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UPCOMING EPD AND OTHER EVENTS

EPD First Years Lunch Mixer | Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Come and join first year EPD-ers over lunch on Zoom. Get to know other EPD-ers, mingle, and have a fun filled lunch break. 

It's Bring Your Own Lunch (BYOL) of course! 
There will be good convo, good food, and a SURPRISE ! 

Register here: http://cglink.me/r840000






The Challenges of Financing the Sustainable Development Goals
Speaker: Navid Hanif, Director, Financing for Sustainable Development Office, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)
Thursday, October 1, 2020 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

As the world economy teeters on the precipice and countries race to meet the vast financing needs for the COVID-19 response and recovery, challenges of financing sustainable development have been elevated to the top of the global policy agenda. Mobilizing financing – from public and private resources - to invest into a sustainable and resilient recovery has become a vital priority for countries and the international community alike. Our success in mobilizing financing for sustainable development and tackling associated challenges will make or break our efforts to build back better from the pandemic and achieve the SDGs by 2030. The webinar will explore these questions with an eye on the role of the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda as a roadmap for national and multilateral action to achieve the dual objective of advancing recovery efforts from COVID-19 and overcome persistent challenges to the financing of the SDGs. For more information and to register CLICK HERE

Conversation with Ayisha Irfan | Friday, October 9, 2020 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Zoom 

Join the SIPA Muslim Commons (SMC) for a Conversation with Ayisha Irfan, Public Policy Manager at Airbnb. Learn about how Airbnb has managed the COVID-19 crisis and how it is like to be a woman of color at the intersection of tech + policy. 

 Zoom Link


 

Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: China from a Global Comparative Perspective | Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Zoom
Join the School of Social Work and the China Center for Social Policy at Columbia University for a lecture with:
Rong Zhao, Assistant Professor of Social Work at Hunter College, City University of New York and moderated by:
Qin Gao, Professor of Social Policy and Social Work; Director, China Center for Social Policy, Columbia University.

How does gender-based discrimination play out in the workplace? What are the overt and covert forms of gender discrimination existing in the Chinese and Western societies? What have been done and what more need to be done to address this profound inequality that has held generations of women back in gaining independence and equal rights? Drawing on economic, sociological, and feminist organizational theories, this talk analyzes: 1) how women have been kept in the low-paying secondary professions and the lower level of organizations; 2) how the discrimination in the workplace is related to the state-led patriarchal society that purposefully restricts women in the domestic world; and 3) what kind of social policies need to be developed and implemented to address this pressing issue. In the end, the speaker will also speak about strategies that individual women may adopt to mitigate the negative influences of gender discrimination on their career development.

For more information and to register CLICK HERE

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OCS EMPLOYER SESSIONS

PMF 2021 Application Informational Webinars | Tuesday, September 29, 2020 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Zoom | Work Authorization Requirement: US Citizens
The PMF Program is a highly selective, 2-Year fellowship and leadership development program that recruits recent and soon-to-be graduates with advanced degrees. It is the Federal Government’s flagship leadership development program and is an excellent way for students with management potential and public service motivation to start a career in the Federal Government and be developed into tomorrow’s leaders.
For more information and to register CLICK HERE

U.S. Department of Defense | Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Zoom | Work Authorization Requirement: US Citizen
A Department of Defense recruiter will lead a workshop on how to improve your chances of
obtaining one the Department’s dozens of internships, fellowships, and permanent positions.
The recruiter will highlight how his office overhauled hiring processes to better match the private
sector along with the various types of paths to employment and positions themselves. Though
the focus will be on specific advice for how to create a stronger resume and application for his
positions (and technically any Federal position).
For more information and to register CLICK HERE
 

Synpulse Management Consulting | Thursday, October 1, 2020 | 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM | Zoom
Join Synpulse Management Consulting for a corporate presentation including Q&A with their consultants and learn more about what makes Synpulse different. RSVP is required. For more information and to register CLICK HERE

Credit Suisse: Firmwide Presentation | Thursday, October 1, 2020 | 12:30 PM- 1:30 PM
Only open to first year students with 3 years of finance experience.
For more information and to register CLICK HERE

PIMCO | Thursday, October 1, 2020 | 12:30 PM- 1:30 PM
PIMCO, a leading global asset management firm. We manage investments and develop solutions across the full spectrum of asset classes, strategies and vehicles: fixed income, equities, commodities, asset allocation, ETFs, hedge funds and private equity. PIMCO is one of the largest investment managers, actively managing more than $1.92 trillion in assets for clients around the world. PIMCO has over 2,800 employees in 17 offices globally. PIMCO is recognized as an innovator, industry thought leader and trusted advisor to our clients.
PIMCO welcomes COLUMBIA SIPA 1ST YEAR STUDENTS to attend our corporate presentation & business breakout sessions to be held for Columbia Business School.
2021 SUMMER INTERNSHIP POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE MBA/MASTERS CLASS OF 2022.
Registration deadline September 30, 2020.
For more information and to register CLICK HERE

Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) | Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM | Zoom
| Work Authorization Requirement: US Citizens
The presentation will describe career opportunities at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), a
non-profit corporation supporting the Department of Defense and other federal government
agencies with multi-disciplinary research. IDA assists the United States Government in
addressing important national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical
expertise. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are
produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results.
Full-time positions as Research Staff Members and Research Associates are available to
qualified candidates with Masters and Doctoral degrees in a variety of disciplines including
physical and life sciences, social sciences, engineering, and international affairs. IDA also runs a
Summer Associate program for graduate students and rising senior undergraduates and a two-
year Science Policy Fellowship for recent bachelor’s and master’s degree recipients.
For more information and to register CLICK HERE

The Alfa Fellowship Program | Wednesday, October 7, 2020 | 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM | Zoom
Gain competitive skills for the global workplace plus experience the business, policy and cultural
environments of Russia and the region. This unparalleled opportunity has enabled over 200 young professionals from the U.S., U.K., and Germany to elevate their careers since 2004. Fully funded, the program includes language training, seminars, and an extended professional assignment. Fellows receive a monthly stipend, program related-travel costs, accommodation, and insurance. Russian language proficiency is preferred but not required.
For more information and to register CLICK HERE

Careers in Sustainable Investing with SIPA Alum Sharadiya Dasgupta ’17, Founding Partner, ESG Value | Wednesday, October 7, 2020 | 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM | Zoom
Join SIPA alum Sharadiya Dasgupta ’17, Founding Partner, ESG Value, for a discussion on careers in sustainable investing. Sharadiya will cover her time at SIPA and path to her current role, provide an overview of the current landscape, identify potential entry points for SIPA profiles and offer advice on networking into and standing out as a compelling candidate in the field.
For more information and to register CLICK HERE

White House Fellows Program | Friday, October 9, 2020 | 9:00 AM- 10:00 AM | Work Authorization Requirement: US Citizens
White House Fellowships are awarded annually to a select group of promising leaders. Fellows - usually from 12 to 15 in number - spend a year in Washington working in a paid, consequential position in the White House or in the office of a senior leader in a federal department or agency. The program is non-partisan, and applications are accepted from American citizens who are not currently employed in the federal government (with the exception of those in military service). Columbia Business School Executive in Residence and Adjunct Professor Steve Harty will host this presentation and discussion. As a White House Fellow, he served as Special Assistant to the Director of the FBI while on leave of absence from a career in advertising. He will be joined by Khalid Azim, a former White House Fellow himself and current Senior Director of Lifelong Learning at Columbia Business School.

In addition to their work assignments, Fellows participate in a robust education program featuring closed door meetings with members of Congress, the Administration and the diplomatic corps as well as visiting CEOs, senior military officials and influential members of the media. A typical Fellowship year also includes three domestic policy trips and an overseas trip to investigate policy issues and political dynamics.

Among the fields represented in recent Fellows classes are business, law, education, journalism, medicine, public health and public policy. White House Fellowships are an incredible opportunity to contribute to the work of the federal government at an unusually high level and also broaden and deepen your appreciation of the interaction between Washington and your chosen professional field. For more information and to register CLICK HERE
 

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JOBS, INTERNSHIPS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Check out this week's OCS New Job and Internship Opportunities CLICK HERE and Upcoming Deadlines for Jobs and Internship Application CLICK HERE

This weeks's new opportunities are from organizations such as New York City Cyber Command (NYC3), Center for Global Development, Center for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS), Deloitte, DevTech Systems, SIPA - Economic Policy Management, Business and Professional People for the Public Interest (BPI), and more. 

While deadlines are approaching for various opportunities with organizations such as Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); U.S. Department of the Treasury; CITRIS Policy Lab; Columbia University Center on Poverty and Social Policy; NextGen America; Cheasapeake Climate Action network (CCAN); Center for Popular Democracy; World Forum Offshore Wind e.V; Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC); and many more. 


