Colin Powell School
Please share a little about your background.
I immigrated from South Korea to the United States with my family when I was five years old. Navigating the space between two cultures — speaking Korean at home while learning English at school — was challenging, but it shaped the way I approached learning, problem-solving, and adapting to different environments. As I grew older, I gained a deeper appreciation for my family’s sacrifices and became more aware of the barriers that exist for many others trying to create new opportunities. Those experiences shaped my perspective and the way I approach my work today.
What is your passion or purpose behind your studies at CCNY?
I spent most of my life in Long Island, New York, but I wanted to be more in the city, where there were more opportunities and a vibrant environment. A friend who attended City College told me how different it was — how being surrounded by diverse people and ideas could open doors in ways I hadn’t experienced before. So, I enrolled in City College and started as a Business Management major, still trying to figure out what I wanted to do, but I knew I was always curious about saving money and, eventually, teaching financial literacy to underrepresented communities. It wasn’t until I took Principles of Macroeconomics that I became fascinated by the history of economic systems in the United States and how policies — like those shaping banks, money markets, and public finance — affect everyday life. That course shifted my perspective, making me realize that economics wasn’t just about personal finance but also about broader policies that shape economic opportunities. That interest led me to switch to a BA in Economics and later apply for the BA/MA program, where I’ve been able to further explore economic policy and its real-world impact.
Where are you in your career? How has the Colin Powell School helped you along the way?
I am a Moynihan Public Service Fellow and BA/MA Economics student, currently finishing my last semester in Washington, D.C., thanks to the Semester in DC Fellowship Program. Through classes with our school and the University of Delaware, this opportunity has allowed me to gain firsthand experience in public policy while interning at The Century Foundation, a think tank where I work as an intern for the economics team. My work focuses on unemployment insurance (UI) modernization, where I analyze U.S. Department of Labor data using Excel and R Studio to track policy implementation, identify barriers to benefit access, and contribute to research on economic security.
My path to this point has been shaped by the many opportunities I found at the Colin Powell School. During my freshman year, I took Bridge to Success with Professor Ashif Hassan, which introduced me to fellowships, mentorships, and professional development resources. That course became a turning point, leading me to explore programs such as the Ernst & Young Mentorship Program, where I was mentored by a consultant and gained insight into finance and strategy. Research under Professor Yochanan Shachmurove and Professor Ouafaa Hmaddi, along with the master’s-level Statistics & Econometrics course with Professor Kevin Foster, played a critical role in refining my research and problem-solving skills. I contributed to published research under Professor Shachmurove in Strategic Response to Turbulence: Lessons from Real Shocks (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2024), where I conducted econometric modeling and data analysis to study economic disruptions and recovery patterns. This experience, combined with literature reviews and policy work, strengthened my ability to interpret complex datasets and assess economic relationships, skills that now directly inform my work in policy research at The Century Foundation.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I plan to continue working in Washington, D.C., as The Century Foundation has extended an offer for me to stay through the summer to publish research with their economics team. In the fall, I plan to take on a paralegal position, building on my experience from the Honors Program in Legal Studies and my work as a Legal Assistant to the Executive Counsel to the President of City College. My exposure to legal research and policy work has led me to pursue law school, where I hope to further explore the connection between law, economic policy, and governance.
Please share a significant memory and/or accomplishment from your time at CCNY.
One of my most significant memories at CCNY was our lacrosse team’s victory against Iona, which secured our spot in the playoffs — something that hadn’t been done in decades. When I first joined the team as a freshman, we had zero wins, but over the years, we built a team culture centered on commitment, growth, and support. Going from a struggling program to a playoff contender was an incredible experience, but what meant the most was being part of a team that genuinely wanted to be there for each other, both on and off the field. Win or lose, we always came together after games, grabbing food as a team, sharing laughs, and appreciating the journey that brought us to that moment. That game wasn’t just about winning; it was a reflection of how far we had come together.
Do you have any advice you could give to current or future students?
My biggest advice to current and future students is to take advantage of every opportunity — apply to fellowships, join clubs, and talk to the advisors from the Colin Powell School. Like myself, you may not know exactly what you want to do at first, but exploring different programs, meeting people, and engaging with your peers can help you discover new interests. I didn’t initially see myself going into research or law, but through fellowships, conversations with faculty and students, career fairs, and being part of a hardworking cohort, I was able to find my path. The Colin Powell School offers incredible resources, and by getting involved, you’ll not only gain valuable experience but also be part of a supportive community that helps you grow academically and professionally.
How would you describe the Powell School in three words?
Belonging, Opportunity, Resilience