A Day in Tunjung Putri’s '25 Life: MPA CEE DAQA

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Thank you to Tunjung Putri for letting us spend a day with her, and interviewing her amidst of her busy schedule.

Hi everyone, I am Tunjung Putri from Indonesia! I am a second-year MPA candidate at Columbia SIPA, concentrating in Climate, Energy, and Environment, with a specialization in Data, Analytics, and Quantitative Analysis. In addition to being a full-time student, I also work as a Program Assistant for the Internship Associate Director at SIPA’s Career Advancement Center (CAC). This combination of coursework, professional development, and personal time makes for a busy but fulfilling day, especially on Tuesdays when I have a very structured routine.

I usually start my day around 6 AM. After waking up, I quickly go through my morning routine and prep the meals I’ll bring to school. I’m all about keeping my energy up throughout the day, therefore I make sure to pack enough foods to eat between classes and during breaks. After packing my lunch, I get ready and head out to school, by 10 minutes walk.

My class of the day is Applied Econometrics, which runs from 9:00 to 10:50 AM. This class is one of my favorite courses at SIPA and one of the reasons why this semester feels so exciting. It’s part of the DAQA Advanced Core courses, and it dives deep into the techniques for obtaining causal inference in research. It’s fascinating because it challenges us to think critically about how we can draw valid conclusions despite the many limitations and complexities inherent in data. The skills I’m gaining in this class are incredibly relevant for my future as a policy-maker, especially since econometrics and data analysis play such an important role in shaping policy decisions. Moreover, Applied Econometrics has helped me refresh my Stata skills. Having taken Quant I and Quant II previously, I was already familiar with Stata, but this class has pushed me to refine my skills in more sophisticated ways. I feel more equipped now to tackle the quantitative aspects of policymaking.

Once the class ends, I take a break and have my first meal around 11:00 AM. It’s nice to take a moment to unwind and enjoy my food, but I also use this time to catch up with my schoolmates, chat about our classes, or maybe even go to the library for some quiet study time. On days when I’m feeling a little more energetic, I take a quick walk around the neighborhood to clear my head before diving into the second half of my day.

At 12:00 PM, my role as a Program Assistant kicks in CAC, which is an incredible opportunity to learn about the internship placement process, funding resources, internship grading, and gain insights into the job market. From 12 PM until 5 PM, I work on various tasks and usually have one-on-one check-ins with my Associate Director. These meetings are essential for evaluating our progress, ensuring we stay on track with our deadlines, and discussing any upcoming events or challenges we need to address. While most students complete their required internships in the summer, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing students year-round for these opportunities.

By the time 5 PM rolls around, I’m usually ready to take a breather. I go home, where I enjoy a quick snack and just relax for a little while. This downtime is important to me, as it helps me recharge before I dive into my assignments for the evening.

If I still have some energy left and don’t have any major assignments due the next day, I treat myself to a little fun. I hop on the train and head downtown to Koreatown, where I wander around, enjoy some snacks, and meet up with friends. It’s a nice way to unwind and balance the intensity of my academic and professional responsibilities with some social time.

By the end of the day, I feel accomplished and ready to rest facing the next day. Balancing school, work, and personal life can be demanding, but my days are also filled with a sense of purpose and the knowledge that each task I complete brings me closer to my goals!