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Category: Short term study away

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Featured in the above photo: The group in front of Buckingham Palace. 

By Carol Baillie (MA Environmental Resource Policy '23) 

Studying abroad has been a goal of mine since I was a first-year college student back home in California. This was prior to joining the U.S. Coast Guard, which would lead me down the career path to where I am today at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and as a part-time graduate student at The George Washington University. Studying abroad in London represents the journey I have been on in life to identify my goals and academic focus. In turn, the Short Term Study Away Program (STAP) UK experience meant many things to me.

Prior to departing for the UK, I was extremely nervous about leaving behind my service dog Norm as I have both physical and mental disabilities that he assists me with on a daily basis. Additionally, it was my first international trip without my wife to help guide me through the airport customs process. I prepared a briefing book with all of the materials from G&EE, the course information and lecture materials, travel details, etc. so I wouldn’t forget anything and was exhibiting the Coast Guard motto of “Semper Paratus” or “always ready.” Even though I meticulously prepared, the unexpected happened, a moment that will forever be etched into my memory for a multitude of reasons.

The author by the canal in Winchester, ancient capital of England. 

At the end of the first official day of the program we were waiting in the lobby of KPMG when I heard the distinct sound of metal breaking. I felt an instant loosening of my carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and broke into tears fearing the worst since I did not have a replacement brace with me or any materials to repair it. Instantly, without asking, several of my classmates rallied around me to lend assistance. First, they sat me down and encouraged me to relax as they worked to help find a temporary solution to fix the brace until we reached the hotel. Second, the magic of teamwork happened, my brace was “rigged” so I could continue to fully participate in the remainder of the day and program. I felt an overwhelming sense of emotions at once and the experience showed me that I could trust, something I struggle with in daily life.

Some of the biggest challenges associated with being a part-time Environmental Resource Policy graduate student were not only to make the STAP opportunity work with my job at the EPA, but also with leaving my comfort zone. My decision to study abroad was based on the following:

  1. Do I have enough work leave balance?
  2. Would I be able to study in a location that interested me?
  3. Would I be able to study material that aligns with my degree and career?
  4. Would I learn something new?

As a result, STAP UK: Business and the State was the best fit. This program served as an impetus for my recovery from my fourth surgery in three years among other “carrots”. I was determined to learn anything and everything while studying abroad including business-related topics (since it is a business course!), public-private partnerships, State owned enterprises (SOEs), and privatization of assets. What surprised me about the experience was learning not only about these topics but also about myself.

Two themes emerged in both the course theory and practice during the overseas program: net zero strategies and the role of public-private partnerships. Net zero strategy is the equivalent of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts in the US for those not familiar with the concept of climate change and environmental science.  

STAP UK participants with Long Harbour speaker, Christophe de Taurines, BBA 1986

Christophe de Taurines at Long Harbour introduced net zero and the UK environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework through the Fawley waterside project. It was interesting to learn how in practice, not just in theory, the UK in comparison to the US is far less progressive when it comes to net zero and ESG. Iit was quite shocking to be frank. 

The US has no clear or enforceable national climate change standards in comparison to the UK’s net zero strategy. Furthermore, when I asked a question regarding responsible parties and the clean-up of land for the Fawley waterside project, the responsible party offered a fifty-year guarantee on the land cleanup free from contamination, a stark contrast to US standards for Superfund sites which have no guarantees. I left the meeting with Mr. Taurines more intrigued about ESG and net zero, particularly regarding his statement, “There is no ESG if it is not economically viable…there has to be economic incentives to be viable including incentives to be sustainable.” Is this true, even in the US? The answer is yes. 

Utilities and privatization were first introduced in the pre-travel course readings by Dr. David Newbery in “Privatization, Restructuring, and Regulation of Utilities,” and later reinforced by Dr. Newbery in his lecture at Cambridge University regarding “Privatisation, Restructuring, Regulation and Reform of Electricity: progress to net-zero.” I was particularly interested in the lecture because it tied together both net zero and privatization of utilities (electricity in this case!), two topics I hoped to study. 

