At the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs (DAF) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), I worked on two key projects. For the first project, I analyzed survey responses from a particular country and contributed to the development of OECD papers for that country’s insurance sector. This work is crucial for both the OECD and the country in question. The OECD examines the country's insurance markets and regulations and provides recommendations for improvement. This process helps the country enhance its insurance sector. The second project focused on the role of the insurance sector in disaster risk finance. I gathered statistical data from several countries and conducted preliminary research. The goal of this project is to share best practices among countries and suggest policy recommendations to address the insurance protection gap in emerging countries. These projects align with the OECD’s mission to develop better policies for better lives by working with various stakeholders, including policymakers.

The skills and knowledge I have gained through Columbia Business School (CBS) have been instrumental in contributing effectively to the projects I worked on. Specifically, my understanding of accounting and capital markets provided me with the tools to analyze insurance and other financial data efficiently. This knowledge also allowed me to identify key data points and gather the necessary information. Beyond technical skills, the experience of studying in a diverse environment at CBS has also been helpful. At CBS, I was exposed to a wide range of perspectives and learned the importance of collaboration in a diverse environment. This experience translated seamlessly into my work at the international organization, where I collaborated with OECD staff from various member countries. We worked together in an atmosphere of mutual respect, leveraging our diverse viewpoints to achieve common goals. My ability to navigate these cultural differences and contribute meaningfully to the team was directly influenced by the experiences and skills I developed at CBS.

One of the significant challenges I faced during my time at the OECD was drafting papers for a project that would be published internally. The responsibility of ensuring that the report was well-organized, concise, and easy to read was daunting, especially given the high standards expected. To navigate this challenge, I often communicated with my supervisor, regularly seeking feedback and guidance. This iterative process allowed me to refine my drafts and gain a deeper understanding of the report-writing at the OECD. Additionally, being based at the OECD headquarters in Paris presented its own set of challenges. Living in France, I encountered cultural and language barriers, as the environment was vastly different from the US and my home country. The language barrier, in particular, sometimes made communication difficult. To address this, I diligently studied French both before and during my internship, and sought advice from OECD staff on navigating cultural differences. This experience not only helped me improve my language skills but also deepened my understanding of French culture, which will be invaluable in the future when I work in diverse, international environments.

Interning at the OECD was a highly valuable opportunity that significantly impacted my professional growth. Through my involvement in two key projects and participation in an OECD international conference, I gained a comprehensive understanding of how projects are carried out and decisions are made among various stakeholders, including government delegations from different countries. This exposure allowed me to see firsthand how the OECD collaborates to achieve its mission of improving global well-being. Additionally, working within an international organization provided me with insights into the importance of their initiatives and the broader impact they have on developing better lives worldwide. Interacting with OECD staff and fellow interns, both within my unit and across other departments was also helpful. These interactions not only enhanced my professional network but also provided me with valuable connections that I plan to maintain even after my departure.

Overall, this experience has profoundly influenced my career perspective, inspiring me to pursue a future career in an international organization. It has strengthened my desire to help improve lives around the world through the financial sector, and has provided me with the skills needed to succeed in a diverse environment in the future.