Economics-Driven Humanitarian: Q+A with Anastasia Khanukov '24

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Anastasia Khanukov

Class of 2024

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

How did you become interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics?

I was very interested in politics and international relations but also knew that the state of a country’s economy is paramount, so I decided to focus on economics and research topics that affected the population. This includes labor markets, geopolitical conflicts, and even movements concerning feminism.

How were Dyson or other faculty members instrumental in your personal and/or professional journey?

The Economics department on the New York campus has been nothing but supportive and informative. I have taken a variety of classes, ranging from behavioral economics to statistics, and this diversification of topics has opened doors to many research opportunities for me. Moreover, the Economics faculty, including professors Shostya, Weinstock, and Baruch, have provided me with endless mentorship and furthered my path to graduate school through my undergraduate research. With their help, I have had many opportunities to grow and gain knowledge, serving as a foundation for both future academic endeavors and a career.

What internships have you had?

I had an internship at the New York City Council, one obtained through a class that focused on economics and Latin American politics. I also had the opportunity to work for the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration, and Customs Enforcement (ICE), assisting attorneys with their trials and engaging in country research and client documentation. This allowed me to focus on research on humanitarianism in developing nations. In addition, I worked for the International Rescue Committee, focusing on Ukrainian refugees and their well being. In my role, I provided translation services and helped with job searches and career networking. This is a clear example of how economics impacts the lives of so many, and, as a Ukrainian-American, it was important for me to help these individuals get back on their feet.

What activities and organizations have you been involved with as a student?

I am currently vice president of the Economics Society and have had the privilege to work with wonderful executive board members and develop close relationships with faculty and staff. In addition, I was a part of Model United Nations, which allowed me to represent the Republic of Mozambique and compete on the Pace University team. We received multiple nominations and awards at this competition.

I was also selected to be a part of the 2023 class of the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network (MCN) Fellowship, a semester-long global program through which I will work with my Pace student colleagues on projects that advance the UN’s sustainable development goals.

The Economics faculty have provided me with endless mentorship and furthered my path to graduate school within my undergraduate research. With their help, I have had many opportunities to grow and gain knowledge, serving as a foundation for both future academic endeavors and a career.

What challenges have you overcome and are proud of? What inspires you?

My biggest challenge has been balance. It is difficult to get into a rhythm when you have school, internships, and a social life to balance. However, by establishing a routine, I was able to feel more at ease within such a busy schedule. This has allowed me to not only take on challenging classes, but also work during the school year.

My parents inspire me every day. As a first-generation American, I had to figure out a lot of things on my own, as my parents were born in Ukraine and came to the United States as refugees. Their struggles did not stop them from succeeding, so I look up to them every day as they are such a supportive system for me.

What are your plans after graduation?

I want to go straight to graduate school so I can gain more academic knowledge and focus on my own research, primarily surrounding international politics and humanitarian issues. Later, I would like to pursue a doctoral degree. Thanks to my Economics degree, I am open to a range of diverse career choices and areas of specialization.

What advice would you give to students?

My biggest advice to students is to use all resources available to you. At Pace, we are provided opportunities for career assistance, mentorship, research positions, and a diverse range of clubs and organizations to participate in. The faculty, administration, and staff are here to help you, so make use of their expertise. Not only will this guide you through challenging semesters, but also allow you to expand both your academic experience and resume.