Hometown
Baku, Azerbaijan
Undergraduate education
B.A. in Public and International Affairs, ADA University, 2022
Professional/research interests
Social policy, especially social services
Expected graduation date
May 2025
Why a MPA?
My internships with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cabinet of Ministers in Azerbaijan, along with my role as a Teaching and Research Assistant at ADA University, exposed me to the intersection of policy and social services. These experiences deepened my understanding of how government institutions operate and the impact of social policies, motivating me to pursue an MPA to contribute to social policy development.
What drew you to the La Follette School?
The La Follette School’s small class sizes and low teacher-to-student ratio allow for personalized learning and mentorship. The school’s strong emphasis on quantitative skills and its location in a capital city make it ideal for practical learning in public policy. Additionally, the faculty expertise aligns with my interests in social policy.
Career goals?
My aim is to work in social policy with a focus on social services, contributing to the development and evaluation of policies that improve public welfare. My goal is to work for government agencies, international organizations, or nonprofits where I can make a tangible impact.
How have your La Follette School courses and/or experiences set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
The La Follette School’s coursework, especially in quantitative methods and policy analysis, has strengthened my analytical skills. The practical experience gained from working on real-world projects has further aligned my academic training with my career goals.
Assistantship
I worked as a Teaching Assistant at ADA University for courses like Management Information Systems and Writing & Literacy, where I gained experience in grading, providing feedback, and
What courses have you taken in which you’ve done work for real clients?
In the Cost-Benefit Analysis course, I worked on a project involving real clients focused on assessing the impact of water filters in Honduras. This project allowed me to apply cost-benefit analysis techniques to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of water filtration solutions in a real-world context. It provided practical experience in quantitative analysis and reinforced my commitment to addressing social issues through evidence-based policy solutions.
Advice for prospective La Follette School students?
Be open to challenging yourself and take full advantage of the resources available. Engage actively with the faculty and participate in practical projects to apply what you learn in real-world settings.
What has been your most challenging experience at the La Follette School? Adjusting to the rigor of quantitative methods and balancing coursework with practical projects has been challenging, but it has also been rewarding as it prepares me for a career in public policy.
What has been the most rewarding experience at the La Follette School? Collaborating with peers and faculty on projects that address real social issues has been the most fulfilling. These experiences have allowed me to see the practical impact of public policy work.
How has the La Follette School changed the way you think about public policy? The coursework and practical experiences at La Follette have emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making and the role of quantitative analysis in effective policy-making.
Before La Follette
Before enrolling, I completed a bachelor’s degree in Public and International Affairs and worked as a Teaching Assistant at ADA University. I also held internships with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cabinet of Ministers in Azerbaijan. I worked in a logistical company in the Accounting department.
People would be surprised if they knew that I …
Even being a LFS student, I spent more time with MBA people in business school, which also was a reason of my interest in business school courses. Thus, decided to pursue Business Graduate Certification in Business Environment and Social Responsibility.
Interested in studying at the La Follette School?