Beyond the Classroom: Columbia SIPA's Summer Placement Experience in Zambia

Indah Permata Sari Barus, SIPA'25, shares her Zambia summer placement experience 

September 17, 2024

Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (Columbia | SIPA) Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Development Practice program is supplemented by a three-month professional summer placement with established partner organizations worldwide. This placement provides graduate students practical work experience in sustainable development practice and a holistic learning experience. Indah Permata Sari Barus, SIPA'25, recently completed her summer placement in Zambia and shared her experience with us.

Here's what Indah had to say

 

Tell us more about yourself and your educational background. Why were you interested in undertaking your summer placement in Africa?

My name is Indah Permata Sari Barus, and I am a second-year student from Indonesia at Columbia | SIPA pursuing an MPA in Development Practice with a focus on sustainable development, rural development, and financial inclusion, particularly in relation to agriculture and climate change. Before my graduate studies, I worked in Indonesia's development sector, supporting women-led enterprises and smallholder farmers. This summer, I had the opportunity to further expand my expertise through Columbia's SIPA summer placement program in Zambia with Hydrangea Enterprises Limited, a consultancy and agricultural firm. This placement broadened my geographic scope and allowed me to apply my academic learning to practical challenges while learning from regional experts and collaborating with local stakeholders.

During this time, were there any specific skills or knowledge areas you were able to develop through your summer placement experience?

My summer placement allowed me to develop and refine several key skills. I gained practical experience conducting value chain analyses, particularly in the fisheries and agriculture sectors, which played a central role in the development plan initiative in Zambia. Additionally, I enhanced my capacity for project impact measurement, focusing on tracking the progress of various producer groups and cooperatives in Lake Tanganyika. I also contributed to developing a sustainable livelihood plan for one of the largest mining companies in the Copperbelt Province. This experience deepened my understanding of integrating sustainable practices into corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensuring local communities benefit from mining activities through improved livelihood opportunities. The placement also strengthened my cross-cultural communication and adaptability skills as I worked closely with diverse stakeholders in different local contexts. This experience has been invaluable in building my ability to navigate complex, multicultural environments while addressing real-world development challenges.

What were the most rewarding tasks or projects you worked on?

One of the most rewarding tasks was contributing to developing strategies to strengthen the capacity of local fishing communities around Lake Tanganyika. Through this work, I contributed to improving the organizational structures of various groups and cooperatives, enabling them to enhance their market linkages and product quality. Seeing the tangible outcomes of these efforts, such as better market access and improved economic prospects for these groups, was incredibly fulfilling. Working on long-term sustainability strategies to ensure continued progress for these communities was particularly rewarding.

In what ways do you believe this summer placement experience will contribute to your professional growth?

This experience has given me invaluable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainable development initiatives. It significantly enhanced my project management and impact measurement skills, particularly in developing comprehensive, data-driven policies that align with sustainable and inclusive development goals. I gained a deeper understanding of integrating policy frameworks, including incorporating gender equity and inclusive approaches, into the design and implementation of development projects to ensure they are effective, scalable, and adaptable to local contexts.

Additionally, working in Africa broadened my perspective on global development, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral and cross-cultural collaboration. This experience strengthened my leadership and communication skills, which are critical in translating policy into action. These skills will be instrumental as I continue my journey as a development practitioner.

 Would you encourage other Columbia students to take up summer placement opportunities in Africa?

Absolutely. Africa offers a unique and dynamic environment for learning and growth, especially for students interested in sustainable development, gender equity, and economic empowerment. The continent's diverse development challenges provide valuable hands-on experience, and the opportunity to work on meaningful, impactful projects is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, working in Africa fosters resilience, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding, all of which are vital skills for anyone pursuing a career in global development. I strongly encourage other Columbia students to explore summer placement or capstone opportunities in Africa to gain these experiences.

Hydrangea Enterprises Limited Team

Are there any last thoughts you'd like to share?

My summer placement in Africa reinforced the importance of community-driven development and grassroots-level interventions. The experience reminded me that meaningful development work is not just about high-level strategies but about empowering individuals and communities to take control of their own growth and development. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the lessons I've learned, and I hope that more students consider similar opportunities to contribute to impactful initiatives.