Afomia Seyoum describes her four years at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar as interesting, transformative, and quite different from what she expected. Graduating with honors in Business Administration, concentrating in strategic management with a minor in politics and public policy, Afomia found her footing by seeking out challenges and opportunities.

“I think the experience was so enriching because I pushed myself to do as much as I could,” she reflected. “Whenever I felt like I couldn’t do something, I thought to myself, I should try. And let’s see if it works out or not.”

This proactive mindset led Afomia to significant involvement across campus and throughout her undergraduate years. She embraced community service and collaboration, helping lead major events like the four-day new student orientation and the memorable Tartan Community Day mural project. She also brought cultural connection to campus by organizing an Ethiopian New Year celebration. Her leadership extended to roles in the African Student Association, Student Majlis, and the EcoCampus initiative. 

Afomia takes particular pride in receiving one of only nine Senior Leadership Awards for the Class of 2025. “It makes me feel like I’ve contributed something to the CMU community that stays after I leave,” she says.

Through these experiences, Afomia honed skills that she will carry with her as she begins her career: “I’ve become more structured in the way I think and the way I approach problems.”

Looking ahead, Afomia is planning for a career in strategic communication and public relations, and she hopes to begin that career in Qatar. “Your CMU experience could be anything you make it out to be,” she said.