Hometown
Azerbaijan/Baku
Undergraduate education
Bachelor’s degree in public affairs at ADA University
Expected graduation date
May or August 2025
Policy interests
International organizations, energy analysis and policy, social welfare, political economy, renewable energy, education, democratic transitions
Accomplishments
Presidential Award, the best youth in the year of 2019, State Scholarship recipient (Azerbaijan), published author (journal articles and research papers), speaker at international conferences including ISCEMR-2024, founder and director of HopEdu
Why an MPA?
My experiences working in embassies across Europe, my leadership roles in youth-focused NGOs, and my passion for educational equity and sustainable energy policy significantly influenced my decision to pursue an MPA.
Why the La Follette School?
The small class sizes, strong quantitative skills curriculum, renowned faculty expertise, the school’s location in a state capital, and the community-focused ethos of the Wisconsin Idea attracted me to La Follette.
Career goals
My long-term career goal is to become a diplomat and work in diplomatic missions. However, in the short term, I plan to continue my research and be a professor, contributing impactful research in public policy and international relations, focusing on policies promoting social equity and sustainability.
How has the La Follette School set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
La Follette’s courses provided rigorous training in policy analysis, research methods, and practical application through projects with real-world clients, preparing me for advanced research and academic roles.
Assistantship
I currently serve as a teaching assistant for the Political Science Department. Before that, I worked for the Introduction to International Studies course at UW-Madison for a year and half. My responsibilities include facilitating discussions, mentoring students, and contributing to curriculum design. This position aligns with my passion for education and mentorship.
Internship
International Bank of Azerbaijan, operational department intern
Primary responsibilities
- Conducted training and development projects
- Performed 360 degree performance evaluations
- Analyzed outcomes of training programs
- Managed administrative tasks including contract negotiations
Describe a project that best illustrates your internship.
I initiated and led a feedback empowerment project to improve organizational culture and performance.
What experiences and skills helped you get the internship?
My previous leadership in NGOS, educational projects, analytical skills from academic courses, and hands-on experience with international organizations significantly strengthened my candidacy.
Work with clients
I completed Cost-Benefit Analysis projects, including evaluating biodiversity conservation strategies for Nepal, directly interacting with international policymakers and conservation groups.
Mentors
Guided and supervised by Professor Dave Weimer on my research in federal funding biases significantly enhanced my analytical and policy formulation skills.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students
Engage actively with your peers and professors, seize opportunities to work on real-world projects, and remain open-minded about diverse career paths in public policy.
Most challenging La Follette School experience
Balancing demanding coursework, research projects, teaching responsibilities, and internship commitments simultaneously. I remember one summer term that I was working as a TA, interning and considering the time difference between the U.S and Azerbaijan.
Most rewarding La Follette School experience
Seeing the real-world impact of my research and policy recommendations during internship projects and class assignments.
How has the La Follette School changed the way you think about public policy?
La Follette deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness between local actions and global impacts, reinforcing my commitment to evidence-based, inclusive policymaking.
Wisconsin Idea
Before attending La Follette, I was familiar with the Wisconsin Idea. Now, through my teaching, internships, and community-oriented projects, I’ve embraced it more and more and actively practiced this principle by striving to apply academic insights for societal benefit.
Before the La Follette School
I traveled to all the EU countries to get insights of different societies. Professionally, I worked in diplomatic missions in Europe, gained teaching experience in Azerbaijan and Poland, and founded Speak For Youth NGO and HopEdu, an organization I currently direct that provides educational consulting services for students.
Anything else?
I am an Instagram and YouTube influencer with approximately 30,000 followers. I also enjoy cooking, traveling, and reading extensively. I love the Eurovision song contest. I am passionate about storytelling through my YouTube channel and blog, sharing educational opportunities and travel experiences.
People would be surprised if they knew that …
My speech at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 was broadcasted to millions of Europeans, where I introduced myself as a student at UW-Madison, representing the La Follette School as an international media delegate.
Interested in studying at the La Follette School?