Archive for Academics – Page 36

A Day in the Life of An Over-Committed 2nd Year SIPA Student

Posted by Columbia SIPA 
· Saturday, February 25th, 2012 
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8.00AM—Alarm goes off. I could go for the run I planned to take, but instead I hit the snooze button. Up too late last night working on a problem set.

9.00AM—Alarm goes off again. This time I’m up, eating yogurt (breakfast is the most important meal of the day) making a caffeinated beverage, searching around for a business casual outfit (there are some professional events today, so better look the part) and getting my bag ready to walk the 10 blocks from my apartment on Central Park West up to 118th and Amsterdam.

10.00AM—Arrive at the All Ivy Sustainable Development Fair to scope out potential employment opportunities. Graduation is only a few months away and then I have some loans to pay off, so better work the network and pass out some business cards.

11.00AM—Meeting with my Capstone group and our advisor to discuss plans for our upcoming trip to Haiti over spring break, review our survey questionnaire, complete the stakeholder analysis and mapping exercise, and assign tasks for the next week.  There’s a lot to do, but thank goodness we’ve got a solid, hardworking group. Group work is not so bad when you can count on your team.

1.00 PM—Grab a quick lunch with two of my group members at Brads. Tucking into sandwiches and salad we discuss life before SIPA. Jeremy lived in Italy for 7 years- he used to work for the FAO and before that he was posted there as a sergeant in the US Air Force. He’s a Macroeconomics TA and will be proctoring the 1st years’ midterm exam later today. He and his Italian wife speak French at home and are planning to visit a new US state every month this year.

Ben is from California and is doing the long distance thing with his girlfriend in medical school. He’s interested in conflict resolution, worked interviewing refugees in Zambia with the UN Relief Works Agency last summer, and he’s also interned with CARE in the Gaza Strip. He speaks Arabic and is working part time as a Program Assistant at the State Department Office downtown. I’m always amazed by SIPA students- their amazing talents, their diverse backgrounds, and how they manage to do everything they’re doing while at school.

2.00 PM—Swing by the Office of Admissions to log a few hours: update Apply Yourself and filing new documents that have come in, respond to a number of emails, answer phone calls from prospective students, and sit down with one or two who have just come out of the 12PM info session.  Answer questions they may have about student life and the different programs.

4.00PM—Attend the MPA-DP Development Practitioners Seminar for MPA Development Practice students.  Every week development professionals join us to talk about their careers and the challenges they’ve faced in the field, allowing us to ask lots of questions at the end. Today Maha Bahamdoun, a Yemeni national who has managed UNDP projects all over North and sub-Saharan Africa, fields questions like, “Do you feel the work you’ve done has lived up to the idealistic expectations you had when you entered the UN? Are you still excited to go to work every day?” Good question!

5.30PM—Another amazing SIPA classmate- a dual degree student with Sciences Po in Paris, Alisia, teaches a free yoga class at Barnard. Work up a good sweat and get those shakras flowing. This is making up for the run I missed.

7.00PM—Hurry home to shower and change before heading to Apryl’s house warming party (she’s MIA Urban and Social Policy). Wine, cheese, and appetizers count as dinner, right?

10.00PM—House party is winding down as people talk about checking out the SIPA Pan Africa Network (SPAN) or Latin American Students Association (LASA) parties tonight.

It is a Friday, so I can sleep in tomorrow… until I remember I’m going to a museum in the morning with a friend in Queens, and then a group meeting for my Tools for Advocacy class, and dinner with another friend who’s swinging through town… I’d better get a good night’s sleep…. Well, Ok, maybe just one hour at the SPAN party, I love the music… Ok, and one hour at the LASA party, I LOVE the dancing…

2.00AM—Finally back in bed. It’s already tomorrow. Just another day in the life of an over-committed 2nd year SIPA student!

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Workshops and Capstone Selection

Posted by Columbia SIPA 
· Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 
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It is that time of the year when second year SIPA Students start working on their final project — also known as the “workshop” (for Economic and Political Development (EPD) concentrators) or “capstone” (as is the case of students for all other concentrations) and continue for the remainder of their last semester here.  The final project give students a chance to refine their skills and knowledge and make a positive contribution to the world. The projects also provide valuable experience and contacts for post-graduate employment.

