Finding Purpose in Public Service: Areeba Hashmi’s Journey Through Pace University’s MPA Program

How an international student found confidence, community, and career readiness in one of New York City’s most well-connected public administration programs.

Image

When Areeba Hashmi ’26 arrived in New York City from Lucknow, India, she carried with her not just two suitcases and a newly approved student visa, but also a sense of uncertainty. Yet within days of beginning the Master of Public Administration program at Pace University, Hashmi felt that she had found a place where she belonged.

For Hashmi, the MPA program has been more than an academic path; it has been a catalyst for growth, confidence, and meaningful impact. Now in her third semester, Hashmi has already presented research at national conferences, built close relationships with faculty mentors, become part of a diverse and supportive student community, and secured a coveted role as an analyst at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget.

A Program That Opened Doors—Literally Across the Street

One of the first things that drew Hashmi to Pace was its location, with City Hall and the Mayor’s Office a ten-minute walk from campus. “I remember telling a classmate during my first semester, ‘I want to work there someday.’ I had no idea I would be inside that building not too long after.”

The proximity to key civic institutions is only one part of the program’s appeal. Hashmi describes the MPA as “flexible, practical, and designed for students who want to make an impact quickly.” With options to take intersession and summer courses, she was able to stay on track towards graduation even after navigating challenges back home.

Her chosen concentration—government management—is the program’s most popular track, and for good reason. “Every course connects directly to what’s happening in the real world,” she said. “Policy studies, program planning and evaluation, applied data analysis—everything I learned in the classroom helped me excel at City Hall.”

Faculty Mentorship That Changes Lives

If there’s one theme Hashmi returns to again and again, it’s the strength of Pace’s faculty.

Professor Sheying Chen, PhD, was one of them. “He saw potential even when I didn’t,” she said. After reading one of her research papers, on the role of social media in facilitating intergovernmental relations, he persuaded her to present it at the Pace-hosted Northeast Conference on Public Administration—just two months after she arrived in the US. His confidence in her abilities opened doors she hadn’t imagined so early in her program.

Other professors, such as Hillary Knepper, PhD, and Ric Kolenda, PhD, have been equally influential. They guided her research, helped her navigate complex federal datasets, and even encouraged her to think beyond the MPA toward a future PhD.

“They fuel me,” she said. “Sometimes you know your own potential, but you still need someone to guide you. Pace professors really do that.”

Experiential Learning at Its Best

As is often the case with experiential learning opportunities at Pace, Hashmi’s academic work quickly translated into professional opportunity.

After presenting at national conferences—including the prestigious Northeastern Conference on Public Administration—she secured a competitive summer internship at the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget that turned into an ongoing part-time role as an analyst.

Her responsibilities are significant: analyzing federal and state funding for New York City’s Department of Transportation, evaluating federal grants, and contributing to fiscal planning during a pivotal time of political change.

“It’s exciting and overwhelming in the best way,” she said. “And everything I do at work connects back to what I learn in the classroom.”

A Supportive Community for International Students

Moving to the US alone was not easy. Hashmi faced health challenges before her departure from India and had to rebuild her life from scratch—opening bank accounts, adjusting to a new culture, and navigating New York City’s complexities.

But she found warmth where she expected distance.

“The students here are so welcoming,” she said. “And I have classmates from all over the world. I never felt judged—only supported.” She credits this environment with giving her the confidence to speak up in class, share her experiences, and grow academically and personally.

A Pioneer Looks Ahead

Hashmi is already planning the next steps in her journey.

When she completes her MPA in 2026, she hopes to continue working in city government for another year before pursuing a PhD, with the ultimate goal of working in the United Nations or a global public service institution. “I want to make a difference,” she said.

Before graduation, however, Hashmi has some important work to do, and it’s also a milestone for Pace.

Hashmi is the first student from Pace University to be selected as a 2026 Founders’ Fellow by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), and her research will be presented as part of a student research roundtable at ASPA. Titled “Integrating High-Skilled International Students into the US Workforce,” it examines the challenges international students face in transitioning from academic programs into professional and public service roles, and how policy and institutional support can better facilitate this pathway.

“Pace gave me everything I needed—supportive professors, real opportunities, a diverse community, and a location that connects you directly to government. If you want to build a career that actually matters, this is the place,” she said.

“I came to New York for my education, and Pace has made every challenge worth it.”