Dilnovoz Abdurazzakova
Dilnovoz Abdurazzakova is a graduate student of the School of Business and Economics at WIUT. Below is her story, which highlights her academic journey, achievements and impact.
‘I studied Economics with Finance at WIUT. I chose the programme because I was interested in understanding how economies work and how policies affect people’s lives. WIUT’s international curriculum and teaching style really appealed to me, it felt like a place where I could grow both academically and personally.’
‘My time at WIUT wasn’t just about academics,’ she reflects. ‘WIUT helped me to build a strong foundation in research, writing, and analytical thinking. It also taught me how to work independently and manage my time well. Those skills became very useful later in my Master’s, PhD, and work projects. But it wasn’t just about academics. I also found great friends there who continue to support and inspire me to this day. That community made a difference in my journey.’
Her decision to remain at WIUT after graduation as a Research Assistant marked her first step into the world of applied economics. Working alongside renowned faculty like Professors Muzaffar Ahunov and Ziyodullo Parpiev, she honed her skills in data analysis and economic research.
Today, Dilnovoz is pursuing a PhD in Economics at Central European University in Austria, where her research focuses on education, labour markets, and gender inequality in low- and middle-income countries - particularly in Central Asia. Her commitment to evidence-based policymaking has also led her to impactful roles beyond academia.
She currently works as a consultant at the World Bank, supporting data collection and survey policy analysis across Central Asia and the South Caucasus. She has also collaborated with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) on randomised field experiments, bringing rigorous economic research into real-world policy settings.
Her work bridges rigorous research and real-world impact - supporting policymakers through high-frequency data, household surveys, and randomised controlled trials. She even held a PhD research fellowship at the Centre for International Development at Harvard Kennedy School, a rare honour that reflects her growing influence in international development communities.
Role Model for Future Graduates
Despite her global work, Dilnovoz has never forgotten where her journey began. “WIUT helped me see what was possible,” she says. “It gave me the tools to keep moving forward - and the confidence to believe I could make a difference.”
To current students and aspiring economists, she offers this advice:
“Stay curious. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Lifelong learning isn’t always formal - it’s about growing a little every day.”
