Iva Nachkebia first got involved with Students For Liberty in 2019 after his best friend, who was a local coordinator at the time, persuaded him to join Georgian Students for Liberty (GSFL) as a local coordinator. In this position, he organized lectures, discussions, debates, and conferences on major socio-economic issues, assisted team members with their projects, and planned campaigns that promoted libertarian values in the country. In 2021, he became the National Coordinator (NC) for GSFL. For one year as the NC, he represented the organization to partners and potential donors, organized events to promote libertarian ideas among Georgian students, and interviewed potential members of the team.
“One of the most memorable experiences during my time with SFL was organizing the “Technology, State, and Individual Conference.” This event was a significant success and won the Conference of the Year award, which led to my invitation to the LibertyCon award ceremony in Washington, DC. “
Additionally, after moving to Austria for his master’s degree, he became a National Coordinator for SFL Austria. His main goal in this position was to re-establish SFL’s presence in the country following a period of inactivity by forming a new team and laying a foundation for future activities.
“My involvement with SFL has played a key role in shaping my career goals and professional development. Specifically, the hands-on experience I gained in organizing and managing events proved to be a significant push in my career development. For instance, shortly after joining, I organized my first event. Managing these events often comes with unpredictable challenges—a last-minute cancellation from a keynote speaker, not having enough chairs at the venue, or technical issues like a malfunctioning microphone. Navigating these situations over my four years with SFL provided me with invaluable real-world experience in problem-solving and adaptability, skills that are crucial in any professional setting.
Additionally, SFL exposed me to global opportunities and experiences that were pivotal for my career growth. SFL’s international network was particularly valuable for someone like me, coming from Georgia, where such global connections are rare. Through SFL, I received a newsletter from the Cato Institute, which led to an internship that became a cornerstone of my professional journey. “
Today, Iva works as a Research Consultant in the Budget and Entitlements Policy division at the Cato Institute, he focuses on researching US fiscal policy with a specific emphasis on Social Security. Additionally, he contributes to a weekly newsletter called Debt Digest, which provides Hill staffers and other policy experts with timely fiscal facts and news.
“My advice to current SFL members aspiring to work in policy research and analysis is to be proactive and seize every opportunity. Keep an eye out for internship possibilities, as SFL frequently shares information about various positions that can provide valuable experience. Additionally, try to read the policy issues relevant to the country you are interested in (this was the US in my case). This will help you gain a deeper understanding and identify the specific policy field that most captivates you, whether it be economics, technology, or health policy. Developing a strong foundation in these areas and gaining practical experience through internships will be instrumental in advancing your career in policy research and analysis.”
