A First for Pakistan: LUMS Student Accepted as Silver Scholar for MBA at Yale University
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Accepted as Pakistan’s first ever Silver Scholar for the MBA programme at Yale University, Haider Sultan, a BSc 2024 Accounting and Finance student at the Suleman Dawood School of Business, LUMS, has made history. He is one of the 10 Silver Scholars in the world for 2024 and among the 5% who have been admitted to this extremely selective programme, more so than the traditional route to the MBA at Yale. Additionally, he has received the Dean’s Scholarship at Yale. As a Silver Scholar, Sultan will be joining the Yale MBA immediately after graduation from LUMS and will be on an accelerated career path in any industry.
“I am beyond honoured and excited about this opportunity. I feel proud to represent Pakistan in this elite group and contribute to the global diversity that makes Yale University a beacon of academic excellence. This is a symbol of the potential that exists within Pakistan and the capability of LUMS to nurture future leaders,” says an excited Sultan.
Congratulating Sultan, Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost, LUMS, said, “Fantastic! A first for Pakistan and a first for LUMS. You made us proud.”
The Silver Scholars Program is a three-year MBA at Yale, launched in 2001, for exceptional college seniors who are just completing their undergraduate education. They are considered the ‘Next Best Business Leaders’ who are years ahead of their peers. Earlier, the MBA programme would only admit Yale undergraduates. However, in 2014, it was open to undergraduate students from across the world. What makes this programme unique is its commitment to fostering early career development by allowing participants to pursue an MBA immediately after graduation. This innovative approach aligns seamlessly with Sultan’s aspirations and the dynamic trajectory of his academic and professional journey.
Thus, for the past three years, he consistently worked towards this achievement. No wonder then, that when the acceptance email popped up in his inbox at 1:19 am, he was elated. His hostel mates rushed to the common room and celebrated with him. As he broke the news to faculty members, they hugged and congratulated him.
While preparing for the application, Sultan thoroughly researched the programme, interned at multinationals, and sat for essential exams that would lead him to Yale. However, the most important thing was his belief that success means impact beyond himself. “Private equity venture capital in Pakistan is an exceedingly small market. Thus, individuals, especially with no business background, suffer because of a lack of access to funds. I plan to solve this problem through bringing venture capital and private equity investments in Pakistan to empower such people,” says Sultan. In ten years, he aspires to be running his own fund in Pakistan, focusing on developing and emerging markets.
The Yale MBA programme is structured to include core courses, a compulsory travel and study segment that involves going on an exchange and taking an international course at another university and distinct level courses to elevate leadership skills. All these allow for extensive international networking opportunities that can be beneficial for life. “I plan to make the best out of this,” he says.
Being the first Pakistani to achieve this feat, Sultan does feel the pressure to excel at Yale. “The class is remarkably diverse. I will be studying with students who have years of professional experience, belong to technical fields, and are experts in their areas. As a Silver Scholar, there will be expectations from me and that does make me a bit nervous,” says Sultan. However, he is all set to take full advantage of the diversity of culture and experiences of his classmates as well as the international faculty, one of the best in the world.
Sultan has always been a star student and recognises the academic rigour and exceptional quality of education at LUMS to be instrumental in his achievements, enabling him to consistently maintain a position on the Dean's Honour List throughout his time at the University. Additionally, he has also been an awardee of the 50% Merit Scholarship in his second year at LUMS.
Alongside, he has served as the Convenor for South Asia's largest youth entrepreneurial summit, the Young Leaders' and Entrepreneurs' Summit, led the LUMS Entrepreneurial Society, been elected as the Batch Representative for the LUMS Student Council, and also functioned as the Founder and Managing Director of ‘LUMS Candid Leaders’, a student-run talk show. “All these experiences have not only enhanced my leadership skills but have also connected me with like-minded individuals enthusiastic about making a positive impact,” explains Sultan.
He credits his latest accomplishment to be a testament to the invaluable guidance and support provided by his LUMS professors, for which he is profoundly grateful. Acknowledging the role of his alma mater in his success, he says “LUMS has been more than an educational institution; it has been a springboard for personal and professional growth. The opportunities that this University has offered have played an instrumental role in shaping my journey.” He finds the networking opportunities at LUMS to be invaluable; connecting him with mentors, peers, and industry leaders who have contributed significantly to his development.
As he embarks on an exciting journey at Yale University, he says, “I carry with me the lessons, values, and skills instilled by LUMS. I am eager to give back to the LUMS community soon and contribute to its continued legacy of excellence. Thank you once again for your unwavering support, and I am confident that the foundation laid at LUMS has prepared me to thrive at Yale and beyond.”
