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PEPM has changed to a 12-month MPA degree program!

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

blog pepm4

The Program in Economic Policy Management (PEPM) has become a 12-month program for mid-career professionals leading to the Master of Public Administration degree. Students will start the full-time program in June and finish the following May. PEPM focuses on training professionals and policymakers in the skills required for effective design and implementation of economic policy in market economies, with a strong emphasis on the economic problems of developing and transition economies. The full-time program is especially suited for mid-career professionals who may only be able to take off a short time from their current employment.

In addition to our economic policy focus, students may opt to focus on global energy management and policy, which offers a very strong set of courses focused on traditional energy markets as well as alternative energy.

PEPM was formed in cooperation with the World Bank and still maintains its connection to the Bank, through our Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship program, providing full scholarships each year for up to 12 students from emerging economies; https://sipa.columbia.edu/the-joint-japanworld-bank-graduate-scholarship-program

Please join us for our one of our online information sessions taking place over the next few months. To join, simply click on the following link and select PEPM virtual information sessions; https://apply.sipa.columbia.edu/portal/oncampusevents

When you have a moment, login to our new Facebook Page, where we are announcing news on students, professors, alumni and will be posting information on our events.

Application Deadlines for Summer 2015: https://apply.sipa.columbia.edu/apply/

Early Decision Due: November 1, 2014

With Fellowship Consideration Due: January 5, 2015

Final Application Due: February 5, 2015

Categories : Admissions, Application Tips

Tags : application tips, PEPM, Program in Economic Policy Management

Seeple snapshot: Katherine McGehee

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Monday, September 29th, 2014

Katherine McGehee
Master of International Affairs
Concentration: Economic and Political Development
Specialization: Management

Katherine McGehee is a native New Yorker, Katherine attended the United Nations International School through high school, which most definitely sparked her interest in international affairs. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2012 with a dual degree in Foreign Affairs and French and a minor in history. During college, she studied abroad at Sciences Po Paris where she pursued courses on development in Africa. Before joining SIPA, she worked for the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs on urban-level research and at Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières on advocacy work. Since studying at SIPA, she has interned for a UN-related agency, served as an editorial assistant at the school’s Journal of International Affairs, and interned in public sector consulting.

What attracted you most to SIPA?

What attracted me most to SIPA are two things: New York City and the Capstone component. SIPA is unique in the fact that it has a strong network internationally, domestically, and especially in New York. I wanted a school where I would have a strong network of alumni, professors, and contacts in New York City as my immediate career goal is to remain in New York following graduation. I do want the opportunity to have a strong resume anywhere else in the world too and SIPA carries a strong reputation globally. The Capstone is another unique element of SIPA’s curriculum as it gives SIPA students the opportunity to translate theory into practice through fieldwork experience. I am really excited about the opportunity to work as a consultant for a top organization over the course of my second year.

Have you taken classes at other Columbia Schools?

At SIPA, I am continuing to develop my interest in international affairs with a particular focus on private sector development of public services. Most notably, I am concentrating on the broad issues of food security, public health, and infrastructure. The beauty of SIPA is that it is possible to explore a range of issues in the classroom, through internships, and through consulting projects organized by the school. This is also made possible through the opportunity to take courses at other Columbia schools. Last semester, I took a class called, “International Development and the Private Sector,” which gave me a different perspective on ways to create successful development projects.

Can you comment on the quantitative rigor in the curriculum?

One of my biggest concerns coming into SIPA was the quantitative requirement in the curriculum. I had never studied economics, statistics, or financial management before and I was really anxious about stacking up next to other SIPA classmates. While SIPA’s core quantitative courses are certainly rigorous, the school ensures that its students receive the support they need to learn and succeed in these classes. Tutors, review sessions, recitations, and team activities are available to work through problem sets. Multiple course levels are available to ensure that students can choose to what extent they would like to be challenged.

What advice would you give a first-year student?

Before answering this question, I consulted with my SIPA peers (most notably Adero Miwo, MIA 2015) to get their perspectives. The dominant advice: be open, be focused, and be disciplined. SIPA can be overwhelming because of the seemingly infinite number of course options, student activities, and volunteer opportunities. By having an objective of what you want when you start at SIPA, you can get the most from the curriculum and from the school community. Remaining open to new possibilities and staying disciplined, especially when it comes to time management, can ensure that you succeed at SIPA.

Categories : Admissions, Meet Seeples, SIPA

Tags : EPD, Katherine McGehee, management, MIA, PA, Program Assistants, seeple

Interview with SIPA MIA Candidate, Dario Martinez

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Wednesday, September 24th, 2014

Dario Martinez

Brief Background: I am originally from Honduras and I have a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration, both from Loyola University New Orleans. Prior to enrolling at SIPA, I was a Senior Territory Manager for Loyola University and I was in charge of the recruitment and marketing efforts for the university in Latin America, the Caribbean, Mississippi and Florida. During my time at SIPA, I have been involved in the SIPA Consulting club and assisted them in organizing the Case Competition last fall. Also, as a member of the Columbia’s Impact Investing Initiative (CI3), I was part of a four person team that developed a strategy for Habvita Mexico’s entrance into the microfinance housing market in Mexico. Finally, this summer I was an intern in the Renewable Energy Research Department for ThinkGreen Global Advisors and I assisted my manager with client pitching, managing interns, due diligence and research on clean energy topics.

