Zainab Mahmud

Why did you choose the MILR program?

I chose to pursue the MILR program based on career prospects, strong alumni association, and Cornell’s reputation.

What is your favorite part of the MILR program?

The people! Our cohort is incredibly diverse on many levels, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone inside and outside of the classroom. The group projects have been lovely ways to get to know each other both on a professional and more personal level. I'm grateful to have found some very ambitious, driven and supportive people to lean on (and vice versa). We rub off on each other, motivate each other, and remind each other of our strengths.

What is your favorite class?

I’m really enjoying all of my classes - I’ve never studied HR before so this is all new for me. I am especially enjoying Brian Lucas’ OB class as it’s a blend of social psychology, HR, and organizational analysis.

What is your favorite part of Ithaca?

It’s very quiet and peaceful. My daily walk to campus reminds me to be more mindful; I walk over gorges with lots of trees surrounding to get to class. The people in Ithaca are also very kind and welcoming. I’m slowly finding places that feel like home!

What was your previous experience / career prior to MILR?

After I graduated from McGill, I worked at The American School of Dubai for a year. When COVID-19 hit, I moved to Toronto where I joined a full-service recruiting agency. I began as a recruiter and was promoted to a Recruiting Manager after a year, where I oversaw client relationship and recruiting responsibilities for some of our Fortune500 clients in the marketing and creative space. After 3 years in this position, I became increasingly interested in HR as a function, and wanted to explore past talent acquisition. And now, here I am at Cornell a few months into the program!

What advice would you give a prospective student?

Be very clear on what you want to get out of any program you’re applying to, network with alumni and current students to hear about their experiences both in the program as well as how it set them up for success post-graduation. I would highly suggest visiting campus if you have the opportunity and means to do so. Cornell is a beautiful campus. My decision was secured when I came to visit for Discover MILR where I got to meet some current students and faculty. After doing the research and networking, I always told myself that I would base my final decision on how I felt walking on campus, and that was inspired and grounded.