By Eugenia Pozas, Student in the M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Program, School of Professional Studies
This summer, I participated in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NECR) program residency. I started the online modality of the program in Spring ‘25 and at the beginning of the summer term, all online NECR students travel to New York City to complete a residency and take advantage of studying in the city. It was phenomenal to enjoy thought-provoking class discussions on campus at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS).
Currently, I live in Monterrey, Mexico, where I work at a consulting firm that specializes in employee training programs, women’s empowerment in the corporate world, and enhancing workplace engagement. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in law, and I’ve always been passionate about human rights, public administration, and international conflicts. The courses I took as part of the residency helped to refine my tools to pursue these interests more formally.
In the Introduction to Negotiation course (NECR 5105), I learned the importance of preparing myself mentally, intellectually, and emotionally for any negotiation. The roleplays were varied and diverse in scope: I learned how to sell a car, how to resolve family disputes, and how to secure a prosperous business deal. The exercises were meticulously thought-through and enriched by theory.
In Conflict Resolution and Dynamical Systems (NECR 5210), I learned the importance of looking at complex problems in their entirety, mapping them out to see which elements reinforce or inhibit each other, and points of entry where, as practitioners, we can intervene to alleviate the most destructive sides of a conflict. Mapping was my favorite activity. As I discovered new ways of interpreting events, I felt my empathy and humility expanding in the face of complexity. As soon as I learned the tools and frameworks, I didn't hesitate to try them out at the place where I was staying for the summer, a lovely community called the International House. I met with members of the resident council and taught them how to map conflicts that could potentially help them intervene when interpersonal conflicts arise between students and inhabitants at I-House. I'm hopeful that I can return to this community to keep teaching these skills, which are becoming increasingly essential in a chaotic and emotionally heated world. Here is a picture of the resident council members and me with our first-ever conflict map using dynamical systems theory.
Additionally, I took two electives—Organizational Conflict & Mediation (NECR5107) and Advanced Negotiation (NECR 5207)—that further honed my skills as an integrative mediator and negotiator. Overall, I enjoyed how the courses focused students to learn the importance of collaboration firsthand by working with others on team projects. I had the opportunity to work on my public speaking skills by presenting group presentations and participating in group discussions, as participation was widely encouraged by the professors. All of these elements made the summer residency all the more exciting for me, as I was used to the online learning environment. The professors and the program itself created the space for people to express themselves freely and ask important questions.
As a bonus, I got to attend to two events that were pivotal for my learning experience: an invitation to the Allard Prize for International Integrity award ceremony, where brave individuals fighting against corruption in different countries were nominated, and a panel discussion at the Global Peace Forum in the United Nations headquarters, where I listened to Dr. Beth Fisher-Yoshida’s panel discussion. This was my first time visiting the United Nations, and I was grateful that the NECR program opened the door for incoming summer students to come to these events. I believe that extracurricular activities add to the theories and lessons learned in the classroom.
I became interested in the NECR program because I believe we all need conflict resolution skills to make the world a better place. I know this program leads me to a career where I can defend and promote human rights around the world.
Views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Columbia School of Professional Studies or Columbia University.
About the Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution prepares students to analyze the root causes and dynamics of conflict and to transform disputes through reasoned and resourceful interventions. The program focuses on developing self-awareness, tenacity, and interpersonal competency; building common ground; opening lines of communication; ensuring representation and recognition, and building sustainable possibilities for resolution.
The program has on-campus and online (with residency) modality options. The spring 2026 application deadline for the M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution online program is November 1. Learn more about the program here.
