Student Profile

Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui
Karachi, Pakistan
Class: 2008
Major: Economics

Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui is not your average risk taker. A junior economics major from Karachi, Pakistan, Siddiqui says that at one time he was quiet, shy, and nervous, especially when he had to speak in front of others. But rather than flee from his fears, he decided to confront them head on. Instead of staying close to home, Siddiqui boldly chose to further his education halfway around the world.

“I knew I wanted to study at a small liberal arts college in the U.S.,” he says. “My high school counselor and a former student from my high school who graduated from Wooster, recommended that I come here. I never visited campus, but from what I learned about the college, it seemed like the right place for me.”

Siddiqui’s intuition turned out to be right. “My experience here has been very positive,” he says. “It was a little overwhelming at first, but I have adjusted, and I really like it here.”

One thing that Siddiqui did not expect was the warm reception he received from students, faculty, and staff as well as members of the community. “The people here have been very nice,” he says. “Everyone has been so helpful, especially the students.”

Siddiqui’s primary objective in coming to Wooster was to take advantage of its reputation for preparing students for graduate school and the workforce, but he also wanted to learn more about becoming a leader. “I wanted to gain leadership experience,” he says. “That’s what differentiates you.”

In an effort to reach that goal, Siddiqui actively pursued leadership opportunities across campus. He became president of CEO (College Economist Organization). He also became involved with Judicial Board and was selected to serve as an R.A. (residential advisor), but his favorite leadership role is that of president of the cricket club, a sport about which he is passionate.

In the classroom, Siddiqui describes himself as a student who never pushed himself, but he says all that changed when he came to Wooster. “The professors and the courses are very challenging,” he says. “They have provided learning opportunities in every class.”

“Ahsan is a high achieving economics student,” says Amyaz Moledina, assistant professor of economics.“ He is also heavily involved in the student community. When I count the number of things he is doing, I get dizzy just thinking about it. He is one of the few students that takes advantage of the many opportunities available at Wooster.”

Siddiqui has also participated in two programs that have further enhanced his foundation in economics. As a sophomore, he was involved with Wooster’s Social Entrepreneurship program, through which he helped to create a business plan for a profit venture at Goodwill Industries. Then, this past summer, he worked with Wooster’s Applied Mathematics Research Experience, conducting research for First National Bank and providing it with suggestions for ways to improve existing services while introducing new services to gain greater market share.

All of this experience should leave Siddiqui well prepared for life after graduation. He plans to work for a few years, perhaps at a bank or an investment firm, and then attend graduate school. Eventually, he hopes to return to his native Pakistan, but wherever he goes, he promises to sing the praises of The College of Wooster. “I will recommend Wooster to anyone, especially international students,” he says. “There are so many more opportunities to know your professors and become involved in activities on campus. It’s really a great experience.”