Ahmed Meshref, Class of 2019
Major: Economics
Current Role: Master’s student at Sciences Po Paris, International Economic Policy
Current Location: Milan, Italy
Home Country: Egypt
Ahmed Meshref
The Trouble with Best-laid Plans
After a disappointing start to grad studies in Paris, Ahmed Meshref, Class of 2019, is back on his feet at a new school more suited to his talents and career goals.
NYUAD: Hello Ahmed, nice to see you again.
Ciao from Milan!
NYUAD: Tell us what you’re up to these days.
I’m in the second year of my Masters in International Economic Policy at Sciences Po Paris. Currently, I am studying abroad at Bocconi University in Milan. Next month, I will be in Paris doing my last semester in-person at Sciences Po.
NYUAD: What’s it like at Bocconi?
Being here is a privilege. It’s a top-tier school in terms of quality of lecturers, guest speakers, and students. I decided to do my exchange here to complement my policy-oriented education at Sciences Po by acquiring hard skills in finance.
NYUAD: What’s a typical day like for you?
A lot of lectures and studying. I’m taking five courses, so around 15 hours of lectures a week. In my free time, I meet other students for Italian food, coffee, and aperitivo. I was also able to travel around Italy and Europe earlier in the semester.
NYUAD: What do you see yourself doing?
I see myself advising public and private entities in designing and implementing sustainable policies and realizing large-scale investments. I plan to apply for jobs in consulting and banking in financial capitals like London or Dubai.
There is a real world outside of NYUAD so adapt when things don’t go as expected. Be persistent and disciplined to get what you want. Set goals and remember that it is a marathon, not a race!
NYUAD: Did you find leaving NYU Abu Dhabi difficult?
Yes, it was a struggle losing all the privileges I got being at NYU and the UAE. I started a research master’s program in Paris and after a couple months I realized, this is not for me. I didn’t like the material, the immense pressure, and the environment. I could not speak French back then and was struggling to adapt into Parisian society.
NYUAD: That must have been hard. What did you do?
Luckily, I found an Arabic-speaking internship at a private company in Paris instead. In spring 2020, I was accepted into Sciences Po with a scholarship. Two months later, COVID happened and I was in lockdown for months, eating alone, not meeting anyone, doing my internship then my courses online. It was depressing.
Due to the continued lockdowns, I decided to go home to be with my family. Today things are getting back to normal despite uncertainty. It was still a challenge adapting to another country, university, and learning a new language to do my exchange in Italy.
NYUAD: What’s something you learned the hard way?
If you’re going to study in a non-English speaking country, learn the language as soon as you get accepted and decide to go. This is essential to make friends, order food, read signs, learn the culture, and get a job. Also, don’t underestimate the amount of paperwork involved.
NYUAD: What’s your advice to other students going to grad school?
There is a real world outside of NYUAD so adapt when things don’t go as expected. Be persistent and disciplined to get what you want. Set goals and remember that it is a marathon, not a race!