MS-EI, Khalifa University student Latifa Alneyadi intersects entrepreneurship, engineering to fuel innovative plans

The Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MS-EI) from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University gives students from diverse backgrounds a space to not only learn about entrepreneurship and business but also experience the process of formulating ideas and turning them into business ventures.

Thinking like an entrepreneur is something that can be learned, no matter one's education, background, or experience, and provides great benefits whether you're planning to start your own business or not.

The Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MS-EI) from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University gives students from diverse backgrounds a space to not only learn about entrepreneurship and business but also experience the process of formulating ideas and turning them into business ventures.

For students like Latifa Alneyadi (MS-EI '25), this experience has had a profound impact. "I can confidently say this program has transformed my mindset," she says.

Alneyadi came to ASU and W. P. Carey through a global partnership the university has with Khalifa University of Science and Technology in the United Arab Emirates, which allows students to pursue master's degrees from both schools. Her background is in computer engineering with a focus on software systems. In addition to the MS-EI from W. P. Carey, Alneyadi will earn a master's in systems engineering and management from Khalifa University.

"I’ve learned how to reframe problems and adapt when customer needs evolve, which is a critical skill in entrepreneurship," says Alneyadi. "Both [Khalifa University] and ASU have played pivotal roles in my growth — not only as an entrepreneur but also as an intrapreneur, capable of driving innovation within organizations."

The W. P. Carey School spoke to Alneyadi about her experience studying at ASU, how the MS-EI program has already changed her thought processes, and her potential plans for after graduation.

Why W. P. Carey?

Alneyadi says that her time at ASU and W. P. Carey has been "a different kind of experience — the good kind," citing how she feels she's been pushed out of her comfort zone. "The program has challenged me to grow in ways I didn’t anticipate. From day one, I’ve seen improvements in my soft skills, my approach to problem-solving, and my ability to handle complex outcomes."

This growth mindset is what led Alneyadi to the Khalifa University-W. P. Carey partnership and the MS-EI program in the first place, as she was intrigued by the opportunity to gain new knowledge in business and entrepreneurship to combine with her engineering background.

"This program uniquely combines the entrepreneurial mindset with technical mastery, equipping us with the tools to not only conceive innovative ideas but also turn them into scalable ventures," she says. "The prospect of gaining the skills to start and manage a startup while receiving structured guidance on how to execute it effectively was a major motivator for me."

She also mentions that the community at ASU, and particularly within the W. P. Carey School, has been welcoming and inviting. "The W. P. Carey community is incredibly diverse and welcoming to individuals from all industries and backgrounds," she says. "At the same time, we’re encouraged to pursue ventures that align with our personal goals, making the learning journey both professional and deeply meaningful."

Support from both faculty and her fellow students has made Alneyadi's MS-EI experience both more enriching and more successful, as she's received invaluable feedback, guidance, and assistance. "These collaborative discussions have added depth to my learning experience, as my peers often bring fresh perspectives and practical insights to the table," she says.

Why entrepreneurship and innovation?

Alneyadi says she has a passion for "using technology to address real-world problems," and states that learning more about entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking will more easily allow her to use her technical skills in engineering to do just that.

"The program provides a robust foundation for tackling the uncertainties of innovation," she says. "It teaches us how to enter uncharted markets strategically and equips us with tools to manage the ambiguity inherent in entrepreneurship. These lessons are invaluable for navigating the real-world challenges of launching and scaling ventures."

She highlighted a few classes that have made especially big impacts on her entrepreneurial journey so far, including a course focused on business modeling with Professor Riva Drummond. "His teaching style, grounded in real-world examples and hands-on workshops, embedded the principles of the business model canvas in my everyday thinking," she says. "He made complex decision-making frameworks practical and actionable."

Alneyadi credits this course, as well as others focusing on customer discovery, problem-solving frameworks, and pitching, as providing a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and transforming the way she looks at ideas and solving problems. "The program has sharpened my ability to think on my feet, understand the nuances of business models, and appreciate their role in venture success."

What's next?

Starting your own business is not the only way to utilize an education in entrepreneurship, and Alneyadi sees her future more as an intrepreneur, coming up with new ventures and ideas while being a part of an existing organization.

While in the program, Alneyadi has been working on a venture project related to carbon capture that she says has "great potential." She foresees herself combining her knowledge and skills in engineering and software systems with her newly gained business expertise to come up with innovative ideas and solutions while working for an organization.

Alneyadi encourages anyone considering or taking part in the MS-EI program to keep an open mind about their future and what path the program may end up leading them down. "What you start with may not be where you end up, but trust the process — it’s designed to teach you, challenge you, and prepare you for the complexities of entrepreneurship. Embrace the journey, and you’ll leave with invaluable skills and insights."

"The MS-EI program is a journey of open-minded exploration, where trusting the process leads to growth and discovery," she adds.