Salwa Minallah
Why did you choose the MILR program?
I discovered a perfect fit between the MILR program and my future career goal in life. My professional background has given me a diversified combination of sales, project management & brand management experience in culturally different countries in a multinational company. However, I have found myself lacking a truly global insight at times, as my professional experiences had been limited to South and Southeast Asia before starting school. In turn, I have been deeply attracted by Cornell MILR’s focus towards ingraining practical HR knowledge base through experiential learning. I was looking forward to gaining the advantage of converting theory into practice and learning from highly accomplished faculty, diversified peers across the globe and industry leaders and practitioners.
What is your favorite part about the MILR program?
Connecting with peers from all over the world and getting to know the dynamic leaders who are making impactful influences in the HR and business world everyday stand as my favorite part of the program. I deem, MILR has this close-knit diverse pool of talents who make this program more meaningful! Being exposed to industry leaders in different professional events almost every week has been enriching my learning curve tremendously.
What is your favorite class so far?
My favorite class so far is Globalization and HR with Rosemary Batt. Case-based teaching methods coupled with the rich content of this course have reinforced the value of coming prepared, developing problem-solving attitudes, being respectful to other’s views, working as a team and learning from each other.
What is your favorite part of Ithaca?
My favorite part of the Ithaca is gazing down the slope at the campus– the beauty of the landscape and horizon with the sun setting down! Only at Cornell one can enjoy this spellbinding view and savor the moment!
What advice would you give a prospective student?
Keep yourself open, immerse with the learning journey and capitalize on the vast array of resources Cornell offers. Try to be organized but don’t forget to connect with your cohort and have fun!
What was your summer internship company/location?
Microsoft Corporation, headquartered in Redmond, WA.
What was the highlight of your summer internship?
One of the highlights from my summer internship was discovering how to leverage our vulnerability into strength by keeping ourselves open to learn and generate positive energy. Next, having worked in global projects at Microsoft, I have realized Microsoft HR truly plays the role of strategic HR which aligns people strategy with the business strategy and that’s what we are learning at school.
Where will you be working full-time after you graduate?
Microsoft Corporation, headquartered in Redmond, WA as a HR Rotational Program Manager (HRLDP Program).
More about Salwa
Undergrad Degree: B.B.A., Major in Marketing from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Prior Work Experience: Marketing, Sales, and Project Management at Nestle S.A. (6+ years in Bangladesh in Philippines)