February 9, 2023
MS in Human Resource Management and Development alum Batol Khan Mohammad enrolled in the Human Capital Management program at the NYU SPS Division of Programs in Business while working full-time. She currently holds the title of global human resources business partner (HRBP) at Dynamic Yield, a Mastercard company.
Mohammad took a moment to chat with us about her experiences as a graduate student at NYU SPS, her career trajectory, and the evolution of the field of human capital management.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am originally from Afghanistan. I moved to the US in late 2015. A few months later, I enrolled in the MS in Human Resource Management and Development at NYU SPS. Since graduating in 2018, I have served as human resources business partner (HRBP) at GroupM and human resources director at Archetype prior to my current position as Global HRBP at Dynamic Yield. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, plants, and spending time with family.
Did you have any favorite classes at NYU SPS?
During my time at NYU SPS, I loved all my classes. However, certain classes played a crucial role in guiding my career path, including Future of HR with Anna Tavis and Quantitative Methods and Metrics with Michael Valentine. These courses built the foundation of my understanding of workplace and human capital management and operations, among other topics.
Did any of your instructors leave a lasting impression on you? If so, how?
Of course! I have been in contact with most of my professors. Dr. Tavis has always offered guidance and support. She works hard for all her students to ensure they are poised for success and ready to make connections outside the classroom. I landed my GroupM job through connections I made at an event organized through Dr. Tavis's class.
Additionally, when my home country, Afghanistan, fell to the Taliban in August 2021, Dr. Tavis kept in touch with me as I was trying to evacuate my family from Kabul. She kept checking in on me to see if my family or I needed anything. Those were extremely difficult days, but I am grateful I had people I could count on.
What advice would you offer someone thinking about enrolling in the MS in Human Resource Management and Development?
Just do it. You will get a return for your commitment in no time.
How do you feel the MS in Human Resource Management and Development has equipped you for your current position––and the future?
HR has come a long way. NYU has empowered me to critically analyze every situation and express my point-of-view with the knowledge and data to support it. It is no longer a "paper-pushing" role; it is a strategic part of every company, and we all have a seat at the table.