Studies, Informatics ’25
First Generation College Graduate
Three words to describe your experience at Northeastern:
Impactful, Empowered, Connected
Where are you from or where do you consider home?
Saudi Arabia
What has motivated you throughout this journey?
The drive to make a meaningful impact kept me going. Northeastern’s focus on experiential learning offered me the opportunity to apply my skills in real-world settings, which was incredibly motivating. Whether it was leading student groups like EcoChampions, Google or collaborating on capstone projects with industry sponsors, each experience showed me the tangible results of my efforts. Knowing that these challenges were pushing me closer to my goals made it easier to push through tough times.
What has your journey revealed to you about yourself?
My journey at Northeastern has revealed the power of community, leadership, and resilience. Coming from Saudi Arabia, I wasn’t sure how I would fit in, but Northeastern’s environment of collaboration and real-world experiences taught me that I can lead and make an impact. I discovered that I thrive when I’m pushed to innovate, solve problems, and connect with others. Whether through my roles as a SIG leader or collaborating with professionals during experiential learning, I’ve realized that I am capable of creating meaningful change.
What is your Experiential Learning story?
Experiential learning was a cornerstone of my journey at Northeastern. One of my early highlights was leading the EcoChampions group during the BYOC campaign in Toronto, where I had the chance to combine my passion for sustainability with real-world action. Later, I co-led Google’s group on campus, gaining hands-on experience in tech leadership. My capstone project, where I worked with a U.S based sponsor, was another highlight, getting direct feedback from industry professionals and learning from their experiences was invaluable. Additionally, the Northeastern-sponsored trek to meet the CEO of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) was a surreal experience that expanded my network and provided incredible insight into the challenges of urban infrastructure. Winning the Laurel Scroll 100 (LS100) award was a recognition of these efforts and the culmination of a deeply impactful educational journey.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I want to be at a company where I can leverage my skills to solve global challenges, particularly in the Cybersecurity sector. Northeastern has equipped me with the skills, network, and confidence to take on such challenges, and I plan to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
What else do you want to say?
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities Northeastern has provided me. The experience of leading student interest groups, working with real-world sponsors, and networking with professionals has not only shaped my career path but has also given me a deep sense of purpose. Northeastern doesn’t just prepare you for a job, it prepares you to make an impact. I look forward to carrying the lessons and values I’ve learned here into the next chapter of my life.
