Belonging and Building: Sun Wo Kim’s Journey from Economics Student to Policy Researcher
For Sun Wo Kim, the journey to public service began long before college — rooted in the experience of immigrating from South Korea to Long Island at age five. Navigating two languages and cultures taught him how to adapt, problem-solve, and stay open to new perspectives. “As I grew older,” he reflects, “I began to appreciate the sacrifices my family made and the barriers many others face in trying to build new lives. That shaped the way I approach learning and work today.”
Sun Wo came to City College drawn by its diversity and vibrancy, initially majoring in Business Management. A turning point came during a Principles of Macroeconomics course, where he discovered that economics wasn’t just about personal finance — it was a powerful tool for shaping policy and equity. He shifted to an Economics major and later joined the BA/MA program, deepening his focus on economic policy and real-world impact.
Today, as a Moynihan Public Service Fellow and Semester in DC participant, Sun Wo is completing his final semester in Washington, D.C., where he interns with The Century Foundation’s economics team. His work centers on unemployment insurance modernization, using R Studio and Department of Labor data to track implementation and accessibility.
He credits much of his growth to the Colin Powell School. “Bridge to Success with Professor Hassan changed everything — I found mentorship, fellowships, and a network,” he says. Research with Professors Shachmurove and Hmaddi, and advanced coursework with Professor Foster, helped him build the analytical skills that now inform his policy work. His contributions have already been published in Strategic Response to Turbulence (Edward Elgar, 2024).
After graduation, Sun Wo will stay on at The Century Foundation through the summer and then begin a paralegal position. His long-term goal? Law school — where he hopes to continue exploring the intersection of law, economic justice, and governance.
“My advice to students is simple,” he says. “Apply. Show up. Talk to people. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do — but if you stay open and involved, you’ll find your path.”
Three words that define the Powell School?
Belonging. Opportunity. Resilience.
