Roshni Shah works in Sanctions Compliance at the Citi Group, where she assists in establishing internal strategies and procedures related to compliance monitoring and fostering awareness of sanctions regulatory requirements. She received her M.A. in International Affairs with a focus on Economic Affairs and U.S. Foreign Policy from the Elliott School in 2020. Prior to graduate school, Roshni worked in finance, and holds bachelors degrees in Finance and Economics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
When did you realize you wanted an international career?
I’ve always been interested in international economics and finance. While initially I was planning the traditional route of getting an MBA, once I came across the Elliott School’s curriculum for International Economic Affairs, I knew that was the path I wanted to take.
What is your current position? What did the path look like to get there?
I’m an Assistant Vice President within the Sanctions Compliance team at Citi Group. Before that, I spent a year working with a federal contracting firm developing analytical experience in trade compliance. In addition to that, my background and post-undergraduate work experience in financial analysis was very valuable as well.
What part of your experience at the Elliott School best prepared you for your post-grad career?
The support Elliott School provided in gaining international experience. When I started out at the Elliott School, I had no international experience. The Graduate Career Services center kindly helped me in finding the right international experiences that would complement my career trajectory. While studying at Elliott School, I was able to participate in the Kakehashi international exchange program in Japan and find support to intern with the U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Office at the U.S. Embassy in South Korea. Through these experiences I was able to grow personally and professionally, build an international network of friends and colleagues, and learn about diversity through cultural immersion.
What advice do you have for prospective students who are considering a graduate degree in international relations?
International relations is a broad degree and you can take it in any direction that you want. This degree is very empowering, and you have so many avenues to change your career trajectory towards what you are passionate about. This is where I think exploring different careers comes into play. Use any opportunities you find to gain international experience because that is the true way to discover your passion and career aspirations. Network, not only with experts from the field, but also your peers. We all come from different backgrounds and networking with your peers will give you different perspectives on culture, lifestyle, education, career, and so much more.
What did you value most about living and studying in D.C.?
The access to international relations-oriented events around D.C. These events are a great networking opportunity. Not only that, but through these events, I met some of the most interesting people with fascinating careers. Exploring various career paths are just as important as knowing where your career interests lie because you may end up finding something that you are passionate about that you had not considered before.
How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
Pineapple on pizza is delicious!
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The #ElliottProud profile series is managed by the Elliott School Office of Graduate Admissions and highlights graduate program alumni 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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