During my summer at Eurasianet, I primarily worked on writing and editing economical, social, and political analysis on the Eurasian space.

Eurasianet is an independent online news organization and resource that focuses on providing in-depth coverage and analysis of political, economic, environmental, and social developments in the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as their neighboring regions. It primarily reports on the countries of the former Soviet Union. Having worked as a business correspondent in Russia for five years, I brought my knowledge of the region and of the Russian language, combined with my new financial analysis skills. I pitched, wrote, and edited stories on topics such as the impact of the war in Ukraine on financial flows through Central Asia. I also got to see how a nonprofit with people working spread out across two continents operates.

I was impressed by how many new MBA learnings I was able to apply to my internship at Eurasianet. My ability to analyze complex issues, a cornerstone of my MBA training, became invaluable when dissecting intricate political, economic, and social developments in the Eurasian region. I leveraged my MBA-derived research skills to dig deeper into topics, providing more nuanced perspectives in my reporting. Additionally, my understanding of business principles enabled me to grasp the financial intricacies of nonprofit media and aiding in reflecting on sustainable revenue models. My project management skills, cultivated during the MBA, proved vital in organizing and executing content production efficiently. Finally, my MBA program instilled a strategic mindset that I applied to help Eurasianet refine its editorial strategy, ensuring content resonated with target audiences. In summary, my MBA experience equipped me with analytical, research, financial, organizational, and strategic skills, all of which were useful for my internship.

During my internship, I encountered several challenges that influenced the pace and scope of my work. Notably, the timing of my internship during the summer, particularly in August, posed certain difficulties. This period tends to be less active both in Eurasia and on campus, affecting the speed of information gathering and communication. One prominent challenge was the delay caused by the holiday season, extending the time it took to connect with sources and discuss topics like the potential spillover of the Chinese economic downturn into Central Asia. The reduced availability of sources, analysts, and colleagues made it harder to schedule meetings and gather insights efficiently. Fortunately, I had invaluable support from my director, Justin Burke, who proved to be a generous resource throughout the summer. His constant presence and guidance ensured that I could navigate these challenges effectively and continue to make progress.

My internship provided a valuable bridge between my MBA education and my career aspirations in media management. Applying my MBA skills to in-depth reporting allowed me to delve into complex political, economic, and social issues within the Eurasian region. This experience underscored my interest in media management, where my strategic thinking and organizational abilities found a practical outlet. Additionally, my time at Eurasianet expanded my journalistic portfolio. I cultivated a network of reliable sources, both within Columbia and externally, enhancing my resourcefulness and connections.

In summary, my internship at Eurasianet has helped me align my career goals with practical skills. The application of MBA-acquired knowledge to journalism has been enlightening, and my expanding portfolio and network have strengthened my footing in the media industry. These experiences have been crucial in shaping my professional trajectory, providing valuable insights into the world of media management while reaffirming my passion for journalism.