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David Trilling, Second-year International Media and Communications Concentrator
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David is a second-year MIA student concentrating in International Media and
Communications. Before coming to SIPA, he worked as a photojournalist and in media development. After working several years in the former Soviet Union, he spent two years building radio stations in Afghanistan. Mr. Trilling received a BA in Philosophy and Anthropology from Tufts University.
Why did you choose IMC as your concentration?
“I wanted to study media in an international context. I chose SIPA over the Journalism School here at Columbia because I didn't want to attend a factory. Instead, I wanted to take the diverse breadth of classes offered at SIPA to gain a better understanding of how media, international affairs, and politics intersect. A journalist today needs a lot more than writing skills; he needs a strong subject-matter background in policy and economics as well. IMC allows me to take classes all over the university and apply them to my media interests while gaining a well-rounded education.”
What drew you to SIPA?
“After working abroad for roughly six years, I needed to stop and catch my breath. Grad school in something as open as international affairs seemed, and has proven to be, a perfect respite. SIPA is at the heart of a large, well-endowed university with endless opportunities, events, classes, interested students, etc. I didn't want to go somewhere like Fletcher or SAIS where I would be relegated to a rather small department and detached from the opportunities the rest of the university presented. At Columbia I can use the resources at a number of schools and institutes.”
What has been the best part of your time at SIPA?
“Meeting other like-minded students and exploring diverse, nagging interests.”
What has been the most challenging part of your time at SIPA?
“Some of the classes are very challenging. I had never had much economics before, but despite my difficulties, I learned a lot of useful content. Now, when I read a business paper, I actually understand what they're describing.”
Can you describe some of the activities you get involved in outside of class?
“I am co-chair of a student group, Media in International Conflict, which hosts a speaker series, films, and other events. That has been a great way to meet people outside of Columbia and even make useful job contacts. I'm also on the editorial board of Communiqué, the SIPA newspaper, and participate in other movements around campus.”