Javad Mushtaq MC/MPA 2025
From Norway with Pakistani roots, Javad is currently enrolled in the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) Program to take the next steps in his global career spanning five continents. He has experience in the private sector, early-stage investing, social enterprises, and NGOs. At HKS, he is deepening his expertise at the intersection of policy, technology, and impact to help scale up impact solutions that can create systemic change. His goal is to bridge investments, policy, technology, and social innovation to drive transformative impact worldwide. Javad previously earned an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management and an MSc (Honors) from BI Norwegian Business School.
What motivated you to become a Graduate Student Ambassador?
Becoming a Graduate Student Ambassador is my way of sharing the incredible diversity and energy I’ve experienced at HKS. Every day, I’m amazed by the stories and insights of my classmates who come from all corners of the world and every sector imaginable. As someone with roots in both Norway and Pakistan, and a career spanning five continents, I’ve seen firsthand how this diversity enriches our discussions and broadens our perspectives. This is reinforced here at HKS. I want to give prospective students a genuine glimpse into life at HKS—the late study sessions, transformative academic experiences, the heated policy debates, and the friendships we are forming. It’s not just about the world-class faculty; it’s about the unexpected lessons you learn from the person sitting next to you in class.
What are you most looking forward to as an inaugural student ambassador?
I am most excited about connecting with all the potential applicants from diverse backgrounds across the globe. I’m eager to share authentic stories from my HKS journey, highlighting how our unique blend of rigorous academics and real-world impact has shaped my perspective. Drawing from my experiences spanning five continents, I look forward to engaging with candidates from various sectors and regions, especially those who might not typically see themselves at HKS.
What advice would you give students interested in HKS?
Be authentic in your application. Showcase your unique experiences, perspectives, and career goals. Demonstrate how HKS aligns with your aspirations and how you’ll contribute to the community. Highlight your global experiences and multicultural background if applicable. HKS values diversity and international perspectives. Show your leadership potential. Provide tangible examples of how you’ve influenced positive change. HKS seeks future leaders who can translate innovative ideas into real-world impact. Remember, fortune favors the bold. Your application could open the doors to HKS, and there’s no downside to trying.
