Career Spotlight: Nishtha Sharma

In this career spotlight, we have the pleasure of speaking with Nishtha Sharma, a graduate student and UN Women Consultant at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. From her experience in YAIA's mentoring program to impactful roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nishtha reflects on the value of resilience, mentorship, and aligning one's career with core values.

Nishtha Sharma is a public policy professional and dual Master of Public Administration candidate at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, focusing on foreign, trade, and gender policy. 

With nearly five years of experience in the public and private sectors, she has contributed to initiatives like the Aboriginal Procurement Policy, family safety policies, and industrial relations reforms. Recently, Nishtha worked as a research assistant with the UK-based Migrant Democracy Project, examining representation gaps in London’s local politics. She previously held policy design and program implementation roles at EY Australia, the Attorney-General’s Department, NSW Treasury, and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. During an exchange in Washington, D.C., Nishtha served as a research assistant at the Wilson Center and as a student strategist for the former First Lady of Virginia, Dorothy McAuliffe.

Passionate about community engagement, Nishtha mentors young professionals and has volunteered for the NSW State Emergency Service. 

Your dual Master of Public Administration program at the London School of Economics and Columbia University is quite unique. In what ways have you found this to complement your professional experience?

My dual MPA program at LSE and Columbia has deepened my understanding of global policy challenges through a more quantitative lens. As someone who has struggled with ‘hard’ quantitative skills, being required to take courses in quantitative approaches to public policy, forced me to overcome my own limitations. When those concepts finally clicked, the sense of accomplishment I felt was unparalleled. I may never become an expert, but not being intimidated by regressions or quantitative terminology was a major milestone in my own academic journey. As we move towards a more data-driven policy making process, I know these skills will go a long way in complementing my professional experiences. 

At Columbia, I have been able to explore policy areas intersecting security, trade, gender, and development which have really opened up my eyes to a range of professional pathways. Being a program assistant for Gender and Public Policy has allowed me to explore this area in depth while at graduate school. As part of my graduate studies, I have also had the opportunity to work as a consultant for UN Women, focusing on technology-enabled solutions for gender equality. 

Finally, the people I have met at both institutions have been some of the most brilliant minds I have had the privilege of interacting with. They all bring such a wide variety of experiences and perspectives that have really pushed me to grow intellectually and professionally. 

You juggle various roles from public policy to academia and community service. How do you manage to balance these different aspects of your career, and what advice would you give to others aiming to do the same?

I have always struggled with the fear of missing out if I am unable to do everything that I would like to do simultaneously. Balancing competing personal, professional, and community responsibilities in ways that work for me have been an ongoing adventure.

However, one principle that has helped me immensely is being ruthless with aligning my activities with my core values - gender equality, inclusion, and impactful policymaking.  Based on this, I am able to find synergies across my work in academia, public policy, and community involvement. My advice to my younger self would be to be less rigid with career planning, seek mentors at all stages of your career, and embrace opportunities that align with your passions. You never know where your network could lead you!

Interestingly enough, I was not actually aware of the dual MPA program and it was a former professor from my time at the University of Sydney who recommended it to me. Had it not been for my network, I could have missed out on an incredible opportunity to live and study across London and New York. Finally, it is critical to build your support system - mentors, peers, family, and friends who can provide guidance and encouragement during career lows. 

You participated in YAIA’s 2023 mentoring program. How did this experience impact your professional and personal development? Do you have any memorable moments or lessons learned that you can share?

Participating in YAIA’s mentoring program was truly transformative. Engaging with Professor Gordon Flake gave me an opportunity to reflect on my career trajectory, gain fresh perspectives, and refine my professional goals. One memorable moment was when Professor Flake honed in on the idea of always following up with updates if someone assists you professionally. As people get busier, they may not always have the time to respond back. However, they always appreciate hearing updates about where your career has taken you.

Following his advice actually proved beneficial, when an opportunity at the OECD over the summer fell through. I was actively seeking relevant opportunities over the summer and Professor Flake generously offered his advice and support. Leveraging his advice and practicing resilience ultimately culminated in a very fruitful role as a Charles Pasley intern at UK-based think tank Council on Geostrategy.

You’ve had a fascinating career working across government services, academia, and community engagement. What has been your greatest professional achievement so far?

One of my most meaningful professional achievements was my redeployment to the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) team during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a case officer, I had the opportunity to provide direct support to vulnerable Australians who had lost their jobs due to employer insolvency—a devastating consequence of the economic crisis.

This role involved processing applications under the FEG scheme, which provides financial assistance for unpaid wages and employee other entitlements such as annual leave. One particularly memorable moment was receiving an email from a claimant whose case I had processed. They shared how much it meant to them to have their claim resolved on time, especially during such a difficult period. The email was so lovely that it lifted team spirits all the way up to the senior leadership level. Hearing this feedback reinforced for me the purpose and importance of effective public service delivery. I was not aware that such a scheme existed before joining the public service, so being able to contribute to it was extremely meaningful. To play even a small role in supporting people during such a major crisis highlighted the real-world impact of thoughtful and timely policy implementation, especially during times of crisis. 

What attributes do you think make a great leader? How can young professionals hone these attributes for their career?

Great leaders demonstrate vision, empathy, resilience, and the ability to empower others. They must also be skilled at communication and making decisions under pressure.  To develop these attributes, I recommend seeking experiences and mentors that embody these traits. I would also suggest being open to diverse experiences, opportunities, and feedback. Finally, leadership requires a growth mindset—so focus on learning and adapting while staying true to your values. Leverage the opportunities offered by organisations such as YAIA to facilitate your career growth

On a side note, I actually have to thank YAIA and Helen Zhang’s career spotlight interview. When she discussed her own ‘lowlights’ alongside her career ‘highlights’ on LinkedIn, she unknowingly validated my own feelings about rejection. Everyone faces disappointments in their career. However these ‘lowlights’ are rarely discussed publicly. Helen’s post reminded me that resilience and self-reflection are key elements of leadership, and that even setbacks contribute to personal growth. This perspective has encouraged me to approach my own challenges with greater confidence.

Finally, what advice would you give to students and young professionals looking to pursue a career in international affairs?

Start by building a strong academic and professional foundation in areas you are passionate about. Gaining diverse experiences—through internships, volunteer work, or roles in government or international organisations—can also help you develop critical skills and a global perspective.

Networking is also key; seek out mentors at all stages of your career, peers who inspire you, and engage with communities like YAIA or academic networks available at university. Build genuine and meaningful relationships that can eventually turn into the most valuable network to tap into. Offering to help genuinely and without expectations goes a long way in building long-term relationships. Never be afraid to just ask even if you expect the answer to be a ‘no’. While anticipating a no, remember that a single yes can open doors that would be closed without initiative. Finally, leverage your unique experiences, such as personal migration stories or cross-sector expertise, to contribute a fresh perspective to international challenges.