<p>As director at EnerKnol Inc., Shahid Mahdi works at the forefront of energy and environmental regulatory intelligence, where he helps clients ranging from law firms and utilities to government agencies and financial institutions access and interpret critical data.</p> <p>EnerKnol’s platform—powered by AI and machine learning—hosts nearly 50 million legal and regulatory documents and adds over 20,000 new filings daily. Shahid’s role focuses on ensuring clients derive maximum value from this vast ecosystem: “My work ranges from onboarding new clients and showcasing our AI-powered tools to identifying macro-level trends across the $3 trillion North American energy marketplace,” he explains.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Shahid’s academic journey at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs (CGA) reflects his passion for connecting ideas across disciplines. After earning his <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-affairs.html">MS in Global Affairs</a> with a concentration in Energy, he returned to complete a second master’s in <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-security-conflict-and-cybercrime.html">Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime</a>—an intersection he believes is increasingly vital in today’s interconnected world.</p> <p>He credits CGA’s interdisciplinary nature for fostering his curiosity: “The program gives you a strong theoretical foundation while affording a ton of flexibility to explore what you’re passionate about. It’s a concentration that embraces a wide diversity of thought, beliefs, and opinions—which I think is crucial.”</p> <p>Shahid describes his experience at CGA as nimble, energetic, and deeply collaborative. Each class, he recalls, felt dynamic and grounded in real-world relevance. “I was constantly inspired by the mix of policy practitioners, academics, and high-profile guest speakers who brought diverse global perspectives into discussions,” he says.</p> <p>From panels on global energy transitions to roundtables with government and business leaders, CGA’s vibrant programming helped him build connections that continue to shape his career today. “Routinely hearing from esteemed professionals in the energy, finance, and tech sectors emboldened my professional trajectory and led me to dive headfirst into the energy regulatory universe.”</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shahid takes pride in being part of an alumni community that continues to shape global conversations. “CGA continues to be an omniscient presence in New York and beyond,” he notes. “Its alumni network counts incredibly accomplished, driven, and talented people among its ranks. Having that symbiotic relationship with some of the world’s foremost companies and news outlets is fantastic—and something I look to further contribute to.”</p> <p>Shahid emphasizes one core principle to current and prospective CGA students: growth most often occurs outside your comfort zone. “Take classes on subjects you know absolutely nothing about. Give presentations on topics that initially seem daunting. Collaborate with people from completely different industries.”</p> <p>He also encourages students to view their coursework as a springboard for real-world engagement: “Don’t think that the work you complete in the classroom isn’t deserving of real-world merit. Send your case studies to companies, turn discussion posts into op-eds, and put your ideas out there—people respond to passion. It just may land you an interview!”</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>