Finding Her Place at Pace

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From the moment she set foot on campus, Lizi Imedashvili ’26 knew she was exactly where she was meant to be. Drawn to Pace University’s unique blend of experiential learning, leadership opportunities, and its dynamic New York setting, she quickly immersed herself in the community—taking on roles as president of the Lubin Business Association, resident assistant, general manager of Pace Perk Mart, and Peer Leader for First-Year Seminar. As an international student from the Eastern European country of Georgia, Lizi embraced every challenge as a chance to grow, finding a strong support system at Pace that fueled her drive to lead, mentor, and make a tangible impact. Now pursuing a BS in Information Systems at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, she’s harnessing her passion for business and technology to carve out a future in project management.

You’ve taken on so many leadership roles at Pace—what initially drew you to the university, and how has your experience here shaped your goals?

It has always been my dream to study in New York at a place that offers a lot of opportunities and unique experiences. Along with strong academics, I knew I wanted to apply what I was learning actively, and Pace offered both! I saw the opportunity to have real-world learning, and I knew this was the place I wanted to be.

Since coming here, I’ve taken on multiple leadership roles, each of which has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. Being a part of Lubin Business Association, Pace Perk Mart, and Residential Life has taught me how to manage a team, solve problems on the spot, and handle real-world challenges. These experiences helped me shape my long-term goals and figure out what I loved doing! I’ve realized that I thrive in fast-paced environments where I can manage projects, take the lead, work with different people, and make an impact. Pace has given me the confidence to take on new challenges, and I know the skills I’ve gained here will help me in whatever path I choose next.

As an international student from Georgia, what has your journey been like adjusting to life in New York and at Pace?

Moving to a new country is always a huge adjustment. Coming to New York from Georgia was a big but exciting change. Everything felt new and a little overwhelming—the fast-paced lifestyle, the academic system, and even how people interact. I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself and grow, which I was able to do thanks to the incredible support at Pace.

At first, I was nervous about fitting in, but Pace’s welcoming, diverse community made it easier. From day one, people were excited to help, and each new connection made me feel part of something bigger. Older students offered advice, introduced me to organizations, and connected me with valuable resources, giving me a sense of belonging.

Becoming part of the Seidenberg School has been a huge part of my journey. The faculty and staff have been incredibly understanding of the challenges I might face as an international student. I’ve also met international students from all over the world, which has been so comforting.

Pace has allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds, motivating me to get involved and help others feel as supported as I did. The opportunities here, both academically and socially, have made a huge impact. Looking back, I can confidently say I’ve found my place and grown as a person and a leader.

You wear so many hats—president of the Lubin Business Association, resident assistant, GM of Pace Perk Mart, and a Peer Leader for First-Year Seminar. How do you balance all of these responsibilities?

I won’t lie—there are days when it feels like there just aren’t enough hours! But I’ve learned that balancing multiple responsibilities comes down to time management, prioritization, and most importantly, having resources and a support system that I can lean on.

I rely on planning and organization. My day starts with looking at my calendar and ends with updating it. I like to plan and get on my tasks as soon as possible, and using calendars, to-do lists, and reminders helps a lot with this.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I don’t have to do everything on my own. I work with great teams, and I can always rely on them. Trusting the people I work with has made all the difference. Knowing when to delegate and lean on my team not only makes my responsibilities more manageable but also ensures we all succeed together.

As GM of Pace Perk Mart, what have you learned about business operations, and how has it helped you grow as a leader?

Managing Pace Perk Mart has been one of the most valuable hands-on experiences I’ve had. It’s a student-run business, so we’re responsible for everything: inventory management, finances and accounting, marketing, team coordination, and customer service. As a general manager, I oversee a staff of almost 20 students and have weekly meetings with finance, marketing, and purchasing managers to discuss business operations.

I make it a point to be involved in day-to-day operations, showing my team that I’m invested in their success and the business’s success. I focus on creating a positive work environment where everyone feels valued, which has helped build a stronger, more motivated team.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a Peer Leader and helping first-year students navigate college life?

Being a peer leader is one of those roles where you see the impact of your work firsthand. First-year students come in feeling overwhelmed, unsure of how to navigate college, and sometimes even doubting themselves. Getting to help them adjust, give them advice, and see them is incredibly rewarding. I love creating an environment where students feel supported and empowered.

What’s truly rewarding is seeing the students I’ve worked with go on to become Peer Leaders themselves or join departments I’ve been a part of because I connected them to my network. Watching them grow and knowing I played a role in that journey makes all the difference for me.

What inspired you to pursue Information Systems, and how does it align with your future ambitions?

Since I was very little, solving problems and working with numbers has always been my passion, and during my high school years, I discovered that I enjoyed applying this to both the business and technology worlds. During my first year at Pace, I was a business major, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with it. I added a computer science minor, and I ended up loving it. I realized that I was more drawn to technology, but I valued the business experience as well.

As someone passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, it made sense to pursue a field that combines both. Information systems not only supports my love for technology but also positions me for a career as a project manager.

The classes I’m taking and the connections I’m making with professors are already giving me the skills and network I need to get started in my career, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.

How has Pace supported your career development, whether through internships, faculty mentorship, or networking opportunities?

In UNV 101, I made my four-year plan, where I outlined what I wanted to achieve here at Pace. I listed some of the positions I wanted to get, and to start working toward those goals, I started getting involved in multiple organizations and departments. Landing those jobs wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my professors and Career Services, who helped me every step of the way.

Career Services helped me build my resume, prepare for internships, and connect with professionals. With the help of Career Services in preparation for my interview, along with skills I’ve developed through my classes and campus jobs, I was able to land an internship at Select Equity Group as an Information Technology Intern during my sophomore year. I’m still currently working there, and the role has been an amazing experience. It’s allowed me to work on a variety of projects, dive deeper into the technology world, and gain valuable hands-on experience that will help me as I work toward my goal of becoming a project manager.

In addition, the professors in Seidenberg don't just teach; they connect students with real-world applications. Our professors have industry backgrounds and regularly share job opportunities and introduce students to their professional networks. The school also hosts industry panels that have allowed me to connect with professionals in the information systems field specifically. In addition to that, I’m currently working on a research project with my Professor Schmidt, which has been an incredible opportunity as well.

What do you love most about being a student at Pace University?

What I love most about being a student at Pace is the sense of community and the endless opportunities. From internships and career fairs to student organizations and leadership roles, there’s always something that can help you take your skills to the next level. I’ve met so many inspiring people along the way, whether it’s professors who genuinely care about your success or students who share similar interests and passions. These opportunities have allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and gain hands-on experience. Pace provides the resources to make these experiences happen, and that’s what makes being a student here so rewarding.

What advice would you give to other international students who are considering Pace?

My advice to other international students considering Pace would be to embrace every opportunity and not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. I know it can be overwhelming, but Pace offers a supportive community that makes the transition smoother, and the experiences that you’ll get here are worth it! I’d also say to take a deep breath and know that you’re not alone in this journey. Moving to a new country means leaving behind everything familiar, and that takes incredible courage. Get involved early, even when it feels scary.

What’s next for you? Any big goals or plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in project management in the technology industry, leveraging my degree and the experience I've gained at Pace. Through my internship at Select Equity Group’s IT department, I am gaining valuable experience in technology operations and project coordination, and I hope to continue building on that. I also plan to continue my education. I want to get certifications in project management and eventually go for a master's degree. My goal is to grow in this field, take on bigger projects, and keep challenging myself along the way.