As I enter the practicum phase of the COEX program at the Heller School, I find myself reflecting on how much the faculty’s guidance has shaped my journey so far. This next step, where theory meets practice, feels both exciting and challenging, but I know I am well-supported as I explore the opportunities ahead. The practicum is a defining feature of many of the Heller School programs, and it represents an important bridge between the classroom and the field. While I am still in the process of considering options, I feel confident that the foundation built over the past year has prepared me to make the most of this stage.
One of the clearest examples of faculty support came over the summer, when I was selected as a fellow at Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation (PON). The fellowship gave me the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research and policy conversations in negotiation and dispute resolution, fields that are central to both my academic and professional interests. My work included examining how negotiation strategies are evolving in Medicare, with an ever-changing healthcare and policy landscape, as well as learning from practitioners who are actively engaged in shaping real-world outcomes. This experience not only strengthened my academic skills but also deepened my understanding of how scholarship and practice interact.
Importantly, this opportunity was made possible thanks to the mentorship and encouragement of Heller faculty. Their guidance helped me recognize how my interests aligned with PON’s work, and their support was instrumental in preparing me for the application and fellowship itself. This experience reminded me of one of the incredible strengths of the Heller School: a faculty that is deeply invested in the growth and success of its students. From advising conversations to connecting us with opportunities, to challenging us in the classroom, they consistently create an environment where students are empowered to pursue ambitious goals.
What has stood out most during this period of exploration is the sense of reassurance that comes from having such dedicated mentors. The practicum search could easily feel overwhelming, but the support I’ve received has reframed it as a process of discovery, as an adventure into my next professional journey. I’ve come to trust that with focus, hard work, and the resources available at Heller, I will find a practicum that both challenges me and allows me to apply the negotiation and conflict resolution skills I’ve developed so far.
Looking ahead, I am eager to take the next step in my journey, confident that I am not navigating it alone. With the continued guidance of the faculty and the skills I’ve built here at Heller, I feel prepared for whatever comes next.