Professor Sir David Newbery speaks to the STAP UK group at Cambridge University

Dr. Newbery’s two-part lecture explored how restructuring is essential prior to privatizing an asset which was right in line with his discussion in the pre-course reading materials. The entire lecture was extremely engaging, and I was impressed by the caliber of instruction my classmates and I were afforded through academic engagement at Cambridge University.

It pushed me to learn the role economics play in PPPs and regulation with privatization which is something I plan to share with my colleagues at the EPA. I’m glad that I took several economics courses in both my undergraduate and now graduate degree programs!

Through Dr. Newbery, I learned that to understand regulation, you can do so through the following equation: 𝑅𝑅 = 𝑏𝑏R + (1 − b)C and that it is applicable for public ownership and regulation. However, I also left his lecture with a new dream - I enjoyed Dr. Newbery’s lecture so much that I left wanting to pursue my PhD at Cambridge University in the future!

The author in front of Buckingham Palace. 

Through the STAP UK experience, I also learned independence and that I can trust others to assist me in times of need. It is okay to ask for help and receive it. Overall, I am glad that I participated in this program and highly recommend it. 

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Featured in the above photo: The STAP UK 2022 group in front of Buckingham Palace. 

Reflection by Sarah Fritz, MPP student.

There are few experiences as an adult where I feel completely safe and encouraged to ask questions. At work, I do my best to come across as competent and prepared, and in class as a public policy student, I strive to quietly excel without drawing attention to myself in the classroom. Touching down in London, I was expecting more of the same. However, throughout my week as a student in Business and State: Privatization and Public-Private Partnerships, I rediscovered the joy of learning and uncovered a confidence in my curiosity.

Throughout both my undergraduate and graduate career, I have often had trouble separating education from grades. I viewed class time as a necessary hurdle to a participation score and preferred to teach myself the material. But in London, the professor’s emphasis on group discussion, alongside my peers’ engagement, allowed for a rare combination of intellectual stimulation in a low-stakes environment. As a result, our unique group culture and authentic dialogue broadened my perspective of what learning should be.

Author, Sarah Fritz, at KPMG.

STAP UK participants engaged in discussion. 

Without the pressure of an exam, I felt encouraged to genuinely interact with the presenters and drive the conversation in a direction that interested me. I subsequently learned more in one week in London than I have in months within a classroom. I found myself incentivized to research topics outside of class, fueled by a desire to meaningfully contribute to discussions and understand the perspectives of those around me.

Traveling and learning alongside students with diverse backgrounds and interests allowed class discussions to meander around a myriad of subtopics, enabling us to look at each public-private partnership through a different lens. I was consistently impressed with the knowledge of my peers and felt grateful to be in the room with them. I have heard it said, “if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room”. This experience was a reminder that I was certainly in the right place.

While there were many interesting subjects discussed throughout our week in the UK, such as the National Health Service and the future of sustainable energy, the topic I found most beneficial to my interest in broadband policy was the concept of private equity investment in infrastructure. Throughout my research on municipally owned and operated networks, I have consistently run into the same issue: how does a rural municipality acquire the funding to build its own network? Peter Durante from the Macquarie Group provided a unique solution.

I had never considered the ability of the private sector to provide a financial cushion to municipalities experiencing high barriers to entry for building networks. Mr. Durante implored us to not count out the private sector when planning infrastructure projects, citing the ability of firms to innovate and provide data analysis alongside funding.

STAP UK participants in front of The Royal Logistics Corps Museum. 

A view of Parliament. 

Each speaker we encountered in London was genuinely passionate about their subject and had both an authentic interest and eagerness to learn from us too. For example, our conversation with Member of Parliament Carolyn Harris encouraged me to view menopause as both a complex women’s health and policy issue. Her knowledge of the subject was illuminating, but it was her passion for a solution that piqued my interest, and I deeply admired her desire to connect with the students in the room.

Our in-person discussions provided a pleasant reminder that articles and white papers can only take students so far. The opportunity to ask detailed questions of experts challenges us to be bold in our curiosity and induct our own knowledge into the conversation.

