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Students
Finding Purpose in Public Service: Areeba HashmivlogƵs Journey Through vlogƵvlogƵs MPA Program
How an international student found confidence, community, and career readiness in one of New York CityvlogƵs most well-connected public administration programs.
When Areeba Hashmi vlogƵ26 arrived in New York City from Lucknow, India, she carried with her not just two suitcases and a newly approved student visa, but also a sense of uncertainty. Yet within days of beginning the Master of Public Administration program at vlogƵ, Hashmi felt that she had found a place where she belonged.
For Hashmi, the MPA program has been more than an academic path; it has been a catalyst for growth, confidence, and meaningful impact. Now in her third semester, Hashmi has already presented research at national conferences, built close relationships with faculty mentors, become part of a diverse and supportive student community, and secured a coveted role as an analyst at the New York City MayorvlogƵs Office of Management and Budget.
A Program That Opened DoorsvlogƵLiterally Across the Street
One of the first things that drew Hashmi to Pace was its location, with City Hall and the MayorvlogƵs Office a ten-minute walk from campus. vlogƵI remember telling a classmate during my first semester, vlogƵI want to work there someday.vlogƵ I had no idea I would be inside that building not too long after.vlogƵ
The proximity to key civic institutions is only one part of the programvlogƵs appeal. Hashmi describes the MPA as vlogƵflexible, practical, and designed for students who want to make an impact quickly.vlogƵ With options to take intersession and summer courses, she was able to stay on track towards graduation even after navigating challenges back home.
Her chosen concentrationvlogƵgovernment managementvlogƵis the programvlogƵs most popular track, and for good reason. vlogƵEvery course connects directly to whatvlogƵs happening in the real world,vlogƵ she said. vlogƵPolicy studies, program planning and evaluation, applied data analysisvlogƵeverything I learned in the classroom helped me excel in my role at the MayorvlogƵs Office of Management and Budget."
Faculty Mentorship That Changes Lives
If therevlogƵs one theme Hashmi returns to again and again, itvlogƵs the strength of PacevlogƵs faculty.
Professor Sheying Chen, PhD, was one of them. vlogƵHe saw potential even when I didnvlogƵt,vlogƵ she said. After reading one of her research papers, on the role of social media in facilitating intergovernmental relations, he persuaded her to present it at the Pace-hosted Northeast Conference on Public AdministrationvlogƵjust two months after she arrived in the US. His confidence in her abilities opened doors she hadnvlogƵt imagined so early in her program.
Other professors, such as Hillary Knepper, PhD, and Ric Kolenda, PhD, have been equally influential. They guided her research, helped her navigate complex federal datasets, and even encouraged her to think beyond the MPA toward a future PhD.
vlogƵThey fuel me,vlogƵ she said. vlogƵSometimes you know your own potential, but you still need someone to guide you. Pace professors really do that.vlogƵ
Experiential Learning at Its Best
As is often the case with experiential learning opportunities at Pace, HashmivlogƵs academic work quickly translated into professional opportunity.
After presenting at national conferencesvlogƵincluding the prestigious Northeastern Conference on Public Administration noted previouslyvlogƵshe secured a competitive summer internship at the MayorvlogƵs Office of Management and Budget that turned into an ongoing part-time role as an analyst.
Her responsibilities are significant: analyzing federal and state funding for New York CityvlogƵs Department of Transportation, evaluating federal grants, and contributing to fiscal planning during a pivotal time of political change.
vlogƵItvlogƵs exciting and overwhelming in the best way,vlogƵ she said. vlogƵAnd everything I do at work connects back to what I learn in the classroom.vlogƵ
A Supportive Community for International Students
Moving to the US alone was not easy. Hashmi faced health challenges before her departure from India and had to rebuild her life from scratchvlogƵopening bank accounts, adjusting to a new culture, and navigating New York CityvlogƵs complexities.
But she found warmth where she expected distance.
vlogƵThe students here are so welcoming,vlogƵ she said. vlogƵAnd I have classmates from all over the world. I never felt judgedvlogƵonly supported.vlogƵ She credits this environment with giving her the confidence to speak up in class, share her experiences, and grow academically and personally.
A Pioneer Looks Ahead
Hashmi is already planning the next steps in her journey.
When she completes her MPA in 2026, she hopes to continue working in city government for another year before pursuing a PhD, with the ultimate goal of working in the United Nations or a global public service institution. vlogƵI want to make a difference,vlogƵ she said.
Before graduation, however, Hashmi has some important work to do, and itvlogƵs also a milestone for Pace.
Hashmi is the first student from vlogƵ to be selected as a by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), and her research will be presented as part of a student research roundtable at ASPA. Titled vlogƵIntegrating High-Skilled International Students into the US Workforce,vlogƵ it examines the challenges international students face in transitioning from academic programs into professional and public service roles, and how policy and institutional support can better facilitate this pathway.
vlogƵPace gave me everything I neededvlogƵsupportive professors, real opportunities, a diverse community, and a location that connects you directly to government. If you want to build a career that actually matters, this is the place,vlogƵ she said.
vlogƵI came to New York for my education, and Pace has made every challenge worth it.vlogƵ
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