Zain Islam-Hashmi, MBA - MA’s Post

The Importance of Selection Over Effort In the process of applying to American universities, many parents rely on the rankings provided by US News or QS to guide their children's school choices. However, over time, fluctuations in these rankings have led to unexpected outcomes. Today marks the release of the 2025 QS World University Rankings, with #Purdue University now ranked 89th, the 8th ranked public university in the United States. Back in 2022, when I applied, it was outside the top 100. Conversely, some of my classmates applied early decision to Boston University (BU), which was then within the top 100, and shed tears of joy upon receiving their acceptance letters. This year, Boston University's QS ranking has fallen outside the top 100, while its annual cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, is more than double that of Purdue University. This decline in ranking, coupled with the exorbitant costs, casts doubt on the wisdom of their initial choice. Choosing wisely before things reveal their true value requires both luck and foresight. When you step into a luxury car going in the opposite direction, no matter how hard you try, it will get further and further away from your destination. Choosing to learn Servant Leadership may seem like entering a niche field, but I believe it will become popular around the world in a few years. Servant Leadership advocates for serving, empowering, and inspiring others. It fulfills the needs of most individuals to be seen, heard, and respected in societies. To further deepen your understanding of The Importance of Selection Over Effort, today we have a video titled "One-on-One Meetings Between Parents and Their Children with Professor Steven Rogelberg," brought to you by the LEO Servant Leadership Clubs International, which offers free leadership content to aspiring leaders around the globe. #ServantLeadership #LeoChat #LEO

I'm beyond excited to share the article created by Poets&Quants that shares the highlights of my MBA journey with Harvard Business School to this point. My path to 500+ unique renditions of the case study method has been enlightening, but through it all, I'm still just a kid from Cleveland who dared to dream, and turned dreams into bigger realities. #HarvardBusinessSchool #HBS #MBA #PoetsandQuants

Recognizing Our High School Athletes: The Impact on Their Future 💪 Have you ever considered the profound impact that recognition has on high school athletes? It’s not just about the trophies and the public accolades; it’s about acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and the resilience they show both on and off the field. High school is a pivotal time for many young athletes. This is when they lay the foundation for their future, whether in sports or any other career path they choose to pursue. Recognizing these young individuals goes beyond boosting their current morale; it plants the seed of self-belief and ambition. When we celebrate their journey, we're not just congratulating them for a game well played; we're recognizing their potential to excel in life. In a world where young athletes often face immense pressure, recognition serves as a powerful tool to motivate and inspire. It tells them that their efforts are seen, valued, and appreciated. It builds confidence and encourages them to set higher goals, strive for excellence, and believe in their ability to achieve great things. So next time you have the opportunity to recognize a high school athlete, remember that your acknowledgment could be the catalyst that propels them toward a brighter future. Let's take every chance we get to uplift these young stars. After all, today’s high school athletes are tomorrow’s leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. 🌟👇 Like, share, or comment. Let's spark a conversation! #highschoolsports #athletics #recognitionmatters #teamculture #leadershipdevelopment #sportsmanship #studentathletes #sportsleadership #athleticdirector

Thrilled to share!! I've just completed "Power and Influence for Positive Impact" from Harvard Business School Online! This journey has been rigorous, enriching and transformative. Grateful to be part of the HBS community. Excited to bring these learnings into my professional sphere! #Harvard #Business #OnlineEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment"

Harvard Alumni Clash Over Diversity in University Leadership: Billionaire-Backed Candidates Rejected #billionairebackedcandidates #diversityandrepresentationinhigherlearning #diversityinuniversityleadership #freespeechinacademia #HarvardAlumniAssociation #Harvardcontroversy #HarvardUniversityboardofdirectorselection #inclusivityinuniversitygovernance #promotingdiversityinhighereducation #universitygovernanceanddiversity

