The Enlightenment
Here is my momentous ride in economics and public policy, a path that is just a few meters beyond the starting line:
The Pivotal Choice
Among a myriad of choices, I chose FLAME University—the only liberal arts option on my list. It was a decision that allowed me the freedom to explore Public Policy as a minor, an opportunity I might not have had elsewhere. Reflecting on it now, if I had chosen a different path, this website, and perhaps my entire journey, might have looked completely different. FLAME was more than just an academic choice; it was the first step toward discovering my passion.
ECON 200-Something: A Deep Dive into India's Economy
The Indian Economy module was my gateway into the complex and dynamic landscape of India’s economic system, marked by striking socioeconomic inequalities. A critical evaluation of 'India's Long Road: The Search for Prosperity' by Vijay Joshi sparked a deep fascination in me as a young researcher, fueling my eagerness to explore and understand the nuances of economic development in India.
Mastering Econometrics
With a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics, Econometrics I and II further equipped me with the skills to accurately predict relationships between various socioeconomic indicators, such as globalization and inequality, determinants of informal credit, and oil and GDP, among others. This analytical foundation backed by coding in STATA and R, solidified during my master's degree, not only honed my expertise but also revealed my place within the vast landscape of research.
Understanding of Privilege
What started as a reading for a book review, 'Behind the Beautiful Forevers' turned out to be so much more than that. Katherine Boo's vivid prose transported me to Annawadi, a slum near the Mumbai airport, where the lives of its inhabitants unfolded before my eyes with raw authenticity.
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This book shattered preconceived notions and forced me to confront the harsh truths of inequality and injustice that existed just beyond my doorstep. Despite being born into a community with below-average outcomes, I realized the immense privilege I had enjoyed. This realization sparked a fire—a determination to use my skills and resources to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
Navigating New Horizons
Moving to the UK and living independently, thousands of miles away from the familiar, was one of the toughest challenges I've ever faced—and continue to navigate. The academic rigour, bouts of homesickness, and the harsh realities of the labour market made the experience even more emotionally demanding.
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One thing that helped me through was sports; it became my outlet to destress and a bridge to human connection. My advice to others in a similar situation: make time for your coursemates and new friends outside of study spaces. These moments of connection can be incredibly grounding.
A Defining Project
My master’s dissertation, a highly graded and meticulously conducted three-month independent research project on gender-based labour supply in Indonesia, was a vital experience that reinforced my passion for research.
Throughout this journey, I built a deeper understanding of advanced statistical modelling, working extensively with large datasets from the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS). ​Beyond technical skills, this project taught me the importance of discipline, self-motivation, and diligent planning. Balancing multiple tasks—from data cleaning and analysis to writing and revising—enhanced my organizational and time management abilities. These skills have not only made me a more efficient researcher but also a more resilient individual, capable of tackling complex challenges with a structured approach.
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This dissertation was more than just an academic achievement; it was a transformative experience that confirmed my desire to pursue a career in research, with a particular focus on economic issues that matter.
Research Assistantship and Continuous Learning
Although I had read extensively on climate change economics, I had never directly applied my research skills in this area until my role as a Research Assistant.
In this position, I worked on a climate change adaptation project in Bangladesh, where I cleaned, analyzed, and visualized large socioeconomic datasets. Additionally, I developed a training course titled "Harnessing Behavioural Economics for Climate Change Action" for climate change leaders in Africa, which involved learning about behavioural science techniques in adaptation interventions.
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This experience has been extremely transformative, pushing me to my limits and making me a better and faster learner.
Research Opportunities and PhD Considerations: Seeking Advice and Connections
​I’m currently exploring new research opportunities across the private, public, and charity sectors, as well as considering the possibility of pursuing a PhD. If you're in a similar position or have advice to share, I’d love to connect.
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TBD
