Graduate of CPS, Aysha Rana
Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs, ’25
Please provide 3 words that encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Rigorous, Empowering, Enriching
Where are you from or where do you consider home?
Pakistan
What has your journey at Northeastern University revealed to you about yourself?
My journey at Northeastern has revealed my resilience, adaptability, and passion for continuous learning. Immersed in a rigorous academic environment, I discovered my ability to thrive under pressure, embrace diverse perspectives, and lead with purpose. It has strengthened my confidence in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and reaffirmed my commitment to making a meaningful impact in healthcare.
What motivated you to continue through challenging times in obtaining your degree?
What motivated me to continue through challenging times was my deep commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the healthcare industry. I reminded myself that every challenge was an opportunity to grow—both personally and professionally. The vision of using my regulatory knowledge to improve patient access to safe and effective therapies kept me focused, and the unwavering support from mentors and peers at Northeastern University fueled my determination to persevere.
“My journey at Northeastern has revealed my resilience, adaptability, and passion for continuous learning.”
Experiential learning is a core component of a Northeastern education. Describe some of the highlights for you.
Experiential learning at Northeastern University was truly transformative. One of the highlights was collaborating on real-world regulatory projects, including developing regulatory strategies for global product submissions and addressing compliance challenges under FDA and EMA guidelines. These hands-on experiences allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to practical scenarios, sharpen my critical thinking, and build confidence in stakeholder communication. Engaging with industry professionals and participating in case-based learning also provided valuable insight into the evolving landscape of regulatory affairs, preparing me to step into the field with both competence and clarity.
Where do you imagine yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I envision myself in a senior leadership role within Regulatory Affairs, guiding global regulatory strategies for innovative healthcare products. I aim to be at the forefront of bringing safe, effective, and compliant therapies to market; leveraging both my international experience and my education at Northeastern. I also hope to mentor emerging professionals in the field, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and ethical excellence in regulatory science.
Is there anything else you wanted to say that we didn’t cover?
If there’s one piece of advice, I’d like to leave you with, it’s to run your own race, at your own pace. Life isn’t a competition, and comparing yourself to others will only invite unnecessary stress. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s what makes each story unique and valuable.
There’s an African proverb that says, “The sun and the moon do not race against each other; they shine when it’s their time.” In the same way, your path in life, your career, and even your personal growth will unfold at the right time not according to someone else’s timeline.
It’s easy to feel pressured when you see others hitting milestones, landing dream jobs, buying houses, getting married, or achieving success early. But remember fast does not always mean fulfilling. Some people sprint, others take steady steps, but what matters most is that you keep moving forward, learning, and growing in your own way. So, whether you’re still figuring things out or on a clear path, embrace your process, trust your timing, and celebrate your progress; no matter how small. Because at the end of the day, it’s your story that matters, not the speed at which you write it.
Connect with Aysha on LinkedIn.