Harvard Alumni Clash Over Diversity in University Leadership: Billionaire-Backed Candidates Rejected #billionairebackedcandidates #diversityandrepresentationinhigherlearning #diversityinuniversityleadership #freespeechinacademia #HarvardAlumniAssociation #Harvardcontroversy #HarvardUniversityboardofdirectorselection #inclusivityinuniversitygovernance #promotingdiversityinhighereducation #universitygovernanceanddiversity

Harvard Alumni Clash Over Diversity in University Leadership: Billionaire-Backed Candidates Rejected #billionairebackedcandidates #diversityandrepresentationinhigherlearning #diversityinuniversityleadership #freespeechinacademia #HarvardAlumniAssociation #Harvardcontroversy #HarvardUniversityboardofdirectorselection #inclusivityinuniversitygovernance #promotingdiversityinhighereducation #universitygovernanceanddiversity

This month’s student spotlight is Madison Dowdell, ‘24 Psychology Major. This summer Madison has been an intern for Smeal College of Business's Division of Development and Alumni Relations. Learn more about Madison and connect with her on LinkedIn! What do you aspire to become after graduation?: My professional ambitions are to enter the management or non-profit consulting field. Eventually, my goal is to receive my MBA and help others achieve their goals and develop as people and professionals. What is your favorite PSU memory so far?: My third year at Penn State I was honored to serve in the position of President for Blue & White Society - the Student Chapter of the Alumni Association. This opportunity gave me many of my favorite memories, but one my favorites was THON 2023. Watching and being able to contribute to my organization and the overall THON cause break our fundraising records was a very heartwarming moment. Supporting our THON family, the Grindles, has been one of my favorite experiences Penn State has given me and I look forward to THON 2024. What are your keys to success?: Creating my personal and professional network I believe has contributed to my success immensely. Getting to know people and letting them get to know you creates a community of people cheering for your success and vice versa. I can't acknowledge my successes without acknowledging the people who have helped me get there along the way. What piece of advice would you like to share with other Smeal students?: Getting deeply involved in one or two organizations or causes can provide a better "payout" and deeper experience than being shallowly involved in many organizations. You get out of an experience what you're willing to put into it. So get involved and invest in an organization and, in turn, it will invest in you.

Something for the weekend? Our new report, out last week, is called “The New Art of Headship”. In it we look at how headship is changing in U.K. independent schools, what skills are now needed more by Heads and what this all means for their search and selection, support and development. We have prepared a 1-minute-read wall poster, a 5-minute-read executive summary or you can download the full report (it’s 128 pages but there are lots of pictures!). “This is a really impressive piece of work.” “It is an outstanding piece of work by Barry and should be required reading of all board members as it gives invaluable insights into the life of a head in 2023 and some excellent tips.” “Thank you for the real difference such understanding of the role of Head will make.” “It is extremely well presented and clear. Well done and thank you for this sector wide insight.” “It was an informative and valuable read ,and I will return to it again. It is excellent that it is created for Governors too. I hope they read it.” “It's a great publication and a worthwhile read for aspiring Heads as well as current Heads.” “Such an interesting piece of research” “This is an excellent -- if occasionally sobering - summary of the attributes needed by contemporary school leaders. Great work Russell and team.” “Absolutely on point!” “This was a very interesting breakfast read, and just about to back to it over lunch!” “A very insightful publication! Congratulations!” “It was an enthralling read and chimed with many experiences over recent years. I’m now buzzing with real world ideas which I have been frantically scribbling down and will support my new school. I would recommend every Head and Chair of Governors to read it.” “I read this yesterday and there were so many points hitting home. Thank you for this thought provoking piece of research.” “I am well over half way through the report already and it is fascinating.” “A well researched and valuable report.” Please download your copy here from the RSAcademics website. 1,454 people already have! AGBIS (Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools) Girls' Schools Association HMC (The Heads' Conference) IAPS ISA Heads Independent Schools' Bursars Association THE SOCIETY OF HEADS Leo Winkley Chris Ramsey Kathy Crewe-Read Clarissa Farr Charlie Warshawski, PCC Love Your Coaching Jane Lunnon