ABOUT ME

Hi! My name is Sonika and I am currently a senior at The Pennsylvania State University. I was born in South Brunswick, NJ but spent most of my life in India.

Due to this exposure to life in a developing country, I always wanted to work towards the improvement of the living standards of the people around me. This is why I was driven towards Economics, so that I could understand how economies work and how they could be improved upon on a micro and macro level.

My English major helped me further my ability to effectively communicate my ideas and opinions, and also develop a both a critical and logical thinking skill-set. I also have a personal drive towards literature, primarily creative writing and editing. I spend my time editing works for my friends and writing in my blog. 

My short-term goal is to work as an analyst consultant so that I can further the skills I've learnt in my four years at college. I am quite adept in the statistical software, STATA, which I learnt in my classes. It has aided me in data handling and analysis, which I utilized in an assignment for my Labor Economics class. I collected data on randomized schools in the Austin School District and analyzed the various factors that influenced test scores in those schools. I have written a critical analysis paper for my Developmental Economics class, where I researched on the Integrated Child Development Services and how effective it has been in its implementation in the last 25 years.  

In the long term, I intend to work in research and development in micro-finance because I see it as a huge opportunity to fight the poverty trap. I have a lot of experience working with non-profit organizations in India, which has provided me strategies that could work and sustain over time. I have taken multiple economics classes which look into poverty in developing countries and how researchers think its effect can be made less devastating. 

In my free time, I enjoy travelling to new cities, working out, meditating and cooking. I also work part-time at Penn State's Commons Desk, where I interact with and aid students, handle financial transactions and sort packages and mail. Working and juggling two majors has really helped me with my time management skills, prioritizing deadlines and maintaining a weekly agenda for the goals I intend to attain. 

You will see that most of my work reflects my empathy towards society and personal well-being as well how to better both aspects. I am exceedingly passionate about helping the world but think it is also essential to work on ourselves. If you have any questions on my work, contact me using my email.

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