We love to learn from our alumni and this global Alumni Engagement blog features Penn State’s remarkable global alumni on a weekly basis. This week we interview Yousuf Al Lawati ’08 for our weekly Global Alumni Spotlight column.
Yousuf Al Lawati is our 2008 alumnus of Smeal College of Business with a BSc in Actuarial Science. Subsequently, he completed his postgraduate degree (in Act. Sci) in Scotland, UK. Yousuf continued studying his professional actuarial qualification and became certified as an Associate of the Society of Actuaries. After that, he pursued his career in Actuarial Science, concentrating in Risk Management. Currently, Yousuf works for a global bank as a Senior Wholesale Credit Manager.
Tell us about a couple of Penn State moments that carry with you now.
My learning experience at Penn State was a determining factor in taking bold steps at both personal and career levels. Of the range in experience, the two that made the most significant impact are:
The first experience pertained to joining a sports club. Having a formal group with a common interest was one of the best decisions. As part of club intercollegiate engagement, only the top 2-3 would be allowed to represent the University. This was determined through a competition, and those who got to travel were based on merit. However, there were challenges with the funding of this sports club, and we were told that to continue to compete, we need to fund it through any means available. An opportunity was presented to us by the Bryce Jordan Center, which was to clean a portion of the stadium (after a White Out!) to fund the club. This was one of the most rewarding and humble experiences that taught me the value of money and that no job is unimportant. This struck through in my career, and sometimes you need to pick up trash for the better good, and there is no shame in it!
The other experience was an act of empathy from a mathematics professor. While I endeavored always to deliver high grades, I faced some challenges with this MATH230, being challenged by three-dimensional analytic geometry and vectors. I barely scored 40 percentage points in the first midterm, destined to fail this class and potentially delay graduation by a year. However, the professor reached out to me to help with my challenges. Despite having no interest in my success and a place of power, the professor showed exceptional empathy through guidance. He requested that I drop the class, re-add the MATH231 in the summer (also with him), and guided me through the entire process through the material that I found challenging him. This was also priceless learning, a leader by example, using his knowledge and time to guide to success, rather than assuming it ‘not his problem.’ To this day, that experience pushes me to persistently help those which I can, even if it’s words of guidance.
What made Penn State stand out as the place you wanted to pursue your degree?
The decision to end up at Penn State was entirely by coincidence, so was studying in the United States. Circumstances somehow guided me towards Penn State, being the top choice of Actuarial Science amongst the available options. I would not trade my experiences for anywhere else!
How do you stay connected with our alumni in Oman?
Being an international student at Penn State, we had a very geographically spread alumni group. It most certainly is a challenge to keep in touch with all. However, we had few meetings with our fellow GCC members in UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
What’s one thing that Penn State alumni can do to support today’s students?
It would be helpful if Penn State representatives had an annual (or biennial) meeting regionally. This could be in regional hubs, such as London, Dubai, Singapore, to connect various members of the neighboring countries. It could harbor a stronger alumni association with an international presence if this happens.
What skills or traits should our students develop to help them succeed in your line of business?
Nothing is as helpful these days as the ability to both teach, unteach and reteach yourself. In a continually dynamic world, challenging your knowledge and having the ability to refresh it with new ideas is priceless.
Covid-19 made those that are flexible, dynamic, and re-learners shine. The ability to remotely solve problems, communicate and grow was only accessible to those that tried and retaught themselves a new way of working.
2022 is here, what are your advises to our international students at Penn State?
As important as studying and learning at PSU, make the most of your experiences to develop your character. Network and build bridges through social clubs, classes, sports, and all opportunities to learn from people. Cherish the time you have there and make the most of it. You’ll soon see that you will have less and less as you look back at Penn State.