WKU News

Sophomore Mahurin Honors College scholar forges connections for entrepreneurial future

Mary Bidwell
Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

Rising sophomore Ataullah Tahiri is interning in Washington D.C. as a Project Associate with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, a non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.

“At my internship, I learn real entrepreneurial skills such as market research, company planning, and financial management. I also learn valuable soft skills like cooperation, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly appreciated in many fields,” shared Tahiri.

The global aspect of his experience is also taking center stage. Tahiri studies rising trends, best practices, and challenges that innovators face around the world - an experience that he aims to use in his future career.

An Economics and Finance major, Tahiri has ambitions to launch his own business in the future while also hosting workshops and assisting future innovators in bringing their projects to life.

Through this internship, Tahiri is forging connections that he believes will benefit this future endeavor.

“I have the opportunity to work with experienced professionals and develop practical skills and information linked to entrepreneurship and innovation while gaining significant job experience,” he explained.

Tahiri discovered this internship opportunity through The Washington Center, which connects students with immersive, global oriented internship experiences.

That global focus was a natural fit for Tahiri, who is originally from Khost, Afghanistan.

“I was born and raised in conflict, and after the fall of the Afghan government, I moved to the United States in August 2021. I have faced many challenges, but I am grateful for the chance to study at WKU,” said Tahiri.

After coming to the Hill, Tahiri joined the Mahurin Honors College (MHC), which became a critical part of his Hilltopper journey.

“As an honors student, the MHC supported me in pursuing my huge ambition, assisted me with an internship, and helped me develop as a person who can move forward step by step. MHC made me an active citizen of society and made me very connected with people,” shared Tahiri.

In addition to participating in the MHC, Tahiri has also gotten involved on campus through the MHC Alumni Ambassadors and WKU’s Student Government Association.

Looking to the future, Tahiri is excited to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations and make a difference.

“I believe that I can bring new ideas and solutions to the market, create value, and contribute to economic growth,” he shared.

Reflecting on his experience, Tahiri shared the dual importance of flexibility and a focused mindset as part of the internship process.

“Internships are a great way to learn and acquire experience, so be open to new options even if they aren't precisely what you were looking for. Set clear targets for what you want to achieve and skills you want to acquire before beginning your internship. This will assist you in remaining focused and making the most of your experience,” he explained.

And for those specifically seeking to intern in D.C., Tahiri had a few favorite places to note.

“Exploring Washington, D.C. is an incredible opportunity. Each area is lovely, but my favorites are the National Mall, the National Museum of Natural History, the Library of Congress, and Georgetown."