Two students in Columbia University’s M.S. in Human Capital Management (HCM) program, Eldar Salimov and Alfira Agustina, dove into the world of human resources as part of the program's elective Internships in Industry course. Eldar and Alfira leveraged their HCM coursework and mentorship opportunities to thrive in internships at Citi and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Eldar: Building HR Analytics Expertise at Citi
Eldar Salimov’s internship at Citi allowed him to hone the power of strategic HR and people analytics, which are emphasized in the HCM curriculum. With guidance from SPS Career Design Lab career coach Dorlene Curwen and HCM Program Director Steve Safier, Ph.D., Eldar prepared his application materials and effectively highlighted relevant HR experience.
“Dorlene and Dr. Safier provided valuable career advice and interview preparation,” Eldar shared. “They also guided me in refining my résumé and cover letter to highlight my skills in HR analytics and organizational strategy, which ultimately positioned me as a strong candidate for the role.”
Eldar credits the HCM program’s curriculum with preparing him to meet Citi’s demands as a global company. Courses like Total Rewards and Talent Management Strategies taught him to assess workforce needs across organizational levels, while People Analytics gave him the skills to interpret HR data systems.
“The Organizational Strategy and Learning course allowed me to apply frameworks that enhanced my contributions to organizational performance review processes,” Eldar said. “For my own growth, regularly seeking feedback and setting personal goals allowed me to develop professionally while ensuring I met the expectations of my team and managers.”
For students aspiring to HR roles at large organizations, Eldar emphasized the importance of strong analytical skills, agility, and seeking mentorship. Looking ahead, he hopes to contribute to HR’s evolution in the financial services sector by leveraging data analytics to design strategies that improve both business outcomes and employee satisfaction.
Alfira: Driving Inclusion and Talent Management at UNDP
Alfira brought her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to her United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) internship. As part of the “UNDP Listens” project, she worked on inclusion and engagement initiatives, preparing HR reports and presentations based on data analysis. Alfira also supported the Talent Management Review Group, ensuring effective follow-ups on learning and development initiatives.
“My academic background in human capital management provided a strong foundation for my work at UNDP,” Alfira shared. “Discussions around DEI in class gave me a nuanced understanding of how DEI operates within both U.S. and international contexts.”
The internship deepened Alfira’s understanding of HR within multicultural settings. “It reaffirmed my appreciation for the emphasis these organizations place on people development and fairness,” she explained.
Alfira found UNDP’s focus on talent management and inclusion particularly inspiring, shaping her approach to HR strategy. “It emphasized the importance of creating equitable opportunities and fostering an environment where diverse talents thrive,” she said.
Looking to the future, Alfira envisions HR playing a strategic role in international organizations by aligning multicultural dynamics with business objectives. “I believe HR professionals need strong business acumen, market understanding, and the ability to leverage data to enhance competitive advantage,” she said.
About the Program
The Columbia University M.S. in Human Capital Management program prepares graduates to be world-class HCM strategists able to address changing needs in building and motivating talented, engaged workforces in the private, public, academic, and not-for-profit sectors. The program is available part-time, full-time, on campus, and online.
The fall 2025 application priority deadline for the M.S. in Human Capital Management program is February 15. The final deadline is June 1. Learn more about the program here.
