THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Kiana Ashtiani, CIR’13
Kiana Ashtiani joined the program to pursue her interest in security issues, military and paramilitary relations with the state, and cross-border conflicts. Having previously earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations with a concentration in politics and security, Kiana was drawn to UChicago by its stellar reputation, exceptional professors, and supportive community. "The community is also incredibly supportive. I still attend alumni events and stay connected with UChicago grads in my current work environment," Kiana recalls. Additionally, her fondness for the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) reinforced her decision, as it offered her a unique connection to her Middle Eastern heritage.
Initially set on pursuing a PhD, Kiana shifted her focus toward gaining practical work experience after completing her master's. Embracing the research skills she had developed during her time at CIR, she joined the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago. At NORC, she continued to hone her methodological prowess through rigorous survey research design and data collection processes. "I chose this path because I loved the research aspect of my time at CIR and my master's program. I fell in love with that work," Kiana explains.
Kiana consistently draws on the skills she gained through the CIR program in her professional life. For instance, a methodological course taught by her advisor, Paul Staniland, equipped her with invaluable experiences in conducting interviews and adhering to rigorous research standards. The thesis writing courses at CIR were also transformative, teaching her to write clearly and effectively define terms, and the importance of leading with a hypothesis and thesis. “These lessons have made me a stronger problem solver and communicator,” she notes. Workshops further emphasized the significance of clarity in defining terms, which Kiana finds crucial in both academic and professional settings.
Currently working in strategy for a market research firm, Kiana collaborates with several colleagues who, like her, graduated from CIR. "UChicago alumni are renowned for their sharp problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, which are highly valued in any workplace," she acknowledges. She also finds the interdisciplinary nature of her CIR training to be a natural fit for market research, which often involves understanding socioeconomics and politics in various regions. As she continues to thrive in her career, Kiana remains grateful for the strong foundation and enduring community she built at CIR, attributing much of her success to the unparalleled education and lasting connections she fostered during her time at UChicago.