Working Seeples: Shohei Nishimura MIA ’17

In addition to taking 14 to 16 credits a semester and participating in student groups, some SIPA students also work part-time jobs or internships. SIPA News sat down with Shohei Nishimura MIA ’17 to discuss how he manages the demands of school, his social and family life, and his internship at Eurasia Group.

What did you do before coming to SIPA?

I was a lawyer for six years in Japan. I mainly worked on bilateral economic agreements between Japan and other Asian countries. Specifically, I was responsible for assessing the legal implications of regional funding mechanisms within Asia. This experience sparked my initial interest in public policy and international relations and led me to SIPA, where I’m concentrating in International Finance and Economic Policy and specializing in Advanced Policy and Economic Analysis.

How many internships have you had since starting SIPA?

I have been working at Eurasia Group, a political risk research and consulting firm, since fall semester 2016. I did not work during my first year, but during the summer I interned at the Boston Consulting Group.

What do you do at Eurasia Group?

I work at the Japan client desk providing translation and interpretation services twice a week. One-fifth of Eurasia Group’s clients are Japanese, so the firm has to have an in-house Japanese speaker who can ensure smooth communication between clients and the firm. I’ve had to figure out how best to translate English reports for Japanese clients and correctly express client concerns—from a Japanese perspective—to the English staff.

Why did you choose Eurasia Group?

Working at Eurasia Group has allowed me to make use of my legal background while utilizing the knowledge I gain at SIPA. It is also in line with my specialization. I hope to work in Eurasia Group’s D.C. or New York office after graduation, but I have to consider my family’s needs: My wife and two infant sons have joined me from Japan.

How do you balance these competing work, school, and family obligations?

Honestly, final exam time is a disaster. I try to make sure that I get home by dinnertime so that I can spend time with my family. Also, I study at home so I can split time between homework and watching my kids. Finding time to socialize is difficult, and a lot of social events at SIPA are geared toward younger people without families. However, I have been able to network and make connections with other students. During my first year, I was an organizer of the Japan trip and now I organize events for Japanese students interested in the UN.

This interview, conducted by Serina Bellamy MIA ’17, has been condensed and edited.