Alya AlZeyoudi started her university life in 2020, the year the world went into lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. She graduated from NYU Abu Dhabi in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, always knowing she wanted to be an engineer, but it was her university experiences that shaped her career path.
In 2026, AlZeyoudi is back at NYUAD to pursue her MBA at Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi, as she believes the opportunities the university has provided her are "limitless."
Reflecting on her journey, AlZeyoudi discussed starting her university career during a pandemic and explained why she thinks NYUAD undergraduate students should start applying for jobs as early as their second year.
You started at NYUAD in 2020, during COVID. What was that like?
Everything was virtual via Zoom at that time, and I got to connect with some of my fellow classmates from the class of 2024 during the first-year meetings and events. It was interesting because the professors were well-equipped for the shift from in-person classes to virtual classes, and they already had the materials and content. Overall, it was very interactive.
How did you end up choosing civil engineering?
I’ve always wanted to be an engineer since high school because I’ve loved math, but I wasn't sure which field of engineering to specialize in. I was lucky to take a class called Material World with Professor Khaled Shahin, which was very rich in materials and civil engineering content.
After joking about changing majors at dinner, I decided to switch to civil engineering and Professor Shahin later became my mentor. I had never thought that a class could actually contribute to the path that I chose.
Your degree took you beyond the classroom to Jordan and India. Can you tell us about those experiences?
During my undergraduate studies, I took a mandatory engineering ethics class, and I got to travel to Jordan to help build a residential house for a Jordanian family. That was heart-touching. It was fascinating to be able to interact with the people impacted by the projects engineers are working on.
After the great course experience I had with Engineering Ethics, I decided to join the elective Engineering for Social Impact. There was a trip to Mumbai, India, and I was working to improve the infrastructure for the people of Dharavi (slums in Mumbai). It was eye-opening to see the social impact of our technical projects.
Tell us about working at Erth Zayed Philanthropies.
It was a roller coaster, because they’re a small team trying to do everything.
I was a trainee analyst for a year and worked with the strategy team to develop programs and initiatives to meet basic needs locally and globally.
There are certain country portfolios for which we need to provide services, such as education, health, agriculture, environment, economic empowerment, and community engagement.
Where does the passion for social impact come from?
I've learned about the social side and the impact of our actions from my family, especially my parents. Since I was young, they’ve always supported me in contributing to and volunteering for programs across the UAE.
I feel the professors at NYUAD also supported it. Instead of just teaching students about case studies and ticking boxes in the syllabus, they ensured students were part of the community and understood that all projects would impact an external stakeholder.
Why did you decide to come back to NYUAD for an MBA?
I applied for the MBA even before I finished my bachelor’s studies.
The logic behind applying for the MBA is that I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I want the fundamental business knowledge to understand what is required of me financially and how to run a business.
Why I chose Stern at NYUAD specifically and not other MBA programs globally, is because I am aware of NYUAD's capabilities. I’ve been here pursuing my undergraduate studies, and the opportunities I've had after graduation are limitless.
What is it like being back in the classroom?
It was great to be back in a classroom with a diverse group of classmates who are not all my age. I’m one of the youngest people in the classroom, which is a bit weird, but I get to share my knowledge and, from their experience, understand what the actual job market is like. We come from different backgrounds, whether it’s the US, China, or India.
What advice would you give to current NYUAD students?
One of the important things is to follow your gut and follow your dream, and never hesitate when making a decision, whether it is accepting or rejecting a job offer. At the end of the day, good things will happen. Just don’t stop following your dream.
During your undergraduate studies, do as many internships as possible. Start applying for jobs by your second or third year to get an understanding of the market and how your skills and qualifications are applicable to what the market is asking for.
