When Areeba Hashmi arrived in New York City from Lucknow, India, she brought with her a sense of uncertainty about her future. However, after starting the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Pace University, she found a supportive environment that helped her build confidence and advance her career.
Hashmi’s experience at Pace has included presenting research at national conferences, developing relationships with faculty mentors, joining a diverse student community, and securing a position as an analyst at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget. The university’s proximity to civic institutions such as City Hall was a significant factor in her decision to attend Pace. “I remember telling a classmate during my first semester, ‘I want to work there someday.’ I had no idea I would be inside that building not too long after,” she said.
She described the MPA program as “flexible, practical, and designed for students who want to make an impact quickly.” The government management concentration provided courses directly related to current public sector issues. “Every course connects directly to what’s happening in the real world,” Hashmi said. “Policy studies, program planning and evaluation, applied data analysis—everything I learned in the classroom helped me excel at City Hall.”
Faculty support played an important role in Hashmi’s journey. Professor Sheying Chen encouraged her to present research soon after arriving in the United States. “He saw potential even when I didn’t,” she said. Other professors such as Hillary Knepper and Ric Kolenda also supported her academic development and encouraged further study.
Experiential learning is emphasized at Pace University. After participating in conferences like the Northeastern Conference on Public Administration, Hashmi obtained an internship that led to ongoing employment analyzing funding for city departments and contributing to fiscal planning efforts.
Adjusting to life in the U.S., Hashmi found community among classmates from around the world. “The students here are so welcoming,” she said. She credits this environment for helping her grow both academically and personally.
Looking ahead, Hashmi plans to continue working in city government before pursuing a PhD with hopes of working for international organizations such as the United Nations. Notably, she is the first Pace University student selected as a 2026 Founders’ Fellow by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). Her upcoming research presentation will focus on integrating high-skilled international students into the U.S. workforce.
“Pace gave me everything I needed—supportive professors, real opportunities, a diverse community, and a location that connects you directly to government,” she said. “If you want to build a career that actually matters, this is the place.”
“I came to New York for my education, and Pace has made every challenge worth it.”
