Program Assistant Introduction: Olivia Choi MPA ’26
Olivia Choi is a second-year Master of Public Administration candidate at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). She is concentrating in Climate, Energy, and Environment, with dual specializations in International Organization and United Nations Studies, and Technology, Media, and Communications. Originally from Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Taiwan, Olivia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During her time at SIPA, she has worked as a research intern on digital inclusion and climate justice in the Global South, deepening her commitment to equitable climate and technology governance.
How did you find the core curriculum at SIPA?
To be honest, the core curriculum felt daunting at first. Micro, macro, quant—anything that looked too number-heavy had me a little on edge. I’ve always been more comfortable on the qualitative side, so I knew these classes would stretch me. And they did.
What helped was the support system at SIPA. Professors made time to guide us through difficult concepts, and classmates were always ready to organize study groups or compare notes. Progress came slowly at first, but eventually I found myself tackling problems I never thought I’d manage.
It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it. I left the core not only with new skills, but also with a stronger sense of confidence in handling both quantitative and qualitative approaches to policy. That’s something I never imagined when I first looked at the core curriculum.
What attracted you to SIPA and Columbia University?
Honestly? New York City. I know that sounds cliché, but there’s really nowhere else like it. I wanted to be in a place buzzing with people doing big things, where you can walk out of class and feel like you’re in the middle of global conversations. SIPA also had the exact mix of classes and professors I was looking for—people who are actually shaping the fields I care about, not just talking about them. It struck the balance I was looking for: rigorous academics anchored in the center of global life.
What’s your internship experience like?
I spent my summer in Malaysia working on projects at the intersection of digital transformation and climate justice, with a focus on the Global South. Much of my work centered on the rapid expansion of data centers and what that means for local communities—rising energy demand, higher emissions, but also issues like labor rights and job security. I also explored policy tools such as e-waste registries and digital inclusion frameworks to see how governments can manage these challenges more equitably.
What stood out to me was how different the conversation looks in the Global South compared to wealthier countries. While the North often focuses on technological innovation, countries in the South are equally concerned with energy access, affordability, and whether vulnerable communities are protected. The experience gave me a deeper appreciation for how global policy debates intersect with very local realities, and how important it is to design solutions that don’t leave anyone behind.
What are your goals for the second year?
Going into my second year, I’ve begun focusing more on the job search and how to shape my next steps after SIPA. At the same time, I want to take advantage of the flexibility in my schedule to sign up for classes that genuinely spark my curiosity—even if they fall outside my concentration. I’m also making it a point to spend more time networking, both within SIPA and across the broader Columbia and New York policy community. And of course, I’m really looking forward to my capstone project, which feels like the perfect way to bring everything together before graduation. Beyond academics and career prep, I’m also trying to simply enjoy being in New York—there’s nowhere else quite like it!
What was the most challenging aspect of the application process?
The timeline was the toughest part for me. Balancing essays, recommendation requests, and test prep on top of everything else going on in life felt overwhelming at times. It wasn’t just about getting the work done—it was about keeping perspective and making sure the application reflected who I really was, not just a rushed checklist. I learned quickly that starting early and breaking the process into smaller steps made a huge difference. By pacing myself, I was able to put together an application I felt confident about without burning out.