The Go Getter Grad Student
Fatima Rehana
Trainee - Digital Insights, Nagarro
Class of 2023
MBA in Marketing Analytics
Member Of: TEAM Pace (President), International Student Club (Social Media Director), Lubin Women in Leadership (Vice President of Marketing and Events), Lubin Graduate Marketing Society (Vice President of Industry Relations), Strategy and International Business Club (Director of Marketing), Graduate Finance Club (Director of Social Media)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Fatima Rehana always dreamed of getting a graduate degree that combined her interests in marketing and analytics. She found that unique opportunity at the Lubin School of Business. As she pursues her MBA in Marketing Analytics, Fatima is also building leadership skills and friendships on campus by taking advantage of all of the student organizations that Pace University offers.
Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?
I have always had a passion to pursue a master's degree in marketing, along with obtaining an MBA degree. However, looking at the demand for analytics, I wanted to integrate the field of marketing with analytics. Subsequently, the Lubin School of Business is one of the few universities that provides a combination of MBA, marketing, and analytics, which was perfect for what I was looking for. Moreover, I love that Pace University is in the heart of New York City, which gives us students a better chance at networking and the opportunity to study in the business hub of the world while gaining New York life experience.
How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?
When I first started at Pace University in the Spring 2022 semester, I had attended the graduate and undergraduate clubs meet and greet sessions, where I learned a lot about each club, how we can be a part of the event planning process, and gain leadership skills by being on executive boards. I started applying to student organizations that interested me. Today, I am on the executive board for six student organizations, where I am responsible for interacting with industry professionals, marketing and social media management, event planning, and industry relations. This has really helped me gain valuable leadership, interpersonal, teamwork, and time management skills, as well as gain confidence in my abilities. Besides learning how to multitask, I have also gained some amazing friends by interacting with students from all around the world.
You sit on the e-boards of six student organizations, including President of TEAM Pace and Vice President of Marketing and Events for Lubin Women in Leadership. What motivated you to go after these positions?
As soon as I learned about the benefits of being a part of student organizations on campus, I started applying to clubs that suited my interests. I had the drive to gain valuable leadership skills and meet and interact with industry professionals. Being part of on-campus student organizations means that I now have the ability to plan events, which can sometimes be hectic, but fun and exciting at the same time.
How have your Lubin classes helped you as the Employer Relations Intern for Pace University's Career Services department?
I started working at Career Services at the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester. I have been implementing my knowledge and skills that I am gaining through my Lubin classes into my internship, such as analytical, marketing, software, research, and managerial skills.
Why is it important to be involved on campus?
Being involved on campus is really exciting, as it helps us get a break from academic classes. Clubs also help shape us and gain transferrable skills that might be highly useful in our career development and professional life. Furthermore, being involved gives us a chance to meet new people and hopefully form strong and lifelong bonds with new friends.
How do you balance classes and your leadership roles?
It can be quite exhausting at times, but it's part of growing up and learning to be responsible. I usually try to stay as organized as possible to ensure high performance. I also love keeping an organizer with all my deadlines based on priority. I also usually set my personal task completion deadlines at least a day before the actual submission deadline, which helps me ensure that I can double-check my work thoroughly.
Tell us a bit about being an international student at Pace.
Being an international student in a new country can be nerve-racking, which was the case for me. However, Pace University has been so supportive, helpful, and organized—all of my questions are always answered. Meeting such a diverse range of students from all over the world has really helped me learn about different cultures and traditions. So overall, I am loving this experience!
What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?
Everything that I have done so far at Pace has helped me in some way or the other. However, my favorite opportunity would be being part of the Career Services department, where I have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing team (a special shoutout to Helene Cruz, who has been a constant support and mentor). It has helped me gain valuable insight into how hard the team works to ensure that students can gain maximum success in life and in our careers. It has also helped me develop myself further and learn the "dos" and "don'ts" of the professional world.
Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?
Pace University has various departments to support you, so make sure that you try your best to utilize them. Also, try to grasp as much knowledge as possible from your peers, professors, advisors, and guest speakers, as every piece of information can help you at any stage of your life. Don't dedicate your entire time solely to academics, and focus equally on professional and personal development, as you need to prioritize work-life balance. It can be exhausting at times, but please trust in yourself, because you can do it! All you have to do is make maximum use of all the resources and opportunities available to you at Pace.
After coming to Pace University, I have managed to come out of my introvert shell and be more confident, which can be a very important trait for someone like me who wants to work in today's highly competitive and dynamic marketplace. I have met so many people at different stages of their lives, learned from their personal experiences, and found some really close friends who are like family to me.
What does #LubinLife mean to you?
To me, #LubinLife means new opportunities and personal development. After coming to Pace University, I have managed to come out of my introvert shell and be more confident, which can be a very important trait for someone like me who wants to work in today's highly competitive and dynamic marketplace. I have met so many people at different stages of their lives, learned from their personal experiences, and found some really close friends who are like family to me at this point. At Pace University and the Lubin School of Business, there are so many supporting resources available, that you would never feel stranded or lost if you understand and appreciate its importance.