Hometown: Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Current City: Washington, DC
Why did you choose McCourt? I chose McCourt because of its coursework rigor, faculty and research as well as opportunities to further pursue my interests in terms of affiliated centers, student organizations and certificates. The MPP program’s STEM designation and financial assistance provided by the school were also deciding factors for me.
What professional/ work experience did you have prior to coming to McCourt? Before coming to McCourt, I was working at a private consulting firm, particularly for public sector clients. I spent considerable time in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa supporting the planning and development department in digitization and financial management to improve performance across ten government departments. I also worked extensively with the Federal Ministry of Energy on gas pricing and supply. Prior to working as a consultant, I worked at the Collective for Social Science Research, a Karachi-based think tank where I was involved in multiple projects, including conducting the World Bank Study for Pakistan’s rural livelihood programs, a peer review for the International Labor Organization, and the Living Wage study for tobacco farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Social Accountability International, The Anker Research Institute and Phillip Morris International). When I first graduated I worked as a journalist and project manager at Express Media Digital, primarily on their digital education project.
What was the best part of your experience? The best part of my experience so far has been embracing challenges and enjoying the learning that comes with it – and doing so with some great friends that I have found here at Georgetown. I’m trying indulge more in the quant side of policy to step out of my comfort zone, and it has been a difficult but rewarding experience, in large part due to incredibly supportive and encouraging professors and friends.
What internships did you have during your time at McCourt?
1. Research Assistant with Professor Jishnu Das
2. Strategic Alliances Intern at HMSHost
3. Global Health, Equity and Rights Advocacy Intern at CARE International
4. Consultant with International Finance Corporation (IFC)’s SME Finance & Gender focus area
Student organization involvement while at McCourt: Women in Public Policy Initiative (WiPPI), South Asia Policy & Research Initiative (SAPRI), Georgetown Public Policy Review (GPPR)
Undergraduate University, degree, and major: Lahore University of Management Sciences, Bachelor of Science (Honours) Economics
Hobbies/ Interests: I’m interested in gender and social/development policy and how intersectional approaches can inform policy practice and analysis. I’m passionate about reading (although the number of books I read seems to be inversely related to my age!), writing, music and travel.
Reach out to me about: Moving to DC, Visa process (Pakistan), housing, food and general survival, enrollment decisions, academics and ECA, career prospects post graduation