What attracted you to SIPA? What attracted me the most to SIPA, was its rigorous curriculum. I had a strong foundation in Finance and Business prior to coming to SIPA but I wanted to further my quantitative and analytical skills further. My professors are not only knowledgeable and highly regarded in their field but where accessible and invested in training tomorrow’s leaders. Moreover, undertaking classes such as Accounting for Public Affairs, Economic Analysis II or Capital Markets definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and prepared me to pursue a career in the private or public financial sector. All of this while attending a school that has a strong focus in policy, which I am very passionate about, and an unparalleled international focus.

What experience prepared you to attend SIPA? I think that the two experiences that have helped me the most are: work experience and multicultural awareness. As a Territory Manager, I had to learn to work in a fast pace environment, to develop strong multitasking and time management skills, and to interact in a professional setting with people from different backgrounds and cultures. My prior experience also allowed me to develop a better understanding of the concepts and tools discussed in my classes and their applications in the real world.

While at SIPA, I have also been surprised with the diversity of our student body and the wealth of knowledge the students bring to the classrooms. I have classmates come from all over the world, SIPA has 51 countries represented on campus, and from very interesting and unique backgrounds. My classmates are former marines, Peace-Corp participants, full-bright recipients and international development consultants. This opportunity has definitely allowed me to learn about my classmate’s countries, their customs and their personal and professional experiences.

What kind of work do you want to do when you graduate?

Upon graduation, I intend to work in the finance sector. My goal is to join a rating agency or a financial institution and use the knowledge and skills that I acquired at SIPA to provide world-class financial, strategic solutions and research to their sovereign and institutional clients.

Categories : Admissions, Meet Seeples, SIPA

Tags : Dario Martinez, PA, Program Assistants, student

Interview with SIPA MIA Candidate, Lauren Podber

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Tuesday, September 16th, 2014

Lauren Podber

Degree: Dual (BA/MIA)

Concentration: International Security Policy

Specialization: Regional: Middle East

Lauren is a second-year SIPA student pursuing an MIA degree with a concentration in International Security Policy. During her time at SIPA, which has overlapped with her final year at Columbia’s undergraduate School of General Studies (GS), Lauren has worked for Court Square Capital Partners, a private equity firm, as well as choreographed for Fordham University’s Dance Team. During the Summer of 2012 and of 2013, Lauren interned in the Intelligence and Cyber Operating Unit, at a defense contractor in Northern Virginia. This summer, in addition to working at Court Square and Fordham, Lauren continued studying Persian/Farsi, which she has been learning over the course of the past three years. Before coming to Columbia as an undergraduate in 2009, Lauren was a professional dancer. She graduated magna cum laude and phi beta kappa with a degree in Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies from Columbia University in February 2014.

What did you do before coming to SIPA?

I worked as a professional dancer before coming to SIPA. Although I was formally trained as a classical ballet dancer at the Joffrey Ballet School and Kirov Academy of Ballet, I ended up working as a professional dancer/cheerleader for the New Jersey Devils, a hockey team, as well as several smaller teams managed by the owners of the Devils. I also worked for House of the Roses Volunteer Dance Company: a non profit organization providing free, onsite dance instruction to homeless and at-risk children in transitional shelters and community centers in NYC and the Bronx. In 2009, I came to Columbia’s undergraduate School of General Studies to pursue a degree in Middle Eastern Studies.

On the left: a group of House of the Roses dancers after a performance at “Project Dance” in Time Square, in 2010.

On the right: NHL Playoffs 2009. I’m second from the right, and the palest of the group!

What attracted you to SIPA?

The professors! I heard about the program from a friend in GS, and I remember looking at the online course bulletin for ISP (International Security Policy) and deciding right then and there that I needed to apply. I was so excited to sign up for so many of the courses. In addition, continuing at Columbia, allowed me to take an extra year of Persian/Farsi with my favorite language teacher. Lastly, as someone who would have finished college at 28, it allowed me to complete a masters degree more quickly, which should hopefully be beneficial in the job search!

What kind of work do you hope to do when you graduate?

I’m most interested in the Middle East and Central Asia. Hopefully, I’ll end up working somewhere where I am focused on Iran, and get to continue learning the language. Given the ever-changing global landscape, this could be completely irrelevant five years from now, so I’m keeping an open mind!

Categories : Admissions, Meet Seeples

Tags : dual degree, Lauren Podber, MIA, PA

Can’t make it to campus, find us on the road

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Monday, September 15th, 2014

We’re visiting a few places this week so if you can’t make it to Columbia University in Morningside Heights, NYC then find us off campus.

Tonight (Monday, September 15) we’re heading south to midtown east (not that far away but for those who are already working, playing or living in the area, it’s just a faster and easier commute). We’re participating in an admissions fair with a number of APSIA schools so you can meet a few of us in one evening. And if international affairs is your kind of thing, you can also participate in a panel discussion with CFR experts discussing the New Middle East. To register for the event, click here. There is a small fee to attend the panel discussion but the fair is free (use “APSIA” as the promo code).

This week we’ll also be in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Mexico, and the US capital (Washington, DC). For a list of where you can find us to learn more about SIPA, visit our website, under “On the Road.” If you’re in New York and able to visit our lovely campus, come and attend an information session.

Categories : Admissions, News

Tags : APSIA, information session, learn more, on the road, Travel

"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