Palak Bharti, a member of the Pace University Class of 2025, is currently pursuing an MS in Marketing Analytics at the Lubin School of Business. Bharti cites several reasons for choosing Pace and Lubin, including its location in the Financial District and the school’s industry reputation. “I chose Pace and Lubin because the combination just clicked for me. Coming from the digital payments world, being in the Financial District—surrounded by fintech firms, banks, and startups—felt strategic,” she said.
Bharti highlighted that her academic experience was complemented by active involvement in campus organizations such as The Front Yard (TFY), Pace Ad Club, and IDM Lab. She described these groups as critical to her growth: “Clubs and campus groups have shaped my experience more than anything else. The Front Yard isn’t technically a student club, but it’s probably had the biggest impact. It pushed my thinking, expanded my network, and honestly made me operate more like an entrepreneur than a student.”
She also discussed her decision to take on leadership roles within clubs like AMA and how they shaped her time at Pace: “Being an international student at Pace has been both grounding and genuinely motivating. Every day I step into New York City, the first feeling I get is gratitude—because studying here still feels like a privilege I worked hard for.” According to Bharti, supportive professors have played an important role in her confidence and integration into university life.
In addition to club activities, Bharti held multiple on-campus jobs that influenced her college experience. She worked with The Front Yard as both a volunteer and later as a student assistant: “It exposed me to talks, panels, workshops, and fireside chats that taught me how deeply entrepreneurship and social good intersect.” Her work with Professor Harosh provided opportunities for professional development: “He treats me like a colleague…that trust has opened doors I never expected—including meeting people like Siya Raj Purohit (OpenAI), Daniel Lubetzky (CEO of Kind), Ed Latimore, and Daryl Davis (the man is legendary).”
Bharti also volunteered during New York Tech Week—a demanding schedule that required coordinating across teams at eight events over five days—and served as a graduate research assistant with Dr. Pradeep Gopalakrishnan. In this role she developed analytical skills through engagement with marketing frameworks and business cases.
Her favorite opportunity at Pace was participating in diverse experiences such as the Experiential Learning Lab hackathon: “The Experiential Learning Lab—a one-day hackathon—exposed me to organizations I never imagined I’d work with as a student: American Technology Services, NJ Transit, MTA, and more.” She also mentioned taking part in case competitions that combined analytics with real-world strategy.
For other students considering Lubin or seeking advice on making the most of their time at Pace University Bharti offered practical guidance: “Don’t wait for permission. Pace rewards the people who raise their hand first…Show up to events even when you’re tired…take opportunities even if you think you’re ‘not ready yet.’”
Summing up what #LubinLife means to her Bharti stated: “#LubinLife…means learning in motion…It’s not just classes and grades—it’s the mix of academics, real-world projects, New York City energy…Most importantly #LubinLife is about growth—fast uncomfortable exciting and constant.”
Those interested can connect with Palak Bharti on LinkedIn or Instagram.