COLUMBIA GLOBAL CENTERS - VIRTUAL GLOBAL INTERNSHIPS

APPLICATION DEADLINE: TONIGHT SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 AT 11:59PM
Columbia Global Centers around the world have identified hundreds of virtual internships throughout their partner networks. Despite travel restrictions, students can still find a rewarding opportunity as a global intern doing important work. Virtual internships are meaningful experiences for students to support a variety of projects at organizations (businesses, NGOs, universities, research centers, etc.) across the globe, directly from their home.
CLICK HERE for a list of opportunities and CLICK HERE to apply.


The D-Prize Global Competition 
D-Prize challenges bold new leaders to tackle distribution problems impeding development in countries where extreme poverty exists. We award teams with grants of up to $20,000 to launch new organizations, solve distribution bottlenecks, and change millions of lives. Many of the 160+ winning teams have been students eager to make a massive positive impact on the world. You don’t have to think of yourself as an entrepreneur to apply to D-Prize. We fund problem solvers who are at the idea stage. Students passionate about social entrepreneurship, global health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, poverty alleviation, or last mile distribution can learn more about D-Prize, the Global Competition, and the application at d-prize.org. Application deadline: October 18, 2020. 
 

Catholic Relief Services | International Development Fellowship Program 
Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) International Development Fellowship Program is a 12-month professional development opportunity, designed for individuals dedicated to a career in international relief and development. CRS is one of the largest and most trusted international relief and development organizations. In more than 100 countries worldwide, CRS promotes transformative and sustainable change by using holistic approaches, engaging people at all levels, and tailoring our work to the needs of the people we serve. As an organization that celebrates and promotes diversity, and which is committed to the ongoing work of racial equity, CRS welcomes students of all backgrounds and nationalities. They encourage international students and those historically underrepresented in the international development field to join their diverse global workforce in seeking innovative, sustainable solutions to the world’s most challenging problems.

International Development Fellows are prepared for success in a range of managerial roles with CRS overseas by completing foundational training in project management, project design and proposal development, systems and operations, and partnership. Fellows build their skills in sustainable programming and effective operations by working alongside experienced staff in a CRS office overseas. Fellows take leading and supporting roles on a variety of CRS projects during the fellowship year (often gaining exposure to programming in Agriculture, Health, Emergency Response and Recovery, Education, and more). Most Fellows matriculate to managerial roles with CRS overseas upon successful completion of the program.

Candidates are required to have:
· a graduate degree (by August 2021);
· relevant overseas experience;
· excellent English communication skills (writing and speaking);
· professional proficiency in a second language and;
· a commitment to the work of CRS.

The Fellowship application will be open until November 1, 2020. Candidates are encouraged to visit the International Development Fellows website to learn more about the program structure, core learning areas, requirements, application and selection process, and to see the dates and times of our online information sessions.

EPD Recruitment Orientation (Session's Recording and Slides)
If you missed the EPD Recruitment Orientation Session organized by the Office of Career Service (OCS) on Monday 9/14, we got you covered! CLICK HERE to access the presentation slides, and CLICK HERE to watch the recording of the event.

SIPA Career Website & Resources
We would like to highlight a great career development resources for students that can be found on SIPA Career Resources Website.

Check out the factsheets on Career Development for tips for international students and on connecting with alumni, interviewing, networking, PMF information, writing resumes and cover letters and other career development topics.

Browse the Career Overview Factsheet for information, sample employers, and online resources for a variety of fields and industries

Flip through the Sector-Specific Fact Sheets to Get access to lists of employers by industry or field, organizational charts, and information on IFC and World Bank internship programs and YPPs.

Check out other resources in the website to get access to general career fact sheets, career overviews, PMF information, lists of employers by sector, tips for international students, and sample resumes and cover letters, as well as online databases, paid subscriptions, and the OCS Weekly News e-newsletter.

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: KEVIN HONG
Can you tell us about the course you plan to teach in the spring?
I teach a course called Monitoring and Evaluation Is Everyone’s Job: Driving Evidence-Based Development and Humanitarian Aid. I know it is mouthful, but it conveys two key takeaways of my course: first, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is essential for helping us use limited resources smartly and creating greater and more sustainable impact; second, in my unbiased opinion, all SIPA students should learn M&E regardless of their career interest. M&E is more than about writing a survey questionnaire or crunching numbers in STATA. It is about thinking critically, asking the right questions, and informing timely decisions based on evidence. My class walks through a typical lifecycle of a development or humanitarian project and teaches you what you need to know about M&E at each stage. My goal is to impart both essential M&E concepts and practical skills that will help you throughout your career.

