When Ethan Poskanzer ’14 took his first steps across the quad at Syracuse University, he wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to study. But like the dart games he took up between study sessions, he was soon able to hit the bull’s-eye.

Now an analyst at Goldman Sachs in New York City, Poskanzer graduated from Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs with a dual degree in Economics and International Relations. He further focused those studies with a concentration in Middle Eastern and North African political economies. 

He says the exposure to a diverse blend of curriculum and masteries in the College and at Maxwell gave him the freedom to really explore directions he had never before considered.

He also credits Mary Lovely, who holds multiple titles at Syracuse, including professor of economics and chair of international relations, for helping him find his true academic path.

“I had never envisioned doing my own research prior to working as Professor Lovely’s research assistant. She encouraged me to take ownership of my studies, which changed the way I viewed academics,” says Poskanzer.  “That experience absolutely shaped my future graduate degree plans.”