Gmelina Olvida Guiang earned her Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics in May 2009. She was the 2009 winner of the Paul J. Korshin Award for Academic Excellence in the MSOD Program. Additionally, she completed certificates in the Leadership/Management, and Practitioner of Development and Change concentrations.

We have a growing number of international students from all different backgrounds entering our program. I'm wondering if you could talk about your experience before you entered the program and what interested you in the Organizational Dynamics program here in Philadelphia?
Well, I have over seven years of work experience in various economic research and development projects under the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Before coming to Penn, I was an infrastructure development sector manager and policy development specialist with the Economic Policy and Reform Advocacy Project of USAID Philippines. My educational background is in economics; I obtained a master's in social science in economics degree from the National University of Singapore and a BA in economics from Ateneo de Manila University.

I learned about Organizational Dynamics through the website and I became interested in it because I wanted to understand people better and understand how teams can be more effective in their work. I also wanted fresh, new perspectives on leadership, change management, and organizational strategy.

What would you like to tell other domestic and international professionals who are considering the Organizational Dynamics Program at the University of Pennsylvania?
I really enjoyed the way the classes are structured. I gained a lot of insight from my professors and classmates. I also enjoyed the company of both the part-time and international students in the program. The people were really wonderful! I wish I could have an opportunity to organize an information session abroad to encourage other people to join the program.

Can you tell us about the Organizational Dynamics International and Full-Time Student Community (ODISC)?
Sure. I had the opportunity to help start the Organizational Dynamics International and Full-Time Student Community in the program. The community was actually an initiative of two international students who felt that they needed support and friendship. Since there were relatively few of us [international and full-time students] compared to the part-time working professionals, we used ODISC as a way to bond together, share stories about our interesting experiences as international students, and encourage each other. I am sure that we will all remain close.

How do you think the Program influenced you in your professional life?
I felt more confident returning to work after being a full-time student for almost two years. The Program broadened my thinking and experience and I can apply the knowledge I have learned about managing people, change, and even my boss!