When Yawer Mahmood was an entry-level information technology professional In India, he was California dreaming, recognizing the U.S. West Coast as a tech hub with many opportunities for a graduate education. The Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics M.S. in Information Systems program stood out to this young professional for both its strong foundation in data analysis and opportunities to specialize.

In his undergrad days in India, Mahmood’s initial goal was to be a software developer. But exploration of extracurricular activities at Osmania University in Hyderabad led him to an international exchange organization connecting students from around the world.

“During that journey, I realized I didn’t only want a technical role, but wanted to integrate business acumen for a career in consulting, strategy and project management,” he recalls. “I wanted a career where I could be people-centric, which led me into business analytics so I could strategize and build businesses from the ground up.”

Mahmood researched the Cal State Fullerton information systems faculty and their research projects and was impressed by the depth of the knowledge they presented, as well as the opportunity to grow in emotional intelligence and soft skills coupled with top-notch technical acumen.

So in fall 2023, Mahmood began his M.S. in Information Systems with a concentration in Business Analytics at Cal State Fullerton. And he quickly discovered that the strength of the coursework didn’t fail his expectations.

The Impact of Professors, Clubs and Student Assistantship

A number of professors were influential in helping Mahmood grow. “I think of Professor Thuyuyen Nguyen-Newby, who brought experience in analysis and consulting but also of the professional world. And Dr. Pawel Kalczynski, who taught ISDS 570 and ISDS 574, and has so much knowledge and is so passionate, but makes it so fun,” he says. “You would never know you are learning  very technical data. I’d sit in awe during the three-hour lecture.”

Mahmood held a student assistant role at the Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences at Cal State Fullerton and was also a member of the Business and Data Analytics Club (BDAC), which provides business students of all concentrations with a versatile introduction and network in the analytics space.

Guest speakers from the industry discussing software and showcasing how classroom learning compares to the real life of the field to making friends of similar interests were among the most memorable highlights of BDAC for Mahmood.

Mahmood is thankful to so many faculty and staff who made a difference in his life at Cal State Fullerton, including Christina Collins, an administrative staff member at the Information Systems Department.

“Christina made me comfortable talking to people and getting situated in the U.S.,” he recalls. “When I was working under her as a student assistant, I printed the CSUF Business News articles about information systems and put them on a department display board. I wondered if I’d ever be featured in an article. So I’m so honored to be highlighted as a proud Business Titan.”

Looking to the Future, With the Help of the CSUF M.S. in Information Systems

Now in the professional world, Mahmood sees consulting at a major business firm in his future, starting with a basic analytics role and climbing the corporate ladder to strategy analysis, consulting and ultimately becoming a partner in a firm. And on his journey, we can be sure that Mahmood will stay connected and engaged with his alma mater Cal State Fullerton and will light the way for others in undertaking similar journeys.