An Unbroken Path of Service and Purpose

Bruce Goumain, it’s fair to say, is not exactly a fan of downtime. At Columbia GS, he has pursued majors in economics and neuroscience and behavior, a minor in Mediterranean studies, and a concentration in public health–and that’s just his academic ventures! A dedicated student leader, Goumain shares what has made his Columbia journey as joyful as it has been busy. 

Tell us about your path to GS.

Before coming to Columbia, I served in the French Air Force for six years, an experience that instilled in me discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. I have also worked in the laboratories of Veolia Water Technologies, focusing on the provision of drinking water and medical equipment in humanitarian emergencies. Alongside this, I led fundraising campaigns with Rotary International to support the rural electrification and structural transformation of schools and villages in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo. These chapters in my life deepened my commitment to both science and social good and ultimately guided me to GS, a place where these values translated perfectly into academic discovery, meaningful teaching, and transformative learning.

What has been your proudest accomplishment at Columbia?

My proudest moments here have come from being of service to the Columbia and GS community, first on the GS Student Council, and then serving as GS University Senator. In both positions, I felt that I was making a real difference and helping others. I loved being able to be there for them—whether it was working on increasing financial aid, reducing costs for students, improving systems, or connecting scholars and supporting their academic journeys—and felt deeply fulfilled in being part of their success and supporting their vision. Knowing that my work helped others stay focused on their goals and dreams: that's the achievement I hold closest.

What was a memorable class you took at Columbia?

I’ve always wanted to share this! There are so many brilliant classes you can take at Columbia that it is hard to narrow it down to just a few. Nevertheless, here are 5 classes that have changed the way I see the world (in no intentional order):

Contemporary Civilization I & II will captivate you by tracing how philosophers across centuries have shaped our understanding of society and human nature; Nationalism in History and in Theory will blow your mind and open your eyes to the constructed nature of nations and identities and the inevitable forces that come with it; Introduction to Neuroscience will fascinate you and deepen your understanding of the brain and human behavior while exploring the world’s latest groundbreaking scientific discoveries; Architecture of New York City’s Leisure Industry  will amaze you by revealing the many paths New York has been through and how it evolved and came to be the city that we know today; & Thinking and Decision Making will stun you and teach you how to optimize your long-term strategic planning, everyday decision making, and think more clearly under all kinds of pressure.

Each of these courses left a lasting mark on my intellectual journey at Columbia, and I hope they might do the same for you too.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation I will be staying in NYC and beginning my career in investment banking. My goal is to harness the power of capital to help individuals, neighborhoods, and communities grow and thrive. I’m passionate about directing investments toward opportunities that foster long-term, representative, and sustainable prosperity. It’s all about building a future where everyone has a fair stake in the success they help create.

What advice would you give to a student who's about to start their GS journey?

GS will challenge you and support you in many ways, but here are some of my top tips to learn, grow, and thrive during your time here and beyond:

Share the good and the bad. Don’t be afraid to share with others both your goals and ambitions, but also your fears and struggles. We are all here to help one another and we are greater and stronger at GS for it.

Voice how you see the world. Don’t hesitate to share your unique experiences in class or to ask the tough questions. You will be constantly amazed by the experience, knowledge, and expertise that GSers bring into the classroom. You are an integral part of this genius of GS as well.

Go to office hours, every week. Whether you have questions or not, get to know your professors and your teaching assistants. They are exceptional people, and the insight and mentorship they offer can stay with you for life, on both academic and personal levels.

Be open to all opinions & learn how to argue from any perspective. This will not only deepen and sharpen your arguments but also prepare you to thrive in any classroom and conversation.

Get involved and get out there! Participate in, or join, a variety of student organizations and Columbia events. You will meet here some of the most formidable, accomplished, and driven individuals. You never know where your next unforgettable encounter will come from.

Plan all your Columbia years ahead—falls, springs, and summers—and constantly adapt. There is no way to know which opportunity will open up for you tomorrow, let alone in six months, but you have to be ready for any possibility. Plan everything, but be ready to change all of it.

Keep time for “the little things:” the Central Park reunion with your orientation team from two years ago, going to the screening of your friend’s first student-produced short film, attending that downtown guest lecture on behavioral economics over pizza; all these moments that you will remember for your entire life are worth taking the time for.

Above all, remember that you belong here. GS is a community that thrives because of people like you—bring your whole self, and let the journey transform you.

I'm endlessly grateful to GS for proving that a nontraditional path is not a detour: it’s a propeller. It has accelerated everything I brought with me and launched it toward a greater purpose and broader impact. It has allowed me to meet exceptional individuals who became my foundation. These people have supported my passion for service and equipped me with the experiences and tools to reach new heights and create lasting change. For all of this, I am eternally beholden.