Maha Butt

Maha Butt '24 (she/her)

Program: MIA

Concentration: International Security Policy

Specialization: Leadership, Innovation, and Design

Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan

Maha graduated with Honors and Distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Political Science and minors in Statistics and Analytics and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). During her time at UNC, Maha was robustly involved in Student Government through various positions each year, including Chair of Academic Affairs in her senior year. Moreover, Maha partook in several internships by working for the Office of NC Attorney General, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, U.S. Department of Commerce, and conducted research at UNC, Duke, and Harvard. Maha’s final year was dedicated to her Honor’s thesis.

Apart from academics, Maha’s time at Columbia has been devoted to gaining experience in multiple organizations such as UNICEF HQ, Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, and the American Pakistan Foundation. While she was originally interested in policy advocacy and public relations, Maha is now pivoting to a career in geopolitical risk analysis and global strategy development.

Maha ultimately made the decision to join Columbia because of its multidisciplinary International Affairs program and its location in the heart of New York City.

Maha is originally from Islamabad, Pakistan where she completed her A’levels before applying for college. She has traveled extensively and has lived in Saudi Arabia for over 3 years. Additionally, Maha has served as a tutor and mentor on many platforms and loves sharing guidance based on her own experiences to those seeking it.