Shaheer Mahmood

Full Name: Shaheer Mahmood

Hometown, city, and state or country: Karachi, Pakistan

Degree: MS in DACSS

Where I am interning: International Rescue Committee (IRC)

What I am doing there: I am currently interning as a Data Analyst, where my primary responsibilities include designing and developing Power BI reports to support various program areas involved in providing services to refugees. I also extract and clean data from internal software systems, ensuring data integrity and proper formatting to facilitate accurate analysis and reporting. My work helps program teams make data-informed decisions and improves overall service delivery.

The most important thing I am learning: The most important thing I’m learning is how to turn raw data into meaningful insights that can drive real-world impact. I’m gaining hands-on experience with data visualization tools like Power BI, deepening my understanding of data cleaning and transformation processes, and learning how to communicate data findings in a way that supports decision-making across different program areas. I'm also developing a greater appreciation for how data can be used to improve services for vulnerable populations, especially within a nonprofit context.

The most challenging part of my internship: The most challenging part of my internship has been working with inconsistent or incomplete data. Since the data comes from different sources and is entered by various users, ensuring accuracy and standardization can be time-consuming. It requires a lot of attention to detail and problem-solving to clean and structure the data correctly before it can be used for analysis or reporting.

What surprised me the most: What surprised me the most was the significant role data analysis plays in shaping strategic decisions within a nonprofit company. I had not anticipated the extent to which well-structured data and insightful reporting could directly impact program development and service delivery. It has been enlightening to see how data-driven approaches are used to identify trends, measure outcomes, and ultimately enhance the support provided to refugee communities.

Why I’m studying data analytics: I am studying data analytics because I am passionate about using data to solve real-world problems and drive informed decision-making. I am particularly drawn to the intersection of data, technology, and social impact, and I believe that data analytics provides powerful tools to uncover insights, optimize processes, and create meaningful change.

Future plans:  My future plans include pursuing a career in data analytics, where I can apply my skills to contribute to mission-driven organizations or industries focused on social impact, healthcare, or public policy. I aim to continue building expertise in data visualization, statistical analysis, and data-driven storytelling, while also expanding my knowledge of tools like Python, SQL, and machine learning. Ultimately, I hope to take on roles that not only involve technical analysis but also strategic decision-making, where I can help organizations use data to make meaningful, evidence-based improvements.