Mikiyas Molla, MA International Economic Policy, Class of 2020, #WeAreElliott Current Student
Mikiyas Molla is a second-year M.A. International Economic Policy student concentrating in International Business and Finance at the Elliott School. Miky received his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from The State University of New York College at Plattsburgh. He is currently a technical-economic analyst at the International Economic Development Council. He has a keen interest in learning about vital policies that promote growth in emerging markets and developing nations. Miky loves discussing current events and policy changes affecting the atmosphere of the economy. He is also a soccer fanatic.
What has been your favorite experience at the Elliott School so far and why?
Almost every experience in the Elliott school is amazing so far but if I have to pick the best experience from all, it would be the Alumni Networking event. Every alumnus you meet during these networking events are more than glad to help you and guide you follow the right career path and also give their suggestions on great classes to take during your program. If you are unsure of starting a career in the public, private or multinational sectors: these events are the best way you get to ask about the experiences and the work alumni’s are doing and get a brief understanding of what each sector offers and what it looks like to follow those paths.
What courses have you found most helpful in your work/intern/volunteer experiences and how have they been useful?
I am currently interning at the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a technical economic analyst. All the classes I took have an overall great impact on my internship experience at IEDC. The one class that I would say has a major impact on my current internship is the development and trade policy class. Even though it was focused on less developed countries, the strategies used to promote growth in developing nations is also suitable for the growth of less developed communities in the United States.
What resources (online or offline) or strategies have proven to be the most valuable in helping you reach academic success at the Elliott School?
The Office of Graduate Student Services is the best resource on and off-campus for students at the Elliott School. They are so responsive and helpful whenever you need them. You can easily make an appointment with a career coach and talk to them about internship/job opportunities, scholarship, study abroad and alumni connections all in one seating. The best part is that you can have a late-night phone appointment if you are busy during the day. They are also helpful on Handshake when it comes to proofreading your cover letters and editing your resume while applying for jobs/internships. I believe GSS is the best gift a graduate student can get while at Elliott.
What advice do you have for prospective students who are on the fence about applying to a graduate program at the Elliott school?
I highly suggest new students go visit GSS, attend networking events and also utilize the alumni network during a search for a job/ internship. The Elliott School also hosts meetings and conferences open for current students which can be a great networking opportunity to get to meet professionals currently working in fields that might be interesting and suitable for students to pursue. I can assure you that anyone and everyone associated with the Elliott School is willing to help you reach the career goals you have set to achieve.
If you could have dinner with any one person from history, who would it be and why?
Adam Smith. The father of Modern Economics! I would love to know what he has to say about cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. If the dinner was about to happen in the next few weeks, I would’ve also asked him about his opinion on the current trade war between the United States and China.
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The #WeAreElliott profile series is managed by the Elliott School Office of Graduate Admissions and highlights current students to answer common questions posed by prospective, incoming, and current students. For more information on this series or to submit questions, e-mail the Office of Graduate Admissions at esiagrad@gwu.edu.
The views expressed by students profiled do not necessarily represent those of organizations they work for, are affiliated with, or the Elliott School of International Affairs.
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