Aysha Ayub Mushtaq

University of Washington, Foster School of Business

“I am passionate about exploring diverse cultures and places and I am constantly seeking new adventures.”

Hometown: Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve called four countries home! Born in the US to Pakistani parents, grew up in Saudi Arabia, and completed my undergrad from Dubai, UAE.

Undergraduate School and Major: Canadian University Dubai, Mass Communication and Advertising

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Sales Specialist – Apple Inc.

What makes Seattle such a great place to earn an MBA? Seattle is a hidden gem and a great place to pursue an MBA due to its innovative and vibrant tech ecosystem, which offers amazing opportunities for aspiring MBAs to pivot and innovate. The city’s proximity to the mountains and water helps provide some great outdoor experiences and helps enhance the MBA experience by offering a great work-life balance.

Aside from your location and classmates, what was the key part of Washington Foster’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I thoroughly enjoyed the experiential learning opportunities offered at Foster. Recently, I completed my applied strategy project, collaborating with Microsoft to explore the future of Generative AI and its implications for key industries. I had the opportunity to work on a real-word business challenge, working alongside a team of exceptional students, and had the privilege of engaging with professionals at the forefront of the generative AI landscape.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Foster? The first quarter at Foster is academically challenging, given the mix of core classes early in the program. Personally, I found Thomas Gilbert’s Finance class to be particularly enjoyable. Having no background in finance prior to my MBA, I was a little apprehensive going into the class. However, Professor Gilbert’s passion, engaging teaching style, and dedication really helped dispel my fears. I learned a lot in the class and am now looking forward to taking on additional finance electives to learn more.

Washington Foster operates off a philosophy of We>Me. Give us an example of how you’ve seen that among your classmates so far. One remarkable aspect of the Foster MBA program is the embodiment of the “We>Me” philosophy within our cohort. Coming into the program, I anticipated some real competitive dynamics. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the unwavering supportiveness among my classmates. From fostering a safe environment for open dialogue to rallying together during challenging times, our classmates have cultivated a truly inspiring atmosphere. This support system extends beyond the classroom, and into the willingness to lend a hand in navigating the complexities of recruiting and internship searches. The supportive ecosystem isn’t confined to peers alone; it encompasses second-years, alumni, and faculty members alike. The dedication of alumni and faculty to enriching the student experience underscores the collaborative ethos that defines Foster. I believe that this collective commitment to mutual growth and success underscores the power of unity and collaboration within our MBA journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment has been navigating through various industries and locations. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, opportunities for girls like me were scarce. However, I maximized my resources and built a thriving career. I’ve held sales and marketing roles across diverse sectors, starting as a Social Media Manager at a media agency in Dubai, UAE. Recently, I worked as a sales specialist at Apple Inc. My career journey exemplifies that with determination, any opportunity can lead to success.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far: My biggest achievement in the MBA program have been the learnings that I have taken away from the academic aspect of the program. Coming into the program, I had no background in Finance or Accounting. However, the faculty at Foster do an amazing job at balancing the learning goals and structure for a wide array of backgrounds represented in the cohort. I never felt overwhelmed or sidelined in class and was able to comfortably ask questions and engage actively. Reflecting on the past few months, I am amazed at how much I have learnt.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My favorite memories of the program have been around the solid and lifelong friendships that I have made along the way. I have had the opportunity to get to know some exceptional people who have been amazingly supportive throughout this whole process.

DON’T MISS: MEET WASHINGTON FOSTER’S MBA CLASS OF 2025