I am so grateful for my time in London with GW because I learned that remaining anonymous in the classroom was hindering my experience and devaluing my investment in education. This program gave me the tools to rediscover the confidence and curiosity within myself that had been buried by a desire to achieve. If you asked me before the trip what my metrics for success in school are, I would have said: “to get all As”. As a result of this trip, I would now answer “to both meaningfully contribute and listen to those around me…and make a few friends too”.

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Featured in the above photo: GWSB alumnus Christophe de Taurines discussing his career in private equity.

Reflection by Michael Stavely, Professional MBA Student

One of the biggest regrets of my undergrad career was not participating in study abroad. Between changing majors a few times and needing to graduate, I never found the time. When I learned about the opportunities for Short Term Away Programs (STAP) at GW, I vowed I would make international education happen.

Some of my biggest challenges as a part time MBA student were how to make it work with my job, so when I was considering the short term away programs, I made my decision based on the following criteria:

  1. Is the material related to my career?
  2. Is the location dangerous for US students?
  3. Is the duration compatible with my work schedule?

The Business & the State program in the United Kingdom was the best fit.

I expected to learn about public-private partnerships. I expected to revisit a city I’ve traveled to many times and see the sights. What I did not expect was a fundamental shift in thinking surrounding the roles of the public and private sectors.

View of Big Ben in Westminster. 

 As we all know, in the United States the polarization of the government makes effective governance difficult when tackling modern threats such as the climate crisis. Just this summer, elected officials in South Carolina threatened to destroy electric vehicle charging ports primarily to protest their installation. It’s too common in the United States for decisions to be made based on emotions and immediate gain.

 

I’m used to capitalism opposing government in a seesaw balancing to protect our resources while making money. However, this experience has restored my faith that the market can correct itself and be dynamic in facing the challenges of the generation. When we met with Carolyn Harris MP and heard her describe the focus she has employed to make changes in government even in the opposition party was empowering as a citizen. Meeting private equity managers like Christophe de Taurines and Peter Durante to discuss their contributions to society while serving shareholders was empowering as a future business leader. Hearing Richard Threlfall discuss a future lead by business investing in a green infrastructure and accountability was empowering as someone who wants to live on this plant for the next 60 years.

Carolyn Harris evokes the myth of Cincinnatus, the retired Roman general who assumed the title of Dictator to save the empire then quietly returned to his farm. Her story of assuming power to serve her people after personal tragedy despite her lack of political experience is inspiring. Perhaps it is due to the differences between Congress and Parliament and the size of constituency, but the perception she emits is a caring mother who is trying to exercise the power she has, to improve her own corner of the world.

 

The most important aspect of her success is her focus. Her focus on covered funeral expenses for children, making real impact in her local community, and the effect of menopause on women’s health around the world is more akin to a master strategist defining their competitive advantage than US politicians with their kaleidoscope of issues. This focus makes her dangerous to the status quo, it makes her effective.

Carolyn Harris (MP for Swansea East) discussing her career in politics.

Peter Durante discusses contributing to society while serving shareholders. 

Private equity has never been on my radar for a potential career path, but based on Christophe and Peter’s presentations, the variety of my skills, and the ability to contemplate the larger picture make it a fit for my interests. The idea of designing a town and understanding the complexities of potential crisis situations like tidal waves or energy shortages to minimize risk is very interesting to me.

 

Additionally, from Peter’s presentation, the application of data science and regressions techniques to compare forecasted data models to actual events and identify trends is an interesting use case leveraging the rapidly developing technologies like data lake structure and automation. With my background diverging from the traditional business student with my degrees in Geography and Geology as well as my experience in data science, database engineering, defense, and national security, the marrying of my education and experiences is powerful for me shaping the future of my career. The vision of a future where I can implement all my interests excites me and identifying a potential career path early helps me focus on aspects I am currently lacking to attain that next level.

