<p><span class="p-body">Originally from Brazil, Claudio Garcia Costa Carvalho has a background in civil engineering and behavioral sciences. These fields came together in harmony when he switched gears to teach within the MS in Human Capital Management program at the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS). We were glad to sit down with Garcia to learn more about his path to NYC, his predictions for the future of HR, and more.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">The MS in Human Capital Management program attracts instructors from a multitude of industries, from engineering to computer science and beyond, and each professor offers a unique perspective on the field.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Garcia’s civil engineering degree led him to work on large-scale projects for two years. However, his true passion lay in the managerial aspects of these projects, particularly in understanding and managing the people involved. This interest in human dynamics and organizational behavior led him to pursue an MBA from Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil and a Master of Science in Behavioral Sciences from the London School of Economics and Social Studies. His extensive career in managing large teams and developing human capital solutions eventually brought him to NYU SPS, where he now shares his wealth of knowledge and experience as a faculty member.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Teaching has always been a part of Garcia’s life, beginning at age 18 when he taught coding to elementary students. Throughout his executive career, he was frequently invited to lecture at various universities and partner with academia to develop new products based on scientific evidence. His love for learning and teaching continues to drive him. “The NYU SPS opportunity was a gift. I love the possibility of creating learning experiences where my students and myself can learn together,” Garcia says. His commitment to engaging students in critical thinking and problem-solving makes him a vital part of the academic community at NYU SPS.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">In his courses, Garcia emphasizes the importance of applying classroom learning to real-world scenarios. He integrates simulations, presentations, business cases, and discussions into his classes to ensure that students can practically apply new concepts. This approach, while initially challenging for students, ultimately leads to significant growth and fluency in the subject matter.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">“It’s fulfilling to see how, by the end of the program, students are fluent in concepts they learned by applying them in final presentation assignments.”</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For Garcia, teaching success is intertwined with student success. He believes that a student’s failure is also an instructor’s failure, and he strives to provide ample opportunities for students to clarify concepts and improve their work. One of the challenges he faces is ensuring that all students feel comfortable sharing their difficulties and seeking help, especially in larger classes. Despite these challenges, his philosophy remains that student success is a reflection of his own success as an educator.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Garcia sees significant changes on the horizon for human capital management, driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving business ecosystems. He highlights the importance of understanding human-tech interactions, managing workforce ecosystems, and accessing talent in a changing global landscape. He believes that HR management choices are increasingly influential in shaping organizational strategies, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and awareness of the potential risks and outcomes of management decisions.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Garcia advises students to understand that every management decision has consequences. He stresses the importance of learning new concepts while critically evaluating the potential risks and outcomes. As technology continues to advance, he encourages future leaders to remain adaptable and open to constant learning and experimentation. “The advance of intelligent and autonomous technologies...will require us to be open to constantly shifting our understanding of what’s possible,” he explains.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">With such a diverse group of students in every class, Garcia values the unique perspectives of his students, which enhances the learning experience for everyone. With an average of seven to ten nationalities represented in his classes, he believes that this diversity provides a fantastic opportunity to understand multiple worldviews. He encourages prospective students to come with an open mind and take full advantage of the academic and cultural experiences offered by NYU SPS, helping them become better professionals, leaders, and decision-makers.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Take your place as an innovator in your field when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-human-capital-management.html" title="MS in Human Capital Management">MS in Human Capital Management</a> at NYU SPS.</span></p>