2025 Best & Brightest Business Major: Sadeem Jaro, Northeastern University (D’Amore McKim)

Sadeem Jaro

Northeastern University, D’Amore McKim School of Business

“Global, authentic, and forever-curious student excited by disruptive ideas, impact investing, and travel. Running enthusiast!”

Fun fact about yourself: During my study abroad, I carved out a month-and-a–half to go backpacking across Europe. I visited as many countries as I could, made lifelong friends out of strangers, and expanded my horizons; it has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Hometown: Doha, Qatar

High School: American School of Doha

Major: International Affairs and International Business (Concentrations in Finance and Global Business & Strategy)

Minor: Law & Public Policy

Favorite Business Course: Executing Global Strategy

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

  • NUImpact – Senior Analyst (Tech, Media, & Telecommunications Vertical), Junior Analyst, Business Development Analyst, & Research Analyst
  • Delta Sigma Pi – Vice President of Chapter Operations, Chair
  • Student Government Association – D’Amore-McKim School of Business Liaison, Academic Affairs Committee, Senator
  • Northeastern Interdisciplinary Case Competition – 1st-Place Winner, 2x Finalist
  • Boston Intercollegiate Government – Assistant Director of Government Affairs
  • D’Amore McKim Department of Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Research Assistant
  • Boston Cares – volunteer (200 hours per year)
  • Private Equity/Venture Capital Club – Member
  • Northeastern Debate Society – Member
  • Awards – Huntington 100, LaCLA Scholar, Summa Cum Laude, Dean’s List, Beta Gamma Sigma, University Honors Program, Global Experience Office Scholarship

Where have you interned during your college career?

  • Morgan Stanley – Prime Brokerage Capital Introductions Co-op (New York)
  • Wood Mackenzie – Natural Resources & Energy Consulting Summer Analyst (Boston)
  • Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) – Investment Proposals Summer Analyst (Boston)
  • Amundi Asset Management – Global Request for Proposals (RFP) Co-op (Boston)

Where will you be working after graduation? The D’Amore-McKim School of Business has fueled my passion for financial services and instilled within me a fervent passion for purposeful capital allocation as a vehicle of change. I wish to continue that learning after graduation by pursuing advanced certifications, such as obtaining my FINRA licenses, while also working in the financial services industry (specifically Private Equity/Venture Capital)!

Who is your favorite business professor? Professor Elizabeth Moore has been the most impactful business professor I’ve had at Northeastern. She taught two of my international business courses and has always brought an unrivaled enthusiasm to the material, truly transforming the classroom into a place of lively debate, critical thought, and an environment which entertained a wonderful exchange of ideas. As my International Business Capstone professor, Professor Moore has been instrumental in my growth as a globally-minded student through always connecting concepts to real-life, multi-national applications. I’ve found that her kindness, humor, and mentorship were invaluable in reinforcing my passion for business strategy, and her emphasis on sustainability opened my eyes to how business can be a powerful tool for driving social impact.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? My advice would be to take the time to truly learn about what you’re interested in. Business really is an expansive industry with endless opportunities! Don’t be afraid to explore and lean into the niches you find exciting, even if it might not be what you had initially planned to pursue. As a combined major with a minor outside of business, I was hesitant at first with my decision to broaden my scope of study when I saw other business students narrowing theirs early on. But I’ve found that an interdisciplinary approach to business has shaped me into a multi-faceted leader able to navigate the complex, global challenges organizations face. Through having conversations about sectors you might not have heard of before – or saying yes to new opportunities, clubs, and projects – you will broaden your horizons on what a business degree can lead. In doing so, you will find your place within the business world. So go to that club meeting or register for that class! You’ll be surprised where it takes you.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? I’m grateful to have had a rich undergraduate experience. If I could go back, I would push myself to meet more people and become involved in the different sub-communities that exist on campus, both business-focused and otherwise. The connections I’ve made during college – from peers, to professors, to industry professionals – have been the most valuable aspects of the experience. While I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships, I realize there is always more to learn from others, especially when you are surrounded by so many kind, like-minded, entrepreneurial, and driven people every day. Northeastern has incredible opportunities to engage with founders, investors, and of course students. I wish I had taken even more advantage of that ecosystem. There’s always an opportunity to meet a new face on campus.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? It’s an interesting time to be a student living through the advent of AI. There’s widespread adoption of AI in the classroom, and yet still many questions exist surrounding its use. I’m excited to have attended an institution like Northeastern that tackles these questions head-on, championing innovation, research, and invoking thoughtful discussion about the AI revolution. Northeastern has established The Institute for Experiential AI, hosted workshops addressing ethical and responsible AI, and has propelled research on multi-agentic AI models. As a student, I’ve learned that AI is a phenomenal tool if used in the right ways and that the technology will touch almost every imaginable industry in the years to come. With that, however, I’ve also learned that it has its limits in replicating human ingenuity. Nothing can replace the unique creativity and perspective we all bring to the table.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I’m proud of the impact I was able to have in NUImpact, Northeastern’s undergraduate-led impact investing fund. I remember when I first joined the club; the world of venture capital seemed incredibly exciting yet overwhelming. I also remember the countless mentors (most notably my Senior Analyst) who rose to the occasion to make me feel welcome, help me navigate opportunities in the space, and genuinely take the time to help me refine a slide-deck or investment pitch. When I chose to become a Senior Analyst myself, I wanted to honor the impact that those before me had on my journey through the role, and I’m forever grateful for that opportunity to lead a team of my own. It was an incredibly rewarding experience not only to guide underclassman in developing useful skills, but also to connect with and back founders in the Northeast working on innovative and meaningful businesses they fervently believe in.

Which classmate do you most admire? The classmate I most admire is Ashley Lee. We met in the same dorm freshman year and since then have gone on to work together in Student Government as senators, in various law and economics classes, and even pursue co-ops in New York City during our senior years. Ashley has consistently exemplified what it means to be committed to a life in public service, and her genuine passion for the work she does has greatly influenced my Northeastern journey. She is inquisitive, kind, and an amazing role model. Despite her busy schedule, she always makes time for you to feel heard. I’m glad to call her one of my closest friends and can’t wait to see the positive impact she will have on the world!

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents have been my unwavering support system throughout my entire life, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. They’ve instilled within me a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities and privileges in my life, while also teaching me the value of hard work in achieving my goals. They are my bedrock – from the countless hours they have spent helping me, to their silent prayers, to their golden pieces of advice that continue to guide me, to the sacrifices they have made without a moment’s hesitation. I’m forever grateful for the love, wisdom, and strength they give me every day.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

  1. Immerse myself in the dynamic world of venture capital, having the opportunity to work with founders to build and invest across ClimateTech, Education, and FinTech
  2. Pursue my MBA!

What made Sadeem such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Sadeem has been an outstanding presence in both my Fintech and Financial Innovation and International Financial Management courses. His dedication, attentiveness, and engagement have made him a standout student. He approaches every class with a deep sense of commitment, consistently contributing thoughtful insights and making meaningful connections between complex financial concepts. His ability to stay engaged, think critically, and actively participate in discussions reflects his strong work ethic and passion for learning. Sadeem’s intellectual curiosity and disciplined approach will undoubtedly serve him well in his future endeavors. I look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish!”

Alper Koparan
Assistant Teaching Professor, Finance

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