Finally, our time at KPMG provided the best fit for my skillset. Much of my education and experience has been siloed into the fields and industries they apply to. Richard’s discussion of being industry leaders and knowledge workers to combat the climate crisis excited me. As implied previously, my ideal future is one that accounts for all my personal experiences and makes the world better through my management.

 

The interdisciplinary nature of my career has propelled me as the world is not divided into subjects. From my experience with KPMG and this short term away program, they value the intersections of government, business, and other subjects to create better analysis and new insights of the world.

STAP UK participants enjoying afternoon tea. 

Because of the subject matter, the students came from a variety of backgrounds including the Public Policy and Business schools. The biggest impact of our mixed disciplinary group was the varying perspectives, assumptions, and considerations in nearly every conversation. Working with the Public Policy students to think through the complex issues of governance improved the experience and strengthened my own understanding of the business principles I have learned in the MBA program while I attempted to explain them back to the other students. While this study away program is not restricted to students finishing their degrees, the capstone aspect of these discussions helped me reaffirm my knowledge.

Overall, it was a great trip and accomplished the goals of interdisciplinary learning and experiencing how the United Kingdom handles interactions between the public and private sectors. I am happy I participated in this program and would do it again in a heartbeat.

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Featured in the above photo: Lord Kinnock with GW group in front of Parliament.

Reflection by Anna Coronado, Healthcare MBA student

Once I had landed at Heathrow International Airport, I headed to the hotel to quickly unpacked my things and walk through the streets of London. I could not help but feel extremely fortunate, mostly since I am American and looked the wrong way before crossing the street and was able to avoid being hit by a bus at the hotel corner, but also rejuvenated with curiosity. Recently, my brain was restless and my intellectual appetite unmet. I was unsure on what to expect from a week in London with people I had never met in a city I had never visited and not quite confident in my ability to articulate why a private entity should invest in a public service or why a public service would be better suited if privately funded. After learning from colleagues and listening to speakers who have been able to implement theories into practice, I can now clearly see nuances and hope to implement these practices in my own career.

London at night-- buses and all.

Firstly, in speaking with Richard Threlfall at KPMG, I was able to connect the conversation back to previous learnings and revelations at GW and ask how society and regulatory bodies would hold big business accountable. Although Threlfall was optimistic in the current state of business and the opportunities that lie ahead, despite the limitations of our doomsday timeline, he wasn’t necessarily convincing in his initiative to hold businesses accountable in being responsible citizens to the global environment. Yes, fines are a method to entice shareholders and firms to alter business practices and operations to be more sustainable, however, for the Meta’s of the world do fines ultimately produce the desired response? Can publicly traded organizations be forced to terminate business operations if regulatory standards are not met? Threlfall pushed the idea that the SDGs and international regulations proposed were enough to push businesses towards a more sustainable model. Which brought me to another thought: What power does the UN hold on businesses?

The UN is a regulatory body for governments and countries, not multinational businesses. Although KPMG is a leader in choosing partners that are internationally recognized as sustainable and responsible, where does the organization draw their internal line on who to engage with? In other words, a client could be a responsible partner by KPMG standards, however, one of the client vendors could potentially not meet the KPMG partnership criteria. Does that mean that KPMG will not pursue a relationship with the original firm? Given more time, I think I would have been able to push Threlfall and further understand the impacts of KPMG’s business ethics.

It’s hard to pinpoint the highlight of my experience however, meeting Carolyn Harris within the walls of Parliament was a professional highlight I did not expect. A charismatic and compassionate woman, it is easy to see why she has been elected to represent Swansea since 2015. What caught my attention was when she stated: “I can’t have an opinion on everything. I can only focus on what I can control and what I can change”. When I unpack this statement, two conflicting ideologies of mine come to mind. First, although not pragmatically possible, I would want my political representative to have an opinion on important topics such as climate change, women’s rights, civil rights and business regulations. However, I understand the sentiment of the second statement. In today’s political climate, the larger the issue the more partisan they become. I believe Harris’ statement is rooted in the idea that “smaller”, more digestible issues that impact everyday people can be seen as apolitical which can be solved by reaching across the aisle and positively impact people immediately. Hearing about Harris’ initiative to fully fund hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women and increase awareness and education had me reflect on my own career in Women’s Health in its current state and want to put in the practice of forming a public and private partnership.