For many of the students, this is one of the most important reasons why they chose to come to SIPA.  There is a lot of excitement in our building surrounding the projects  —  There is endless discussion about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Beginning this year, all SIPA MIA and MPA students are required to participate in either a capstone or a workshop in order to graduate.  You may view this year’s capstone project options here.   Small teams of students will work on cutting-edge issues facing real-world clients and deliver an actionable report at the completion of the project.

Laura Agosta, a second year MPA student concentrating in Economic and Political Development (EPD) is very optimistic about the impact that this experience could have on her personal and professional life. “I believe that this is the chance I have to put into practice the theoretical knowledge I am learning at SIPA. Also, EPD workshops often involve traveling abroad to Africa, Asia or Latin America, this is an excellent opportunity of getting to know a country that you never imagine you would be working in!” says this student from Argentina.  Laura is going to Tanzania to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of a child-protection program.  EPD workshops are projects in which students gain practical experience by engaging in on-going cutting-edge development efforts, often involving country fieldwork. They work in teams with a faculty supervisor and assist a variety of clients on a wide array of assignments in international development. This year’s EPD clients are located in countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Georgia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Nepal.

Andrea Bustard is a second year student concentrating in Urban and Social Policy (USP). She is working on a capstone project. These are also projects in which students are organized into small consulting teams and assigned a substantive, policy-oriented project with an external client. Clients include public agencies – from the local to national level – international NGOs, multinational organizations, and major firms in the private sector. Andrea highlights that this “is an exciting time that has allowed me to identify what skills I would like to develop and match it with my field of interest”.

Alex Villarino, a recent SIPA graduate worked with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Operation in spring 2011. The goal of his SIPA team was to develop a risk analysis and assessment of which factor contributed to detecting the possible problems of catch basing clog and street flooding using the system that the city already has on 311 Consumer service. They elaborated an informatics model that now allows the city to use relevant information such as population, altitude, precipitation and the regularity of cleaning of the city in an effort to detect the areas that are more likely to flood. They  even created an index of leaf control from the census of trees in the city! He says that overall, “It was a very exciting and applicable project with a concrete outcome.  The team was fantastic, everybody worked together and the faculty advisers were very supportive.”

No matter where you go or which project you are involved, most of SIPA students and graduates agree that this is a unique experience that can be very valuable for their future professional life.  And is only one of the many exciting opportunities that SIPA offers future development practitioners.  For a full view of workshop and capstone project opportunities and the sponsoring clients, visit our website.

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SIPA Life on a Friday

Posted by Columbia SIPA 
· Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 
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The following post was written by Andrea Bustard, a second year MIA student concentrating in Urban and Social Policy. Her involvement in the Southeast Asia Student Initiative, SIPA Students of Color and the Migration Working Group has proven to be an enriching experience while at SIPA.

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SIPA offers a wealth of avenues to prepare students with the needed skills for their careers after graduation. Courses range from Cost Benefit Analysis to Policy and Practices of Humanitarian Assistance, and this doesn’t include the classes offered through other schools such as Columbia Business School or Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia. And with over 40 student organizations, you’re bound to find at least one that matches an interest. As a second year, while I’ve felt the courses have taught me skills, having an opportunity to get involved in student groups has given me a chance to work with like-minded professionals and expand my network.

Few classes meet on Fridays, so students often take advantage of the time to attend SIPA related events. Here’s a snapshot of my Friday:

8am Arrive at the Localizing Global Justice conference in the International Affairs Building and greet incoming presenters and help with check-in for registered guests as a board member of the Southeast Asian Student Initiative.

10am-4pm Hear from panelists at the conference about law and human rights issues in Southeast Asia. Highlights included the presentation “Keeping it Up and Keeping it Down – Broadcasting Rights at Thai Protests” by Benjamin Tausig.

4pm-530pm Attend a reception for the panelists from the conference. I especially enjoyed a poetry and cello performance by Professor McCargo’s wife.

6pm-9pm Network at the Alumni of Color Reception hosted by SIPA Students of Color attended by graduate students and alumni from various schools. The highlight was hearing from SIPA alum and candidate for Congress in New York, Vince Morgan, but the food catered from a nearby Côte d’Ivoire restaurant was a close second.

11pm-2am Support SIPA Pan-Africa Network by going to their African Diplomatic Forum fundraiser party at the Empire State Building. On the way back, we stopped at a pizza place outside the subway station before catching a train home. It was a great way to end the event-filled night.

