Rana Muhammad Umer
Master of Public Policy (MPP) Class of 2026
Name: Rana Muhammad Umer
Programme: MPP, Class of 2025/26
Nationality: Pakistani
“Core classes like quantitative methods have demystified data for me, showing how helpful it is for evidence-based policy. I am loving how political science weaves in ethics and power dynamics, making me rethink my first-hand experience of working in the public sector.
Can you tell us about your background and why you chose to study the MPP programme at SPP?
I’m Umer. I am an officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service. For the past nine years, I have been fortunate enough to serve in different roles with the Government of Punjab and Sindh. I picked LSE's MPP because it is a 9-month professional and skills-focused degree, utterly suitable for my career ahead. I believe it’s the perfect launchpad for me to take on wicked global challenges with knowledge, tools, and confidence.
What are the highlights from Welcome and your first few weeks?
Welcome Week was electric, breaking the ice with 80+ policy professionals from all corners of the world, turning strangers into life-long friends. My first weeks involved diving into econometrics that actually clicks, having “aha” moments in public management class, and exploring the many engagement opportunities LSE has to offer.
What have been some of your takeaways from your studies so far?
Core classes like quantitative methods have demystified data for me, showing how helpful it is for evidence-based policy. I am loving how political science weaves in ethics and power dynamics, making me rethink my first-hand experience of working in the public sector.
How are you hoping to apply these to your career/next steps?
Back home, I am planning to reinvigorate urban policy projects in Punjab. Using LSE's data and policy skills, my focus will be on slum upgrades and climate-resilient cities.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am most interested in workshops offered by the Professional Skills Accelerator. They provide an avenue to learn and sharpen skills required by every professional but are often neglected in coursework.
What are you hoping to achieve/what are your main objectives whilst at LSE SPP?
I am hoping to sharpen my analytical and data-handling skills for policy formulation and implementation. The bigger goal is to work on skills, build cross-border connections, and graduate from LSE as a better policy practitioner.
What is the best thing about being a SPP student?
In my opinion, the best thing about being a SPP student is the experience of collective learning, where each person sitting in class is teaching you through their professional work—how they managed a disaster, for example.
Who would you recommend the programme to?
I would strongly recommend the programme to future leaders who will be working on solutions to societal problems in a global or national context. The programme prepares you to be ready for leadership positions.
What advice would you give to anyone who is considering studying the MPP?
The MPP offers much more than just a degree. Be prepared to say yes to opportunities offered, ranging from Nobel laureates talking about the economy to a chat with a peer over coffee. The magnitude of learning is inexplicable.
Can you describe your SPP experience so far in three words?
Thrilling. Transformative. Life-long.