Farhan Munir

Graduate Research Assistant

Farhan is from Lahore, Pakistan, a city renowned for its street food, architecture and history. Having lived in the hustle of city life in his home country, coming to Commerce was a pleasant surprise. He loves the quietness of this place, and you’ll often find him at the Pavilion in the evenings. Who doesn’t love a beautifully lit lake and a sunset view with a warm cup of tea?

A Conversation with Farhan

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce? What sets A&M-Commerce apart from other universities?

I appreciate that the university offers both rural and urban settings in Commerce and Dallas, respectively. It gives students an opportunity to experience the best of both cities – the affordable cost of living in Commerce and the high-life of Dallas. Shuttle service runs twice a day, so Dallas is easily accessible. The other aspect I like the most about this university is the value for money. I would definitely rank it high in that category.

How is your degree program preparing you for a career once you graduate from A&M-Commerce?

At A&M Commerce, the graduate business analytics program is a fusion of mathematics (statistics), computer sciences (SQL, Python, R, SSIS) and business studies (real-world case studies). Mastering these in-demand skills gives me confidence in acquiring a position after graduation. The university also has an annual inter-university Hackathon along with the North Texas Case Competition. Participating in these competitions boosts your skills and winning the competition adds something noteworthy to your resume.

Which professor or staff member has positively influenced you during your time as a student at A&M-Commerce? What will you remember about this professor or staff member?

I would like to mention three influential professors who have significantly impacted my academic journey. Professor Zaki saw my potential early on and helped me set clear goals and expectations. Professor Vinayaka helped enhance my visualization skills in Tableau and Excel. With Professor Son Bui’s mentorship, I achieved success in the Hackathon and North Texas Case Competitions. Their unwavering support highlighted the importance of hard work and dedication. I am truly grateful for their continuous guidance and encouragement.

What is an important life lesson you have learned as a student at A&M-Commerce?

As a student at A&M-Commerce, an important life lesson I have learned is the value of hard work and dedication. Often, things may not go as planned, but with relentless determination, one can ultimately achieve their goals. Additionally, a crucial lesson I have learned is to always have confidence in oneself. Nobody is perfect, but having self-assurance can lead to great accomplishments and open doors to new opportunities.

Education

• M.S., Business Analytics, Texas A&M University-Commerce, In Progress
• B.S., Econometrics and Qualitative Economics, Lahore University of Management Sciences, 2017

Experience

• Graduate Research Assistant, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2022-Present
• Data Analyst, Afiniti, 2018-2019
• Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Lahore University of Management Sciences, 2016-2017