Careful Analysis Leads to Wise Decisions for Aneeb Sharif

Aneeb Sharif rarely makes a move without first conducting a cost-benefit analysis. Even simple decisions require careful planning, according to the sophomore economics and political science double major from Lahore, Pakistan, who admits that the economist within him seems to guide every phase of his thought process.

“I like to be in charge,” says Sharif, who chose Wooster over Ohio Wesleyan, Macalester, and a half-dozen other schools because his high school guidance counselor, who used to live in Ohio, thought it would be a good match, and because Wooster simply seemed to want him more. “I like to make a difference, so I want to be sure that I take time and think through my decisions. I am not the one who delegates. I tend to do things myself.”

Sharif’s take-charge attitude has put him at the forefront of campus leadership with an impressive résumé that includes the presidency of Wooster’s Model United Nations team. He also is a residence hall assistant, which is unusual for a second-year student. In addition, he is a research assistant for Matt Krain, associate professor of political science, and he serves as one of Wooster’s five international student Ambassadors, who are chosen to share the culture, customs, history, and traditions of their homeland with schools, businesses, industries, local organizations, and community groups throughout the year.

As to why he has become such a prominent leader after just three semesters, Sharif cites ambition and amicability. “I’m very driven, but I think I’m pretty friendly and approachable, too,” he says. “I get along with all sorts of people, and I have a vast array of friends.”

Sharif carefully allocates time for friends and fun, but academics are clearly his top priority. “The curriculum is very challenging here,” he says. “Because of the smaller class sizes and the individual attention we receive from professors, I feel that I have to be on top of the material.”

That type of approach to his studies has been fruitful for Sharif, who has been named to the Dean’s List in each of his first two semesters. “I’m really getting a lot out of my classes,” he says. “My experience at Wooster so far has been everything I had hoped for, if not more.”

The well-organized Sharif is already thinking ahead and planning for the next two years. “I hope to continue doing what I am doing, but I’d also like to try some new things, some things I’ve not yet done, like theatre,” he says. “Whatever I decide to do, I want to be sure that it does not interfere with my studies.”

Given his early track record, that’s not likely to happen. “Aneeb is the quintessential student in a liberal arts environment,” says James Warner, associate professor of economics at Wooster and an advisor to Sharif. “He is extremely active and makes the most of the many activities that the college has to offer. In the classroom, he is thoughtful, inquisitive, and willing to openly grapple with challenging and controversial material. In individual meetings, he is both personable and poised making these interactions enjoyable. Finally, his participation in the greater college community is admirable and mutually beneficial.”

After graduation, Sharif intends to pursue a master’s degree and possibly even a Ph.D. Beyond that, he’s not sure, but he thinks he might like to become involved in some form of international development. Eventually, he plans to return to his native country.

Until then, he has more than two years to build on an already impressive track record and continue to micro-analyze every decision, just like a true economist.