Byron Ramirez, SIS/MIS ’19, remembers choosing to attend SIS for three reasons: “First, I was impressed by the world-renowned faculty at SIS: an outstanding team of leading experts in economics, political science, international development, and international relations. Second, I was aware of the great body of forward-thinking research SIS faculty and students had produced, which was being used by leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. And third, I appreciated the emphasis SIS had on serving the global community and of combining knowledge and practice to create positive change.”  

Prior to attending SIS, Byron completed a PhD in economics, and MIS complemented his prior academic research experience by providing real-life, hands-on lessons that advanced his overall understanding of global issues. Byron says that “in many ways, the MIS program provided an on-the ground perspective I was previously lacking. The MIS program enabled me to see economic, social, and development issues from the perspective of practitioners.” 

Having graduated almost four years ago, Byron now reflects on his experience in the program and mentions the profound impact that the MIS program has had on his career, including the values of service he has been able to pursue as well as the ability to advocate for issues related to international affairs and development.

Tell us about your program experience.

I love all the faculty I had while attending SIS. All faculty, students, and staff were cordial, supportive, and professional. I particularly enjoyed class interactions and break-out group exercises where we discussed so many fascinating, yet complex, issues from various angles. I believe the student body diversity we had in each class, with students from so many different countries and with diverse professional backgrounds, helped accelerate and enrich our learning and appreciation of different perspectives. The course content was provocative and led me to constantly consider and analyze issues in greater depth, weighing different options and potential outcomes. At SIS, I met lots of wonderful, talented people, and I have remained friends with many of them over the years.

What was your favorite part of the MIS program?

My favorite parts of the MIS program were the class interactions and conversations. For instance, I recall Professor Nancy Sachs’ course on leadership, which truly provided me with a wonderful experience to learn about leadership and organizational behavior from an applied, cross-cultural context. Our class discussions were intriguing and open, and Professor Sachs was a masterful orchestra conductor, allowing each of us to speak what was on our mind and contribute to the conversation. This course—and all other courses I took at SIS—provided me with a greater appreciation and understanding of what we need to consider and evaluate as we make decisions in an everchanging, global world.

How did the program impact your professional career?

The MIS program has had a profound impact on my career. Soon after I completed the MIS program, I became a professor of economics and international relations. As a professor, I was able to leverage the skills I learned at SIS and use them towards teaching and supporting graduate students at the California Institute of Advanced Management.  I have also taught global business, strategy, analytics, international development, and economics courses at the University of Redlands, University of La Verne, 2U GetSmarter, and St. George’s University in Grenada.

More recently, I transitioned into an economics researcher role at Econ Data Analytics, where I conduct research on global issues including economic and social development challenges and constraints. And I use the knowledge and perspective I acquired at SIS to analyze issues and consider solutions.

What values of service have you been able to pursue?

Prior to the MIS program, most of my work experience occurred in the private sector. Since completing the MIS program, I have been able to work for nonprofit organizations and consult for government agencies. The MIS program strengthened my interpersonal skills and cross-cultural communication skills, allowing me to effectively transition into different roles with greater exposure to global affairs. The School of International Service’s commitment to respecting human dignity and advancing sustainability remains an indelible impression. Since attending SIS, I have become increasingly aware of the responsibility to focus on human development and work towards building a world that is sustainable. I hope to be able to continue to support these causes throughout the rest of my career.”

While at SIS, Byron received the Louis W. Goodman Award, and during the past few years, he has completed additional certificate programs in economic development, sustainable development, and climate finance from organizations such as the World Bank, Columbia University, and UNICEF. Byron is a member of the Academy of Management, American Economic Association, and Academy of International Business, and he recently became a member of the editorial review board of the Transdisciplinary Journal of Management. 

Connect with Byron Ramirez on LinkedIn.