Meet Maham Pirzada, a recent graduate who studied law and economics through USC Gould and USC Dornsife’s joint degree program, the Master of Innovation Economics, Law and Regulation (MIELR). In this Q&A, she reflects on how her experiences growing up between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) shaped her interest in law and economics, what drew her to USC’s interdisciplinary program, and how she’s using her studies to prepare for a career focused on creating more equitable and efficient economic systems worldwide.
What sparked your interest in learning about law and economics?
During my undergraduate studies in business administration, we were required to take several economics courses, and that’s really where my curiosity began. I was drawn to how economics explains the “why” behind so many aspects of the world — how people make decisions, how markets function, and how policies shape outcomes. I found it both logical and deeply connected to real life, which ultimately led me to major in economics.
Growing up between Pakistan and the UAE, I often reflected on the stark differences between the two countries in terms of job opportunities and standards of living. I wanted to understand why those gaps existed and realized that both legal structures and economic systems play a central role.
That intersection between structure and human behavior continues to fascinate me. It’s what inspired me to explore how law and economics work together to shape societies and improve opportunities.
What made you pursue the MIELR degree, and why at USC?
I knew I wanted to keep learning and strengthen my analytical skills, but I was also looking for a program that connected my interests instead of confining me to one path, which is what stood out about USC’s MIELR program. What really drew me in was its emphasis on critical thinking and practical learning — the kind that helps you understand real-world issues from multiple angles.
USC’s global outlook, diverse community and strong academic foundation made me confident that it would be the right place to challenge myself and grow. The faculty, in particular, left a lasting impression. Learning from professors who have not only shaped academic thought but have also made significant contributions to their respective fields was so inspiring. Their lectures don’t just rely on theory, but on their own work experiences — a level of insight that is rare and invaluable.
For me, the MIELR program represents the best kind of education: one that connects ideas, cultures, and disciplines in a way that prepares you to make an impact beyond the classroom.
How was your transition into the program, and how did USC assist you?
Coming from a business and economic background, transitioning into the law classes took some adjustment. The way of thinking, writing and researching was quite different from what I was used to. But once I got the hang of it, it felt like discovering an entirely new way to approach problems — with new tools and frameworks to draw from.
USC made that transition much smoother by adding some foundational law classes, having an incredibly supportive faculty and accessible academic resources that made me feel a lot more confident navigating through the program.
What stood out most, though, was how approachable everyone was — from faculty to classmates. That sense of community made a huge difference. As a MIELR student, taking classes at both the Gould School of Law and Dornsife has allowed me to connect with students from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. That mix of perspectives has made my experience richer and more collaborative.
What is the most memorable experience from your USC studies?
It’s difficult to pinpoint one moment because USC opened the doors for me to make countless memories to learn from and cherish. One of the things that makes the university so special is how much learning happens outside the classroom too. From career fairs and professional seminars to fun events like Thai Town food tours for graduate students, the opportunities to connect and grow are everywhere.
That being said, the highlight for me has been learning from professors who bring real-world experience from their legal practice directly into the classroom. To hear firsthand stories about cases I’d only read about before was fascinating — it made the subjects come alive in a way textbooks and articles can’t.
I also enjoyed the guest lectures. Hearing from professionals who’ve worked across law, policy and economics, and getting to interact with them, made the learning process feel dynamic and personal. Those conversations reminded me that education isn’t just about how you study, but about the people and ideas that challenge how you see the world.
How will your degree from USC give you an advantage for your career goals?
USC has given me the confidence to turn curiosity into direction. The MIELR program has helped me learn how to think strategically about complex global issues. More importantly, it’s taught me how to approach problems from both analytical and human perspectives — a balance that I believe is essential in today’s world.
Looking ahead, I want to build a career that combines policy and strategy, whether in consulting or within an organization focused on economic development. Ultimately, I’d love to work on projects that make systems more efficient and equitable, especially in regions like South Asia and the Middle East, where I’ve seen the importance of it firsthand. USC has given me not only the knowledge and perspective to pursue that path but also a network of mentors and peers who continue to inspire me.
What advice do you have for students who may be interested in following a similar path to yours?
I’d tell future students not to be afraid to explore something new. If you’re drawn to a field that bridges disciplines, like law and economics, go for it! It will broaden your perspective in ways you don’t expect.
Also, be patient with yourself during the learning curve. Adjusting to a new way of thinking can be challenging, but that’s where the most meaningful growth happens.
Most importantly, take advantage of the resources USC offers — all of them. Engage with your professors and classmates and really immerse yourself in the experience. Attend that seminar you think is irrelevant to you, visit your professors during their office hours, even go to the various dog therapy and ‘hug a pug’ happenings around campus. Some of my best conversations and biggest insights have come from unexpected places. Those experiences reminded me that growth often happens outside your comfort zone — you just have to be open to it.
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