Dr. Hothi discussing the UK National Health Service (NHS). 

I would have already considered Wednesday a success. Being escorted through parliament and down into the commons to have lunch with Lord Neil Kinnock had me feeling elated and I was beginning to feel the relief of my political conversational itch being scratched. Asking Lord Kinnock about voting tendencies in the United Kingdom and discovering how similar voting trends are to the United States was shocking. I expected the UK to have a greater turnout with more emphatic responses to local elections however, I realize now the impact of the UK leaving the European Union has decreased national morale and divided the country.

Winchester, outside the Great Hall (home of the Round Table from the King Arthur stories).

Listening to Lord Kinnock and analyzing his opinions and words I couldn't help but be in awe of his wisdom. His age and life experience has allowed him to look at society in its current form and use the lessons of the past to shape his rather progressive opinion of the present. And as we sat in the common room discussing voting rights, civil rights and societal pitfalls, he relayed a quote that his grandfather had said to him as a young boy when the UK was experiencing its own civil rights movement,  “The ‘buggars’ that are sodding us off are the ones sodding them off”. If politicians can unite a coalition of people and businesses, a partnership can be created between people and government for a better, more collaborative society.

As a young girl and throughout my undergraduate career, I had wanted to pursue nursing and clinical care so meeting Dr. Daljit Hothi and discussing a healthcare system fundamentally different from US private healthcare was enticing to me personally and intellectually. However, I was taken aback by some of Dr. Hothi’s opinions and personal observations. Firstly, I can appreciate the frustrations I’m sure many frontline responders share in the lack of funding and support from the government as they are the first to feel the impact of a nonfunctional system. As a fully, public funded entity, the system itself will not operate if those funds and resources are not provided or are mishandled. However, I fundamentally disagreed with the notion that people are abusing the NHS system by overuse, lack of education or disregard for professional opinion. I do not believe that the burden should be placed on the population when the system has been stretched but on the government and entities responsible for operating the NHS. I walked away from the discussion not knowing what the solution may be, however, I began to think about the privately funded hospitals in the US and how the UK may benefit from private equity funding facilities that could operate in a public system. This could potentially see long term returns if the facilities were state of the art, attracted top tier talent, and allotted for faster turnaround times and lower re-admittance rates. I’m unsure how this would be executed, or even if it's been discussed amongst leadership within the NHS, however, I think it’s something that should be explored as the UK looks to improve its national healthcare system.

Prior to the program, I was a huge proponent of publicly funded programs and having some degree of state regulation and management of public services. I knew that there were logistical nightmares and bureaucratic red tape across many departments and sectors; however, I felt that if the government allocated the appropriate funding to the necessary programs that ensured equity in society, then programs could be run adequately. In listening to Cat Hobbs, Director of We Own It, I came away with questions that led to doubt on the efficacy of programs being solely funded by a public entity. Where will the inefficiencies be removed? How does an increase in funding remove inefficiencies and ensure high success rates? Who decides how funds are allocated appropriately? Not only were these questions not answered, but I saw the benefit in private equity for public services when rolled out with transparency and oversight.

Meeting Cat Hobbs, Director of We Own It. 

In the end, I surprised myself and came away with such a different perspective on big business and the positive impact it can have on society. Prior to this experience, I was pessimistic in my world view, and thought big business would surely be the end of society - at least a more diverse and equitable society. However, coming out of the week and meeting other young business leaders and bright minds, I became more optimistic about where society and business is headed. While in London I was able to ask questions and hear responses in real time from some of the brightest minds in business and politics today. Not only did the program reinforce the knowledge I have gained from GW thus far, but it has given me the confidence to carve my own career path amongst bright and compassionate minds, the tools to navigate a dynamic and globalized business landscape and taught me that in fact we as Americans, look the wrong way when crossing the street.

 

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