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MIA and MPA Concentration Choice

Posted by Matt Clemons 
· Friday, April 22nd, 2011 
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One of the questions that has been popping up in our email in box from MIA and MPA admitted applicants has to do with the choice of concentration at SIPA.  You can think of your concentration as your major field of study.  Many applicants are worried that they must stick with the concentration selected when the admission application was filled out.  This is not the case.  As a reminder, our six concentrations are:

  • Economic and Political Development
  • Energy and the Environment
  • Human Rights
  • International Finance and Economic Policy
  • International Security Policy
  • Urban and Social Policy

We do look for focus in an admission application and the concentration choice often will influence how a file is read.  For example, if someone selects International Finance and Economic Policy on the admission application we do look for evidence of some pretty serious quantitative study and/or work experience due to the fact that this concentration is quantitatively heavy.

However, we also realize that when admitted applicants enroll and speak with faculty, take some classes, interact with second year students, and attend events, one’s career or academic focus might shift and we want to be flexible and allow students to choose the pathway that is best for their professional goals.  Often this insight only comes after actually enrolling and spending time at SIPA.

Thus it is perfectly acceptable to change your concentration when you register for classes in the fall.  There is no formal process, you simply must choose a concentration when you register.  There is also no firm time line to finalize your choice, however the longer you wait, the more precarious completing the requirements becomes.

The counseling students receive will thus encourage you to be firm with your concentration choice sometime during your first year, and the sooner the better so that you may shape your class schedule and internships.  All of our program requirements must be completed in four semesters and deciding early will help alleviate pressure over time by narrowing your class choices.

So there is no need to worry about sticking to the concentration selected on the admission application.  During Orienation in August new students will have the opportunity to hear faculty speak about the different options and the concentration choice will be made when you register.  If you need to change again when you register for the second semester you may, but again the more focused and certain you are, the more you will be able to gain from the program.

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Career Services Newsletter Highlights

Posted by Matt Clemons 
· Monday, February 14th, 2011 
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Our Office of Career Services (OCS) is very active in the lives of our students.  The job of OCS is to help our current students prepare for immediate engagement in the policy world upon graduation and to assist alumni with continued career development.  The following are some of the highlights of the most recent OCS Newsletter that was sent to our students.  This list should give you a peek into the wonderful service afforded to our students and alumni.

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Economic and Political Development, Human Rights and Urban and Social Policy Alumni/Student Networking Reception

On Thursday, February 17, 2011, from 6:00-8:00pm, the New York City Career Series will host the Economic and Political Development, Human Rights and Urban and Social Policy Alumni/Student Networking Reception at the Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue (near East 38th Street). Hundreds of alumni from the New York City area and series panelists are invited to attend. The reception will provide an exciting opportunity to network with alumni in your field of interest.

Japan Travel Program for U.S. Future Leaders – Application Deadline: Friday, February 18, 2011

The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP), in collaboration with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), will implement the Japan Travel Program for U.S. Future Leaders for the third time. The goal of the program is to foster a new generation of future leaders in the United States who are interested in achieving a greater understanding of Japan and its roles in global affairs, and in engaging in dialogue and interchange with their counterparts in Japan.

The Program will invite approximately twelve (12) first-year graduate students – no more than two from each U.S.-based APSIA school with full membership – to Japan as a group for a period of approximately ten (10) days in August, 2011. The group will consist of students who currently are or previously have been engaged in Japan studies as well as those who successfully demonstrate a serious interest in Japan but may not have previous exposure to the country.

To see a sample itinerary, visit SIPAlink’s Career Resource Library section and click on “Japan Travel Program 2010 Itinerary Reference Only.”

This itinerary is for illustrative purposes only.

CGP will organize all aspects of official programs and bear all program-related costs of the group, including travel and per diem (accommodations and meals). Costs not covered by CGP include but are not limited to the following: passport application fees, U.S. domestic travel to and from the nearest airport, personal incidentals during the program such as gift purchases, personal time excursions, etc.

F-1 Student Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information Session

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) staff will outline your employment options for off-campus work following completion of an academic program. We will discuss eligibility requirements, time limitations, and application deadlines and procedures for off-campus employment (Practical Training) after your program of study.

