In March, thirteen master’s students from Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) visited Chile for a week-long immersion into the country’s key industries and economic sectors. The SPS Global Career Practicum marked the first time the program was held outside of the United States.
During their stay in and around Santiago, students gained on-the-ground insights through site visits to emblematic institutions such as El Teniente, the world’s largest underground copper mine operated by state-owned company Codelco; hydroelectric plants owned by Colbún; the Santiago Solar photovoltaic power plant; Santiago’s Metro system; and the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, managed by the Nuevo Pudahuel concessionaire. The itinerary also included meetings with trade associations, professional organizations, and industry experts. The practicum concluded with a roundtable discussion featuring Columbia alumni entrepreneurs based in Chile.
Rather than focusing solely on business practices, the experience encouraged students to explore interdisciplinary perspectives on leadership, strategy, and innovation, using their in-country experiences to reflect on their own professional development.
Participants represented a broad range of SPS academic programs, including Construction Administration, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Information and Knowledge Strategy, Applied Analytics, Strategic Communication, Nonprofit Management, Sustainability Management, Technology Management, Sports Management, and Enterprise Risk Management.
The delegation was accompanied by SPS faculty and staff members, including Beth Fisher-Yoshida, Vice Chair of SPS and Academic Director of the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program; Tatum Thomas, Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs; and Tiffany Onorato-Hughes, Executive Director of Student Engagement.
Click here to see highlights from the week.
See photo gallery here.
