Interview with Raabia Riaz, Data Scientist for a leading tech-product company

In Pakistan’s growing technology sector, Raabia Riaz is carving a path that combines technical excellence, research, and mentorship. As a Data Scientist at Nauf Networks, she works with cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, helping businesses automate processes, monitor performance, and make smarter, data-driven decisions. Beyond her professional work, she is also passionate about inspiring young women to pursue careers in technology and challenging traditional stereotypes about what women can achieve.

We spoke with Raabia about her journey, her ambitions, and her vision for the future.

Q: Can you tell us about your role at Nauf Networks?

Raabia: My work is really about transforming data into insights that can drive decisions. At Nauf Networks, I build automated dashboards, design predictive models, and analyse social media and web performance for our clients. For instance, one of our projects involved creating a predictive ARIMA model for a client in the robotics sector, which helped them forecast trends and improve operations. I also manage cloud-based workflows using Microsoft Azure, which allows us to process large-scale data efficiently. Every day is different, which is one of the things I enjoy most. It is a mix of problem-solving, creativity, and understanding human behaviour, and I love seeing how the work I do makes a tangible difference for businesses.

Q: How did you first get interested in technology and data science?

Raabia: I have always been curious about how things work. Even as a child growing up in Islamabad, I was fascinated by patterns and systems. I would spend hours experimenting with different ideas, trying to understand why things happen the way they do. When I discovered data science, it felt like a perfect fit. It combined logic and analysis with creativity and problem-solving. But it was not an easy choice. My family had other expectations. They wanted me to become a doctor. They would say, “You are good at science, so medicine is the right path.” At the time, data science was not widely known in Pakistan, especially for women. I knew I wanted something different, something that would challenge me every day and allow me to grow in a field that truly excited me.

Q: You are also involved in research. How does that fit with your professional work?

Raabia: Alongside my work, I am actively involved in research. I recently co-authored a paper published by Oxford University Press, which explores digital communities and online engagement. I am also preparing another paper that looks at how data analytics can influence business decisions. Research helps me connect the technical aspects of my work with the human side. It allows me to understand how technology impacts people, not just businesses. I find it very fulfilling because it gives me a broader perspective and keeps me curious about the world.

Q: Mentorship seems to be important to you. Can you tell us more about that?

Raabia: Mentorship is very close to my heart. When I first entered the tech field, there were very few women role models. Many people assumed technology was not for women. I wanted to show that it is possible. I regularly mentor young women who are interested in tech. Many reach out to me on LinkedIn, and I guide them through learning resources, career decisions, and skill-building. It is very rewarding to see them gain confidence and take their first steps into the field. If my experience can help even a few people feel more confident and pursue their ambitions, it makes all the challenges I faced worthwhile.

Q: What are your long-term goals?

Raabia: I want to gain experience in the UK because it has a very innovative and collaborative technology environment. I hope to work alongside global experts, learn from diverse teams, and gain international exposure. Eventually, I want to start my own technology venture that helps businesses in Pakistan use data more effectively and compete on a global scale. I am passionate about building solutions that have real-world impact and creating opportunities for other young women in the field.

Q: Can you share some of the challenges you faced along the way?

Raabia: There have been many moments of doubt. Technology can feel intimidating at times, especially when you are a woman in a male-dominated field. There were days when I questioned whether I was on the right path. But I learned that persistence and curiosity matter more than anything. Every project I worked on, every problem I solved, gave me more confidence. Having mentors and supportive colleagues also made a huge difference. I want other young women to know that feeling unsure is normal, but it should not stop you from pursuing your goals.

Q: What advice would you give to young women in Pakistan who want to pursue technology?

Raabia: My advice is to start small, stay curious, and be persistent. Technology is not limited to certain people or backgrounds. Experiment, ask questions, and seek mentors. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes because that is how you learn. I also encourage young women to connect with each other and build support networks. It is inspiring to see so many women stepping into this field and creating meaningful change.

Raabia Riaz’s journey from Islamabad to Nauf Networks, and with her sights set on London, is a story of ambition, curiosity, and determination. She is building not only her own career but also a path for the next generation of women in technology. Through her work, research, and mentorship, she is proving that with passion and perseverance, barriers can be broken, and opportunities can be created for others to follow.