Her Story
About Maryam
Maryam Rehman serves as an Immigration Specialist, a full-time role she began after completing her undergraduate studies. In this position at George Mason University, she manages back-end documentation for international students, including requests related to employment reporting, travel signatures, OPT, and I-20s, while also responding to student inquiries via email and providing reassurance during in-person meetings when needed. She previously supported students in a front-facing capacity at the university's International Students Office. Maryam earned her undergraduate degree in Global Affairs and will graduate with her master's degree in Global Affairs this fall. Outside her professional role, she has been the coordinator for Young Muslims in the Woodbridge area since 2023, where she plans bi-weekly events, leads presentations on topics of interest to members, and works to build community and safe spaces for young Muslim women and men.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maryam
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Make sure you know what you're passionate about and do research before getting into a career path. Understand the longer run of what you get into rather than just jumping in when young. Prioritize doing what you enjoy so you put your heart into it and it flourishes, instead of dreading it.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenge is policies and rules changing for students coming from overseas, making it hard to understand information and deal with frustrated students who need reassurance. Opportunities include the variety of pathways in Global Affairs such as government, NGOs, or working with international students, with many options so you won't get stuck.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Sticking to your own beliefs and values regardless of others, standing up for what is right, and never being a bystander. If someone can't stand up for themselves, you have to be the one to stand up for them to ensure no one is wronged. We need to get together as a community rather than being individualistic.
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