Studying in a Think Tank School like the Korea Development Institute for Public Policy and Management used to depict a deep, roaring ocean for me that not every swimmer can dive into. This strong fear stopped me from applying for several years until I met Dr. Inayat (Ph.D. Public Policy – KDI School), who encouraged, inspired, and motivated me to face this challenge. My name is Saqib, from Pakistan, and I am a graduate of Public Policy from KDI School. Before joining KDI School, I was a student of public administration and management sciences at COMSATS University Islamabad – Attock Campus, Pakistan, and soon after my graduation, I joined KDI School. 

I was born into a pretty average Pakistani society, with challenges, hardships, and hopes that any ordinary person might experience. I have had the career goal of becoming a policy researcher with a specialty in the impact evaluation of socioeconomic programs ever since beginning my undergraduate studies. I appreciate Prof. Yoon Chungeun for his impact evaluation methods course and his supervision, under which I received an award for an outstanding research project titled "Impact Evaluation of Vocational Training Institutes in Punjab Province, Pakistan." Additionally, KDI School provides students with the opportunity to apply for an internship at the World Bank, and my internship there is going well. 

Due to COVID-19, I hardly managed to remain at KDI School for six months, but during my time in South Korea, I learned (“The more you know you know you don’t know” -Aristotle). The expert professors at KDI School provide extensive content for learning under the shadow of the great platform of KDI School. After returning from South Korea, Cadet College Hasanabdal promoted me to the Head of Accounts Department under the supervision of S. M. Usman Shirazi (CFO).

My experience at KDI School is unforgettable for me. There, I met Zahid-ul-Islam (Bangladesh), Rim Diff (Algeria), Aleksandra (Bosnia), Nafesa (Afghanistan), and Jana (Ecuador). This is all thanks to KDI School, which provides a diverse culture and opportunities to be connected with its alumni. I am currently working on a research project titled “Impact Evaluation of Billion Tree Tsunami in KP Province, Pakistan” under the shadow of KDI School’s platform Alumni Collaborative Working Partner Program with Hasan and Zahid.

Along with providing exceptional support, KDI School organized numerous outings and activities for its students. We observed Holy Ramadan, Eid Days, a Culture and Festival Event, Sports Week, and much more during our stay.

Finally, I would like to recommend to current students that, although courses such as Econometrics, Impact Evaluation Methods, and Game Theory seem to be challenging, taking those courses can improve your research skills and make a significant contribution toward conducting your own independent research studies.