Alumnus Highlight—Danyal Naeem

Can you describe the work you are doing now?

At Sinch, I have had the exciting opportunity to step into a leadership role as the company's first Product Researcher. What has been especially rewarding is building a research-driven culture from the ground up. When I started, the team did not have a formalized approach to UX research, so my role has centered around integrating research practices into every stage of product development.

Leading this effort has meant close collaboration with product managers, designers, and marketers. We have worked together to make sure our decisions are grounded in user insights and real data. Whether it is conducting usability tests, facilitating in-depth user interviews, or translating research findings into actionable product strategies, I ensure that our product roadmap is tightly aligned with both user needs and business goals.

What excites me most is seeing how this research-first mindset has transformed not only our product outcomes but also the way the team works together. It has fostered a more collaborative and innovative environment where decisions are informed by evidence rather than assumptions. My goal at Sinch is to continue advocating for the value of user research in shaping products that provide meaningful value, creating better experiences for our users while driving business success.

What is a post-graduation project you have worked on that you are most proud of?

A project that stands out for me is my work on the Zoom Essential Apps launch. This was a pivotal moment for the company, especially as virtual communication became central to how we connect and collaborate. I was deeply involved in the user research that guided the design and functionality of the in-app experience. Working closely with product managers, designers, and engineers, we aimed to ensure that Zoom Apps not only addressed user needs but also fit seamlessly into the broader Zoom ecosystem.

What made this project so meaningful was the ability to bring user voices directly into the decision-making process. We gathered insights through interviews, surveys, and usability tests, which gave us a clear sense of what users valued and where they encountered pain points. These insights were not just informative—they shaped the product's development. Seeing the direct impact of this work, especially at such a scale, was incredibly fulfilling. The launch of Zoom Apps was a key milestone, and knowing that I played a part in something that enhanced user engagement at such a critical time in global communication was a proud moment in my career.

How does your Minerva education make you uniquely prepared for post-graduate life? What HC/HCs do you still apply in your daily life?

My Minerva education has been foundational in preparing me for post-graduate life, especially through concepts we covered in Habits of Mind and Foundational Concepts (HCs). As a product manager and UX Researcher, I consistently rely on HCs like #rightproblem, #designthinking, and #hypothesisdevelopment. For instance, when tackling product challenges, I first spend a significant amount of time understanding the problem space, honing in on what truly needs to be solved before jumping to solutions. This is a classic application of #rightproblem, which is all about dissecting complex issues, understanding the goal state, and navigating obstacles before moving forward.

#designthinking has also been central to my career approach. When developing new products or features, one cannot rely on guessing what users might want. Thus, I actively engage in user research, ideation, and rapid prototyping, ensuring that every iteration is informed by user feedback. This constant cycle of refinement helps me create solutions that truly address user needs and align with the broader vision of the team.

Similarly, #hypothesisdevelopment ties directly into the research aspect of my role. I have found it crucial to start with well-formed hypotheses, linking observations and assumptions with broader trends and product goals. This iterative process mirrors the scientific method, allowing me to continually test and improve my understanding of how users engage with a product or solution.

Beyond work, the principles of the #scienceoflearning have made me adept at quickly picking up new skills and adapting to changes. Minerva’s global rotation – constantly moving between cities and learning to adjust to new environments – has made me more than comfortable with change. I have become more open to it, recognizing that discomfort and uncertainty are essential drivers of my growth. Whether it is a new professional or a personal project, I can apply these learning strategies and, eventually, thrive. This constant learning mindset ensures that I stay open and agile in all aspects of life.

Were there any Minerva experiences that inspired you to pursue this job?

Minerva’s international community and my role as a Residential Assistant (RA) in my freshman and sophomore years played a huge part in shaping my values and career path. Being part of such a diverse, global environment, I had the opportunity to learn from people with incredibly varied backgrounds and perspectives. As an RA, my role was about more than just managing logistics – I was responsible for fostering a sense of belonging, building strong, supportive communities, and empowering my peers to make the most out of their Minerva journey. 

It taught me a lot about the power of bringing people together around shared goals, something that has translated directly into my professional life. In some ways, product development and research are about building community, too – listening to users, understanding their needs, and creating solutions that genuinely empower them. My time as an RA showed me how impactful it can be to create spaces where people feel heard, supported, and included, a principle I carry with me in the collaborative environments I now lead at work.

At Minerva, this sense of community was heightened by the global rotation, where we moved together from city to city, constantly navigating new cultural landscapes. It was not just about adapting to change; it was about helping others feel grounded and connected, no matter where we were. This ability to cultivate strong relationships and create inclusive spaces is something I apply today, whether I work with cross-functional teams or engage with users to shape meaningful products.

‍If you were inspired by Danyal’s story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world,apply to join Minerva today.