IPN Spotlight: Purnur Ilolova (Program Manager, Office of International Development at Indiana University Bloomington)
Purnur Ilolova received her Specialist Diploma in Finance and Credit from Technological University of Tajikistan and her Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Prior to assuming her role as Program Manager with the Office of International Development, Purnur served as the Oncology Unit Coordinator of Indiana University Health – Bloomington Hospital, and as the Finance Department Assistant at the Aga Khan Foundation, USA. A world traveler, she is consistently looking for opportunities to contribute to building reliable institutions, and cultivating active civil society in order to improve the quality of life in developing and developed countries. Purnur currently holds a Program Manager position with the Office of International Development within Indiana University, manages US Department of State funded projects with Mongolia, Italy, Myanmar, Sub Saharan Africa, India and Pakistan.
What skills have helped you in your career?
Regional/Area study expertise
What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I wish I had been a bit more flexible and realized that not everything you do has to be so tailored towards your desired career. Oftentimes, some of the experiences that come from taking a risk and going for an opportunity that might seem unrelated or less obvious prove to be the most valuable. At the same time, it’s important to stay focused and to make time to enrich yourself so that you stay fresh and continue to enhance the skills you already have for future opportunities and advancement.
What is next for you in your career?
Graduate school
What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
Read, network and explore
What advice would you offer to others?
Reaching out to people in your circle
Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Grad school admission
• Career consult in the same field
• Networking
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