Fulbright Scholar, Fraz Ahmed from Pakistan, Pursues a Master’s in Public Policy and Management (Data Analytics and AI Management) at Carnegie Mellon University

My name is Fraz Ahmed, and I am from Pakistan. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (Data Analytics and AI Management Track) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) as a Fulbright Scholar. My academic and professional journey bridges public finance, computational methods, and health-tech product management.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I cleared the prestigious Central Superior Services (CSS) Examination of Pakistan, one of the most competitive civil service exams in the country, and was allocated to the Office Management Group. As a civil servant, I served at the Ministry of Finance, where I worked on financial regulations, sovereign debt restructuring, and IMF negotiation support. Before joining the public sector, I worked in the health-tech industry as a Product Manager, leading AI-driven initiatives in population health management and clinical analytics.

I decided to pursue graduate studies in data-driven public policy to strengthen my ability to apply artificial intelligence and econometric methods to governance, fiscal innovation, and public sector transformation in developing countries.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I received the Fulbright Scholarship, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel for the duration of my graduate studies at CMU.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I was also accepted into other top programs, including the Master in Public Policy (MPP) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and the Master of Science in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) at the University of Chicago.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a focus on Computational Biology from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). This academic foundation built my quantitative and analytical reasoning, which I later applied to practical work in both the public and private sectors, especially in areas of fiscal policy, data systems, and AI-driven governance.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

When shortlisting graduate programs, I prioritized three key factors: alumni profiles, faculty expertise, and coursework. I analyzed how each program could train me to lead innovation in the public sector. I was particularly drawn to programs that combined applied data analytics, public policy, and AI strategy, fields critical to the modernization of public administration in developing economies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Fulbright Scholarship?

I began preparing for the Fulbright application months before the deadline. I focused on presenting a coherent story, connecting my background in computational biology, product management, and civil service. I sought feedback from mentors and Fulbright alumni, and refined my essays multiple times to ensure clarity, authenticity, and alignment with Fulbright’s mission of leadership and service.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out because my vision was focused. I knew exactly what I wanted—to pursue a program that would allow me to blend AI strategy and public sector reform. The Public Policy and Data Analytics program at Carnegie Mellon University offered the perfect balance between technical depth and policy application, enabling me to operationalize AI and data science within governance frameworks.

Beyond focus, I brought a unique combination of experiences: passing the CSS examination, serving in Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance on critical policy issues such as fiscal sustainability and public finance initiatives backed up by the IMF restructuring program by the Government of Pakistan, and leading health-tech product innovations in the private sector. Together, these experiences showcased both analytical rigor and execution capability. My goal—to advance sovereign advisory and debt sustainability analysis using data-driven tools—added a clear sense of purpose and development relevance.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to repeat the process, I would start drafting essays even earlier and engage mentors sooner. Early iterations and feedback make a world of difference in refining one’s narrative and aligning it with both personal goals and the scholarship’s mission.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Be clear about your vision from the start. Know exactly what you want to achieve and how your chosen degree will help you deliver public value. Draft, redraft, and seek feedback from previous Fulbrighters; each iteration sharpens your story. The more individualized and reflective your application, the more authentic it feels. Finally, prepare for standardized tests early, so you can dedicate your energy later to writing strong, thoughtful essays. Originality, purpose, and preparation make all the difference.