The New York City Career Series

The New York City Career Series was established in 2005 by the Office of Career Services and is designed to provide a forum for students to discuss career trends with professionals in their fields of interest. It is comprised of approximately 20 career panels that take place throughout the school year, including topics such as Human Rights, Urban Policy, Gender Policy, the United Nations, Public and Private Consulting, Finance and Media.

Panelists include a mixture of SIPA alumni and other professionals working in New York City. The Career Series allows SIPA students to make important connections for jobs, internships and informational interviews.  Many of the private sector career panels were held during the fall semester, while those with a more public sector focus will be held in the spring.

Here is a list of the upcoming career panels for the Spring semester:

Monday, February 28, 2011: Gender Policy Career Panel

6:00-7:30pm, Room 1512 IAB

Monday, February 28, 2011: Urban Policy and New York City Government Career Panel

6:15-7:45pm, Room 1501 IAB

Tuesday, March 1, 2011: Foundations Career Panel

6:00-7:30pm, Room 1512 IAB
Wednesday, March 2, 2011: Security and Political Risk Analysis Career Panel

6:00-7:30pm, Room 1512 IAB

Monday, March 7, 2011: Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Career Panel

6:00-7:30pm, Room 1510 IAB
Tuesday, March 8, 2011: Social Enterprise Career Panel

6:00-7:30pm, Room 1512 IAB

Wednesday, March 9, 2011: Non Profits/NGOs Career Panel

6:00-7:30pm, Room 1501 IAB

Monday, March 28, 2011: Public Sector Consulting Career Panel

6:00-7:30pm, Room 1512 IAB

Tuesday, March 29, 2011: Environmental Policy Career Panel

6:00-7:30pm, Room 1512 IAB

India Employer Outreach Trip: Report by Irene Coffman, Director of Employer Outreach

In my new role as Director of Employer Outreach, I took my first overseas trip to India in November 2010, along with representatives from three other Association of Professional Schools in International Affairs (APSIA) schools.  During the course of the trip we met with 28 organizations located in Mumbai and Delhi, as well as alumni.

We met with a spectrum of organizations that included private sector firms, think tanks, NGOs and multilaterals that included: Monitor Inclusive Markets, Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Infrastructure Development Finance Company, Azure Power, TERI (The Energy Research Institute), Oxfam India, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, Centre for Social Research, UN Development Programme, Aga Kahn Foundation, and American India Foundation.

Several of the organizations we met with have already posted internships for the summer and we are in the process of following up with the rest.

Peer Perspectives Series

Would you enjoy the opportunity to share with your classmates your professional experiences prior to or during SIPA? Give back to the current student body by sharing your expertise in a structured setting. If you have full-time professional work experience in a specific field, sign up to be a speaker as part of the OCS Peer Perspective Series that will showcase one of SIPA’s greatest resources, its student body!

Alumni Career Advisory Program (ACAP)

Attention students! Please note that you have access to the Alumni Career Advisory Program (ACAP), which is part of the SIPA Global Connection alumni website. ACAP is an online directory of SIPA alumni who have volunteered to serve as career mentors to current SIPA students and fellow alumni. ACAP is an excellent source for networking.

Online Job Search Resources

Current students have access to Vault Online Career Library. Vault is the world’s leading source of career information.  It will make your efforts at researching employers, industries, and career subjects infinitely easier and more efficient. In addition, students have access to Wet Feet Library. Since 1994, WetFeet has been a trusted third party for job seekers, helping students and young professionals make smarter career decisions. The Wetfeet Career Resource Site gives you access to the complete Insider Guide library and the inside scoop on more than 1,000 companies, careers, and industries, along with videos and tips to help find and score your ideal job.

Also, please check out our new subscription to the Going Global database! Packed with country-specific career information, this research tool provides expert advice and insider tips for finding employment opportunities domestically and abroad. Explore career and employment opportunities in countries around the world.  Listings are updated daily.  Resources include: business and networking groups, job search resources, cost of living data and more. H-1B employer listings are included in each City Guide, as well as a state-by-state roster.  Access more than 400,000+ country-specific company profiles.  (Available to students and alumni, UNI authentication required.)

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"The most global public policy school, where an international community of students and faculty address world challenges."

—Merit E. Janow, Dean, SIPA, Professor of Practice, International and Economic Law and International Affairs

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