One of the aspects of the Heller School that has surprised and inspired me most is how much the program encourages students to step beyond the classroom and gain experience in the wider world. Graduate school can sometimes feel centered around readings, assignments, and campus life, but at Heller, learning often extends far beyond Waltham. Whether through conferences, research trips, competitions, or international events, students are given opportunities to explore, contribute, and grow in ways that make the academic experience feel truly global.
This fall, I had the chance to travel to Amsterdam with another Heller student to serve as a professional judge at the International Business Mediation Competition. It was an incredible opportunity, one that combined my academic focus on negotiation and conflict resolution with real-world practice. Over several days, we evaluated teams from universities around the world as they worked through complex business disputes, tested mediation skills, and applied negotiation strategies that echoed many concepts from our coursework.
Being in that environment made me appreciate how well Heller prepares its students to engage in professional settings. The theories, role plays, and discussions that fill our classes translate directly into the competition space. It was rewarding to see how much of what we learn is immediately applicable, and it was equally motivating to see students from other countries approach similar challenges from different perspectives. Experiences like this remind me why the COEX program emphasizes both academic rigor and practical engagement.
Traveling to Amsterdam with a fellow Heller student also made the experience especially meaningful. Beyond the competition itself, we explored the city, from its canals and historic neighborhoods to its unique approach to urban planning and community life. It was a reminder that learning happens everywhere, not just in formal settings. Moments like sitting in de Brauw Blackstone Westbroek’s law office, where the event was being held, discussing a mediation round, or walking through a museum while reflecting on cultural differences in conflict resolution, added depth to the trip.
What I appreciate most is that Heller encourages and supports these kinds of opportunities. Faculty help connect students to international events, and the program recognizes that exposure to global perspectives strengthens our understanding of conflict, negotiation, and policy. These experiences expand our horizons and reinforce why we chose this field in the first place.
Looking back on my time in Amsterdam, I’m grateful for the chance to represent Heller and to grow both professionally and personally. It’s experiences like these that make the program so dynamic, and that remind me how many doors open when we are encouraged to pursue adventure and learning wherever they may take us.