Meet Golzar Rassouli ’27

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Where are you from and what is your background?
I am a first generation Iranian-American and a San Francisco Bay Area native, growing up in the North Bay and attending the University of California, Davis for my undergraduate degree. I graduated with a double major in Economics and Communications with an intention to build a career in finance. I have since worked in Wealth Management, Investment Strategy and most recently in a fin-tech startup consulting with asset managers and large financial institutions on their investment processes.

Why did you apply for this graduate program and decide to study at USF?
I have always been drawn to continued education and believe in the power of human capital, expanding opportunity through education and the importance of challenging oneself. I specifically applied to the USF MS - International and Developmental Economics program because of its rigorous foundations in research and economic principles. Studying Economics has empowered my thinking around how decisions are made - the study of choice and the impact those choices have on society's wellbeing is of great interest to me.

What impacts has the Dean's Scholarship had on your ability to further your studies?
While the Dean's Scholarship has immediate financial impact on my personal graduate school journey, it also provides further academic enrichment. I am honored to be a recipient and eager to use this as an opportunity to commit to my education.

What are your career ambitions?
I expect to utilize my time in the workforce to contribute to the public or private sector in a meaningful way; improving innovation, profitability, inclusion, and access to a firm /society through my future work. I am highly interested in continuing my career within the finance and investment management sector, with the intention of using this degree to eventually pursue a more economist focused role, or continue my education with an advanced degree.

What is something unique or interesting about you?
I have always been interested in the arts and was in advanced drawing classes through High School, continuing into adulthood with classes in drawing and ceramics. I find it very grounding to create things with my hands and absolutely appreciate the time and talent of those in the arts fields.