Senior Associate, Bain & Company

“Initially, I was daunted by the ESPP requirements and breadth of subjects covered within the concentration. However, looking back now, I cannot overstate the positive value of the cross-curricular nature of it.

The social side of ESPP appealed to me more when I decided to be an ESPP concentrator but over the last three years, I have appreciated the importance of the scientific aspects and enjoyed the challenge of getting to grips with them. As a Freshman, I would not have been confident to discuss aspects of environmental science such as attributing real-life climate changes to scientific theory, explaining connections in evidence from across the globe and clarifying many myths of climate science. Coupling this scientific base with the ESPP classes that focus on economics and politics, I have experienced three years of concepts and case studies broadening my knowledge and understanding tremendously. This summer, I am working with a research institute on a tool to track adaptation and measure development from climate change interventions in Nepal and I have already applied a vast amount of this knowledge from across the entire breadth of ESPP. It is a great feeling to bring it all together out in the field.

I would have to say that my favorite experience in ESPP so far has been ESPP 90j - the seminar on Environmental Crises and Population Flight. I took this seminar in my Junior year, which meant I had had time to learn and connect some of the concepts within environmental science and so I could definitely get more out of the readings and discussions that took place in the seminar. The seminar concept itself allows students to probe deeper into one area of ESPP, enjoy lively discussions with classmates, from whom you can learn a great deal, and learn from a Professor who has unrivaled knowledge in the field.

Post-graduation, I am hoping to gain some experience working in the field of climate change adaptation before continuing with my academic studies, most likely in the field of environmental change and management. I can envisage myself working in the environmental sector of international development. I believe there is much to be gained from integrating environmental adaptation measures into development frameworks because the two sectors often overlap in many developing countries, especially in the agriculture and water sectors. This also increases the prospects of ultimately achieving sustainable development."
-Class of '14