<p><span class="p-body">When Siranush &quot;Siri&quot; Kostanyan was looking for a graduate program, she was determined to find one that allowed her to apply her tech skills to project management. She found her perfect match in NYU SPS's <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-project-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Project Management</a> program, which is designed to give students a fiercely competitive edge in a variety of industries. We recently caught up with Siri to see how she is finding the program so far.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Kostanyan is originally from Armenia, a country rich in culture, history, and resilience. Her background influences her approach to life and work, instilling determination that she brings to every endeavor. Since completing her undergraduate studies, Kostanyan has built a robust career in tech as a Technical Program Manager and Product Manager, specializing in AI-driven products. She has led diverse teams in bringing innovative AI products from concept to market, always focusing on solutions that address real-world challenges.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Her active role at NYU SPS complements her career, as she balances academics with various leadership responsibilities. Kostanyan explains, &quot;Being part of this community is like being part of a family, and contributing to that sense of connection is something I truly cherish.&quot; Kostanyan's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for others is evident in her involvement with student life and her dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for international students.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">As the elected president of the <a href="https://engage.nyu.edu/organization/sps-international-club" target="_blank">NYU SPS International Club</a>, Kostanyan has made it her mission to represent and advocate for international students. She believes that being an international student comes with unique challenges, from navigating a new academic system to finding internships and jobs. &quot;Coming to New York City can be challenging, but it's the vibrant and supportive NYU SPS community that makes all the difference,&quot; Kostanyan says. By organizing cultural and networking opportunities, and professional and educational events, she ensures that every member feels a sense of belonging and empowerment to succeed.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">For Kostanyan, the key to thriving in a new environment is community. She credits her own positive experience to the support and camaraderie she found within the NYU SPS community. Inspired by this, she decided to become an Orientation Leader and become an active part of ushering in new SPS students.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">As she nears graduation, Kostanyan continues to help others feel the same sense of belonging and empowerment she experienced when she first arrived in New York.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Kostanyan takes her education beyond the classroom in her role as the Product Manager of the AI Capstone projects for the MS in Management and Systems (STEM) program, under the guidance of Andres Fortino. Here, she applies her project management skills to help fellow students navigate their capstone projects. &quot;Seeing my peers successfully bring their projects to completion is immensely satisfying, and it's taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, and the practical application of my studies,&quot; Siri explains.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Her time at NYU SPS has prepared her well for her career in tech, providing her with a deep understanding of how to manage complex projects and collaborate across cross-functional teams. Her role as a graduate assistant in Student Life has also allowed her to develop her skills to balance multiple responsibilities, make strategic decisions, and support others in achieving their goals. &quot;Together, we focus on creating an engaging and inclusive community by organizing events and supporting student activities,&quot;&nbsp;Kostanyan shares.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Outside of her academic and leadership roles, Kostanyan is focused on gaining industry-recognized certifications to enhance her skill set. She recently passed the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam, demonstrating her deepened understanding of cloud technologies and her ability to contribute to tech-driven projects. Additionally, her internship at Outropy AI was an excellent opportunity to get hands-on experience in AI-driven product development, allowing her to dive head-first into the complexities and potential of AI technologies.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Kostanyan's passion for leveraging technology for the greater good extends beyond her studies. She aims to use AI to address societal challenges, particularly in enhancing educational outcomes and fostering community development. Her vision is clear: &quot;I aspire to lead multidisciplinary teams in creating AI-driven products that simplify complex processes and enhance user experiences,&quot; she says. This ambition comes from her desire to be at the forefront of innovation, where she can influence the strategic direction of product development and ensure that technology serves people.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Kostanyan's journey has not been without challenges. Balancing her many roles at NYU, along with her responsibilities as a mother, requires constant juggling and prioritization. &quot;I want to be a role model for my seven-year-old daughter, showing her that with determination, hard work, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth, she can achieve anything she sets her mind to,&quot; Kostanyan explains. The support of her family, particularly her husband, has been crucial in helping her stay grounded and focused on her goals.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Despite the challenges, Kostanyan remains committed to her personal and professional growth. She believes that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, and her experiences have taught her the importance of resilience, humility, and a strong support system. Her time at NYU SPS has reinforced her passion for leadership, community building, and innovation, and she is determined to continue making a positive impact.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For incoming NYU SPS students, Kostanyan is a strong advocate for students to get involved and stay active in campus life. &quot;Being part of the NYU SPS community offers you incredible opportunities to connect with a diverse group of peers, faculty, and industry professionals,&quot; she adds. Kostanyan encourages students to immerse themselves in the community from day one, whether it's joining clubs, attending events, or participating in workshops. &quot;The more you put yourself out there, the more you'll grow—both personally and professionally,&quot; she adds.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Ultimately, Kostanyan journey speaks to the power of continuous learning, the importance of community, and the impact of innovative leadership. As she looks forward to her future in AI and product management, her true north is a desire to create meaningful change and to help others realize their potential.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The next generation of project management trailblazers has a place for you when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-project-management.html" target="_blank">MS in Project Management</a> at NYU SPS today.</span></p>