Exercise your right to vote! Or to holiday... 

Hello EPD-ers,

Congrats - you've made it to November and have only seven weeks left of the fall semester! Of course, with the onset of November comes potentially the most consequential election in U.S. history. While we recognize that this is an uncertain and anxiety-producing time for many students, we hope that everyone will use this time off to decompress, and if applicable, vote! Please know that whatever the coming weeks hold, your EPD team is here for you.

On that note, be sure to attend our upcoming internship panel on November 11 to hear directly from your EPD peers about their internship experiences and tips to navigating the summer internship application process. Register here!

Remember to reach out to Semon and Talia directly to set up time for a coffee chat. We are always available to help. In addition, please feel free to use the "student spotlight" to submit any recent awards for congratulations. We love to celebrate our EPD peers whenever possible! 

This week’s newsletter includes:

• EPD Student Spotlight - Abdallatieph Sabbagh
• EPD and Other Events
• Career Advancement Center Events/Reminders - November 6 through November 8
• Mental Health and Wellness Resources on Campus
• Things to Do in NYC
• Podcast Recommendation of the Week
• EPD Office Hours

EPD Student Spotlight: Abdallatieph Sabbagh

I'm a Master of International Affairs (MIA ’25) candidate at Columbia SIPA, concentrating in Economic and Political Development and specializing in International Organizations and UN Studies. I'm also an International Fellows Program (IFP) fellow. I hold dual Bachelor’s Degrees in English Language and Literature and International Relations from the University of Aleppo and Dokuz Eylul University. My passion lies in advancing peacebuilding, human rights, and sustainable development initiatives. Before joining SIPA, I managed high-impact programs in conflict zones across the MENA region, backed by USAID and GIZ. Earlier this year, I was honored with the Human Rights Research Award from Columbia’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights. Currently, I’m contributing to groundbreaking research on forced displacement at the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA). When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring new places with loved ones, cooking, or enjoying long nature walks.

EPD and Other Events

Join an engaging conversation on November 7, from 1-2 pm, in IAB 404 with SIPA alumni in the migration space! Moderated by current SIPA student, Malick Gai, panelists will discuss their professional career paths, their current roles and organizations, as well as historic and emerging challenges and trends in immigration policy. Register here.
 

Columbia Economics Society Financial Modeling & Valuation Workshop

Career Advancement Center Events/Reminders - Nov 6 through 8

CAC Career Fact Sheets and Current List of Subscriptions
Please note that the CAC has numerous Career Development, Career Overview, and Sector Specific fact sheets filled with valuable resources to support your career preparation journey. Additionally, they have a Current List of Subscriptions to assist you with internship and job searches.  We encourage you to check out these links!

SIPA Alumni Career Coaching Program (SIPACC) 
Sign up for a coaching session with SIPA alumni who can provide sector or industry-specific expertise. Currently, there are two EPD alumni coaches, Hama Makino and Sadaf Sajwani, available to meet with you. Visit SIPA Connect at the link here to find instructions on how to book a session.
 

Mental Health and Wellness Resources on Campus

Please reach out to Columbia Health (Morningside, Manhattanville, and Teachers College; in-person, telehealth, and virtual options) for your health and wellness needs. University Life provides additional well-being resources and tips.

Post-Election SIPA Community Circle (Virtual)

Dean Rodriguez and the DEICE Committee will host facilitated SIPA Community Circles on Zoom on Thursday, November 7, 1-2 pm for all interested SIPA students to share and process reactions in a nonpartisan space. To sign up, please complete this interest form. 

Leading and Learning Series

Hosted by the DEICE Committee and Associate Dean Rodriguez, Professors Seth Freeman and Shawna Wakefield will lead a series of workshops about how to navigate conflict and cultivate your leadership in a time of rapid change. All sessions are in person, from 1-2pm and include a light lunch. Click the links to register.

• November 14: Working with Habits and Tendencies (Professor Shawna Wakefield)

• November 21: Reimagining and Building Resilience (Professor Shawna Wakefield) 
   

Things to Do in NYC

VOTE

If you are a U.S. citizen registered to vote in New York, please use this holiday to exercise your fundamental right and civic duty! Find your polling place here. Polls should be open on Tuesday, November 5th, from 6 AM - 9 PM. 
 

Fall Day Trip

With two days of holiday, use the time to get outside of New York and explore surrounding towns before Winter sets in! Whether you’re looking to go apple picking, take a hike or explore nearby Halloween events, these fall day trips are worth the journey. They’re all within three hours of the city, so you’ll be back in time to reminisce about your autumn outing over a cup of hot chocolate. Click here for a list of day trip ideas!
 

Podcast Recommendation of the Week

About the Podcast: Reuters Breakingviews columnists tap their best contacts to explore the biggest issues driving business and markets today. Every Tuesday, Global Editor Peter Thal Larsen and his team tackle a pressing question with a senior executive, financier, policymaker, or other expert. The Big View helps you understand what is going on, explore all sides of the argument, and think about what happens next.

Recommended Episode: This week, voters will choose between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Their decision will impact governments, companies and investors outside the US. In this episode of The Big View podcast, geopolitical strategist Tina Fordham explains why markets misjudge the possible turmoil. Listen here.