One of the unique things about being in the COEX program at Heller is the requirement to complete a practicum. A chance to get out in the real world, outside of the classroom, and complete a project, internship, fellowship, or just about anything of interest. Afterward, we will produce a paper relating it to our field, all while being retained as full-time students! It’s a wonderful opportunity. However, I am running into a personal dilemma regarding this. Which is, where should I go? I don’t just mean what job or project I hope to do, but really, what location! We are not bound by any geographical restraints, only by what opportunity we land or pursue.
My thought process, however, is seeing this opportunity of a practicum as a means to get my foot in the door for an organization that I hope to work for. So, thinking about the location has made me very critical about the placement as I want to pick somewhere that I would be OK with settling in. Now, for those reading, your practicum does not have to be approached this way! Remember, the sky’s the limit here for what you want to do and there is plenty of support and advice from the Heller staff to make this opportunity unique to yourself.
Currently, I am looking for opportunities in the Boston area since I am already located here, plus I have the option to extend my lease on my apartment (housing, another thing to think about!) However, I am looking at roles in Washington D.C., and back in my home state of California. I hope to land a position (internship, fellowship, or even full-time employment) related to government, public policy, or in a business-related role. I am hoping to find an experience where I can practice the negotiation, mediation, and project planning skills we have been learning through our COEX coursework in a working environment.
Lastly, I am open, of course, to work outside of the U.S. I would love to travel and get out to a location I have never been to and that may be foreign to myself. My only hesitation is making sure I find a role that would allow me to obtain a working visa in the said country and adequate housing (always an issue). Being at a school like Heller, which has such a global footprint, makes this option of traveling abroad very attractive. With this, Heller has plenty of connections to alumni who are succeeding aboard and most certainly looking to help out their fellow Heller students.
All in all, the practicum is an amazing opportunity. But along with it comes plenty of thinking and planning! If you are applying soon (or already have) then I might suggest you begin thinking through what you might want to do and where you might want to go!