Can you share any research or work you're involved in right now? 
At U.S. Department of Labor, I work on various efforts to support SDG 8.7 to fight child labor and forced labor. One of the projects I am working on is producing a global learning agenda in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO). We are reviewing what we already know about how to reduce child labor and forced labor, assessing what we do not know and where we need more or better evidence, and consulting researchers, policymakers, and donors to determine what research should be prioritized to drive SDG 8.7 in the coming years. I find this particularly exciting because it is so important to ground our work on high-quality evidence and to continue investment in expanding our knowledge base strategically.

Are there any fun facts or other information you'd like to share with students?
I have had a meandering career path. In college, I designed my own degree in computational biology, studying circadian rhythm in fruit flies. I wanted to become a lab scientist then. Look how far I have strayed? I have had a few other stops along the way like starting a social enterprise and working for a behavioral science consultancy. I am always happy to share thoughts on how to navigate career changes or just a career in general. I enjoy speaking with SIPA students so do not hesitate to reach out (kch2115@columbia.edu). 
 

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Kinza Haq is a second-year MIA student with an EPD concentration. She is also a dual-degree student with Barnard undergrad, making her the second-youngest student in her year at SIPA. She spent the last year interning at Estée Lauder on the strategy team, where she accidentally hit the company’s CEO with her wet SIPA bookbag in the elevator and somehow kept her job. When not working, Kinza is constantly thinking about untraditional applications of international relations theory: including its relevance to the fashion industry’s expansive supply chain, discrimination within FIFA, and Peloton’s new Bike+ launch. She is from New York Premium (New Jersey) and will explain at length why Playa Bowls should be your permanent comfort food. Kinza is fluent in Urdu/Hindi, English, and stumbles her way through Arabic, so feel free to reach out in whatever language you’d like to talk about your favorite business podcasts, Slate Star Codex, or why she has the Lakers in 6.

Lily Ghebrai is a first-year MPA student with an EPD concentration. She was born in Eritrea but grew up in Seattle, Washington. Lily was working in the political risk industry for 5 years before she came to SIPA. She is really interested in international development and peacebuilding, particularly in the Horn of Africa. In her free time, Lily makes music (sing, write, record), eat, and work out. If any friends want to grab some delicious Eritrean food, Lily knows a great restaurant near SIPA. She is looking forward to meeting you all in person someday! She's sending some encouraging words to everyone "Stay strong, we got this!"


(Reach out to us if you'd like to be featured in the next newsletter!)

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PICK OF THE WEEK

This week's featured movie: The Social Dilemma 
Set in the dark underbelly of Silicon Valley, The Social Dilemma fuses investigative documentary with enlightening narrative drama. Expert testimony from tech whistle-blowers exposes our disturbing predicament: the services Big Tech provides-search engines, networks, instant information, etc.-are merely the candy that lures us to bite. Once we're hooked and coming back for more, the real commodity they sell is their prowess to influence and manipulate us.

Watch the trailer HERE, Watch movie on NETFLIX. 

This week's featured book: Homo Deus -  A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari

Over the past century humankind has managed to do the impossible and rein in famine, plague, and war. This may seem hard to accept, but, as Harari explains in his trademark style—thorough, yet riveting—famine, plague and war have been transformed from incomprehensible and uncontrollable forces of nature into manageable challenges. For the first time ever, more people die from eating too much than from eating too little; more people die from old age than from infectious diseases; and more people commit suicide than are killed by soldiers, terrorists and criminals put together. The average American is a thousand times more likely to die from binging at McDonalds than from being blown up by Al Qaeda.
What then will replace famine, plague, and war at the top of the human agenda? As the self-made gods of planet earth, what destinies will we set ourselves, and which quests will we undertake? Homo Deus explores the projects, dreams and nightmares that will shape the twenty-first century—from overcoming death to creating artificial life. It asks the fundamental questions: Where do we go from here? And how will we protect this fragile world from our own destructive powers? This is the next stage of evolution. This is Homo Deus.
With the same insight and clarity that made Sapiens an international hit and a New York Times bestseller, Harari maps out our future.

Available on Amazon

(We would love to hear your recommendations! Let us know what you have watched/read/listened to recently so we can feature them in the next newsletter!)

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EPD OFFICE HOURS

José Antonio Ocampo, EPD Co-Director
Sign up online: https://tinyurl.com/officehours-ocampo

Jenny McGill, EPD Co-Director and Workshop Director
Sign up online: https://tinyurl.com/mcgill-oh

Ilona Vinklerova, EPD Manager
Sign up online: https://sipa.campusgroups.com/meetings/1060915/IlonaOfficeHours
Wednesday OH are held at SIPA. 

Séléna Batchily, EPD Program Assistant
By appointment at ssb2200@columbia.edu

Saiful Salihudin, EPD Program Assistant
By appointment at sas2409@columbia.edu