Home > Resources and Services > Admissions > Interviews
Franco Mendizába, PEPM 2006
Back to Students, Faculty and Alumni Interviews
Franco Mendizábal is a graduate of the PEPM class of 2006. He currently works as a macroeconomist for the European Commission in La Paz.
How would you describe your current position?
“Development of emerging economies, reduction of poverty and integration into the world economy constitute a shared responsibility between partners. Working for one of the most important international cooperation institutions, such as the European Commission, is thus a great challenge and the EU Delegation in Bolivia is deeply committed to this task.”
How has your PEPM degree helped your career?
“As a PEPM graduate, the academic tools I acquired have been a great advantage to face this duty with dedication, commitment and a result oriented approach. This mid career Program offers an excellent balance between high quality lectures and an invaluable exchange of experiences among students.”
Describe your background prior to attending PEPM?
“Before attending PEPM I was as Director of Public Investment at the Ministry of Finance. On the academic side, I completed an MBA in a joint program between Harvard Institute for International Development and the Bolivian Catholic University (2000), an MSc in Agriculture Economics (1996) at the Chilean Catholic University and a B.S. in Food and Economic Resources at the University of Florida (1992).”
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose PEPM as your graduate program?
“I sure would. The quality of the Program's content, outstanding teachers and the opportunity to interact in an international environment can only be found in PEPM.”
Do you keep in touch with your fellow SIPA alumni?
“Yes I do. Ihave regular communications not only with my classmates but also with some TA's. Social networks such as Facebook are useful resources for contacting fellow SIPA alumni around the world; thus increasing the possibility of exchanging important social, academic and professional experiences.”
Can you talk about the internships and/or workshops you completed while at PEPM?
“The internship is a valuable part of the program; it gives the graduate the opportunity to share his prior working experience and his new acquired knowledge with professionals from very important institutions such as IMF, WB and IDB.”
What’s your most vivid impression or recollection of SIPA?
“The most vivid recollection of SIPA was graduation day; the sensation that after so much work, the moment of harvesting was about to begin.
[2009]