Hayk Bejanyan, Ph.D., – a Master of Public Administration (MPA) student and Fulbright scholar from Armenia – recently completed a summer internship at the World Bank.
At the World Bank, Dr. Bejanyan served as short time consultant for Global Indicators Group “Business Ready” index. The Business Ready (B-READY) Index is the World Bank’s flagship report assessing the business environment and investment climate globally, focusing on regulatory frameworks and public services that affect business environment.
Dr. Bejanyan’s role was to conduct benchmarking research and perform in-depth policy analyses on regulatory frameworks. He also led data analysis efforts to provide actionable insights and contributed to refining the B-READY methodology. The first B-READY report is set to launch on October 3, 2024.
Dr. Bejanyan is attending FSU through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. This international exchange program funds graduate study, research, and creative projects and is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
“FSU is listed among the top universities, and Askew School of Public Administration and Policy is ranked in the top ten globally, a distinction my previous institutions lacked,” Dr. Bejanyan said. “I am thrilled to have continued my education at the university of my choice, and this year of study has confirmed that I made the right decision.”
Dr. Bejanyan received his Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance from Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE). After working in the public sector for several years, he wanted to bridge professional gaps in knowledge and improve his expertise. This led him to FSU, where he is pursuing an MPA from the Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, with a focus in program evaluation and evidence-based decision-making.
His research aims to promote evidence-based decision-making to ensure that public programs and policies are well-conceived and effectively implemented to benefit the community.
“My most impactful experience at Florida State University has been the comprehensive educational journey encompassing coursework, research, and the invaluable support from professors,” Dr. Bejanyan said. “The rigorous courses in public administration and policy analysis have significantly deepened my knowledge and analytical skills.”
Dr. Bejanyan received the James S. Bowman Professional Ethics Award in the Best MPA Paper category from the Askew School for his paper about the ethical observation of artificial intelligence in higher education. He credits his professor and mentor Linda Schrader, Ph.D., for encouraging him to compete.
He expressed his gratitude for the support of other Askew School faculty, including Reubin O’D. Askew Senior Practitioner in Residence Gary VanLandingham, Ph.D. and Associate Teaching Professor Portia Campos, Ph.D.
“The daily support and mentorship from FSU’s professors have been pivotal in my academic and professional growth,” Dr. Bejanyan said. “Their readiness to provide guidance and feedback has created an enriching learning environment, enabling me to thrive and excel in my field.”
The responsiveness and dedication of FSU professors have led to the launch of a collaboration between FSU’s Learning Systems Institute (LSI), the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, and Dr. Bejanyan’s first alma mater, ASUE. Dr. Bejanyan will be the coordinator for a U.S. Department of State grant to enhance entrepreneurship education in Armenia by training ASUE faculty, establishing a STEM Social Innovators Incubator, and offering joint FSU/ASUE courses and certificates.
To learn more about the Askew School of Public Administration, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/askew. For more information about the Fulbright US Student Program, visit fulbrightscholars.org/us-scholar-awards.