Before joining the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ MPA programme…
I studied international relations and development economics at McGill University in Montreal. I then worked at the European Space Policy Institute in Vienna and UNESCAP in Bangkok, on the role of space applications for disaster preparedness/response and longer term economic development.
Why did you choose to join the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’s MPA programme?
I wanted a programme which would be practical and hands-on, allowing me to develop transferable skills which I could then use to work in international development. The fact that it was a two year programme with a capstone project was very attractive. Two years means forging long term relationships but also getting a chance to go beyond core courses to gain further knowledge in specific sectors, in my case economic development. The Capstone project was a great experience of team work and leadership, requiring balancing the requirements of the programme with those of our client organisation.
How has the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ MPA programme influenced your career?
The skills I have gained during the MPA have been crucial in getting a job in international development consultancy. In particular, econometrics courses ended up giving me the required analytical tools to understand policy-making in a structured manner. Development economics was also tremendously useful in understanding where the knowledge of interventions and policies which work or not currently stand. After almost 3 years working in an international development consultancy, I now work at the International Growth Centre, where all the knowledge and skills gained from the MPA come in handy. In particular: being able to understand Randomised Control Trials and other econometric methodologies, have a broad knowledge of economic issues (budgeting and political science classes are particularly helpful) and understanding public sector management and challenges.
What one piece of advice would you give to a future MPA student?
Enjoy, work hard, and don’t despair on econometrics, its usefulness becomes very apparent in the second term of the first year!