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Elisa Hernandez-Garcia, MIA, PEPM 2000
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What are you doing now?
I am Deputy Director for European Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico. We deal with the bilateral and multilateral financial affairs of Mexico with Europe, Africa and the Middle East, by coordinating all competent areas within -and outside- the Ministry.
Describe your background prior to attending PEPM.
I was working for the same area of this Ministry prior to attending PEPM (Unit of International Financial Affairs), only at a lower level. My academic background was a BA in Economics from the most prestigious private institution in Mexico (ITAM), and a diploma in Regional Development at ECLAC, (UN) in Santiago de Chile.
Why did you choose to attend PEPM?
I was looking to expanding my current background in Economics, by attending a Masters Program in the U.S. I found out that not many institutions offered a Masters, but a PhD, which was out of my reach. Apparently, only Columbia matched my requirements, and the fact that it was such a prestigious institution in the field, plus an appealing surrounding and an incredible internship in the World Bank/IMF.. was definitely a big plus, and my first choice.
How would you describe your experience at PEPM? What is the most valuable thing you took away from your time at PEPM?
It was a growing experience in every way. I gathered a very valuable knowledge about studying in a foreign country in a foreign language with a mix of foreign people. You learn a lot about other countries and cultures.
You improve your English command in a way not attainable by any other means.
In terms of the classes, I reassured my good knowledge of Economics, and discovered the branches of the profession. PEPM gives you a very wide range of choices to pursue your interests in every possible field (Private, public, social, etc.) and in virtually any region of the world. You become a much better and mature person and you try to carry this to all your peers for good. I can see this as a difference in myself when compared to people who has not had the chance I had.
I can´t but give a special acknowledgement to dear Director Prof.
Rivera-Batiz, who made PEPM a professional program but also a fun and relaxing one at times, something that is very very important and appreciated from people like myself, who leave your home country, family, friends, etc, and go abroad to live in a strange country with strange people. He just made it all so much easier and comfortable. Special mention as well to Assistant at that time Maya Haddow, also very nice and dear to us all.
Can you talk abuot the internships you completed while at PEPM?
I did my internship program in FIAS in the IFC of the World Bank in Washington D.C. It is an experience you take with you for good in everything you do because it is the top development institution in the world. You learn from your mentors and peers, and I had the chance to travel to Nicaragua and Panama.
What is your relationship with PEPM now?
I believe that when you complete the program and you go back to your home country, you find yourself very busy with the change. Then you spend some time looking for a job and making other arrangements for the future. It is only after a while that you try to reestablish some contact. At least that is what happened to me. I did visit NYC back and some colleagues. Of course you keep yourself updated with the SIPA magazine they kindly keep sending to you. I have reestablished contact with PEPM now and I expect to work together with them in every way.
In your view what type of person is right for PEPM?
Do you think PEPM graduates make a difference in the world?
Did PEPM help you in the job search process upon graduation?
What type of person is right? That is a good question. I think the selection process is well oriented. Coming from a developing country with a background in either economics or the public service, with a prospect of serving your country upon completion. I think the most important thing would be this future commitment, either in your home country or elsewhere, but for a social benefit, either in public, private or social sector. This of course, depends on every person and it is very difficult to measure. From what I know about my colleagues in PEPM, they are all doing extraordinarily well in their careers upon completion, some in international organizations, in central banks, in financial institutions, or even pursuing a Phd sponsored by their governments. It is really an outstanding set of professional people. So I think PEPM added a huge plus to their careers all.
As for me, it also made a difference in my career and my life. PEPM did help me to hold a higher position in the Ministry of Finance and I am a well respected professional in the financial public sector of my country. I deal with issues at the top international level. I have been doing this for eight years now and I look forward to translating this experience into something more beneficial for the less advantaged of my country. I would like now to move forward to the social sector and make a difference there.
[2010]