Maria Teixeira de Melo
“After graduating from the MSc Political Economy of Europe in 2012, I started working at the European Commission, in Directoral General for Enlargement. This degree programme was key not only for my work at the European Commission but also for my overall understanding of the ways of working of such an institution. The MSc strengthened my knowledge about the EU and its neighbouring countries, namely the Western Balkans. At LSE I had the opportunity to meet high-profile academics and excellent professors that changed the way I envisaged political economy in Europe. My own views were constantly being challenged, either by the professors or by my peers, which triggered my capacity to build up strong, coherent and well-grounded arguments for my ideas. I learned how to think critically and engage in debates and discussions, putting forward consistent arguments. This skill proved to be essential in several meetings, discussions and reports I had to produce in a work context.
Throughout the MSc we were always encouraged to think outside the box and to consider different explanations for a given fact. Discussing issues and exchanging ideas often continued after class, over a pint at The George, and it was thrilling to have the chance to do so with such a multidisciplinary and multicultural group of people. This dynamic environment is, in my opinion, what makes LSE unique. I feel that my time at LSE’s European Institute is constantly opening new doors in the job market and proves more and more helpful as my career evolves. I will now start a position at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and I am absolutely sure that, once again, what I learnt whilst at LSE will be essential for the success of my performance in this new position.”
Alumna 2011-2012
Vanessa Vazquez Felpeto
“I graduated from the European Institute’s MSc Political Economy of Europe in 2012. I chose to study this programme as previously my academic background had been based solely on political science and I wanted to gain a greater understanding of the more technical aspects of economic policy. However, the quality of teaching and the timing of course - when Europe was suffering a deep political and economic crisis - made it a far more enriching and thought-provoking course. It allowed me to develop questioning and analytical skills which have served me greatly in my working life.
Since completing the programme, I have been working for the British Government as a Tax Professional at HM Revenue and Customs, the non-ministerial department working closely with HM Treasury. I am currently enrolled in a four-year training programme which allows me to specialise in the technical aspects of taxation, as well as to engage in policy and Parliamentary discussions. My current work projects vary from consulting on the European Union Savings Directive to dealing with complex issues on tax cases dealing with large, and usually international, companies. My experience at LSE provided me not only with a great academic foundation and understanding of complex political and economic issues, but it also provided the opportunity for debate. Whilst hosting an extensive profile of public lectures with global thinkers, its uniquely diverse and multicultural range of students also proved to be a great source of knowledge and an inimitable tool for engagement.”
Alumna 2011-2012
Jan Seifert
"It was during my MSc in European Political Economy that I considered doing a PhD, but didn't pursue this when I graduated in the summer of 2009. For some months I worked as a freelance political consultant with a think-tank in Berlin, on a global research project on budget transparency and for my regional parliament in Germany. Coincidentally, through the research project, I got in touch with a professor from Singapore, who suggested I should apply to her university. So, I did apply and ended up starting a PhD at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore in August 2010.
The PhD programme is in public policy which builds on my degree at LSE and my undergraduate studies in social sciences but also extends into economics as well as public policy and administration issues which I have not studied much before. Unlike most places in Britain or the rest of Europe, the programme is more in line with the US, with a fixed curriculum in the first two years - and a strong emphasis in preparing me for academic life. I quite enjoy this perspective even though it means a different trajectory from my pre-LSE work in the European Parliament and a few internships in consulting and finance. It's great to realise the value of my education at LSE - from which I can draw heavily in my current programme - and it also seems that the reputation of LSE is truly global, potentially opening many doors."
Alumnus 2008-2009
Cécile Ortlieb
"I completed my MSc in European Political Economy from the London School of Economics' European Institute in 2007.The inspiring professors at the European Institute revealed fundamental aspects of the raison d'etre of the European Union and the intentions behind its creation. Their knowledge of the political economic dynamics in Europe informed before its time the roots of the economic and political crisis we have recently witnessed.
In 2007 climate change issues were brought under the economic light by Sir Nicholas Stern. In this light I wanted to understand the role Europe can play in providing sustainable solutions and support to those nations seeking solutions to climate change and establishing a sustainable path. I focused my dissertation on the energy sector and the development of renewable energy use in Europe by highlighting the political economic framework environment shaping energy policy. Together with a small team I then contributed to the launch of the Prince of Wales Rainforests Project. We established a multi-stakeholder dialogue that could enable private public sector partnerships focusing on economic solutions addressing deforestation in the tropical rainforests. I joined Kimberly Clark in 2008 to act as a sustainability adviser. I am now leading the strategy and stakeholders engagement for sustainability in emerging and developing markets for Kimberly Clark. In my spare time I like to support and learn from charities and social entrepreneurs delivering positive social, economic and environmental innovation where needed."
Alumna 2006-2007
Matthew Bonfante Horrox
"I graduated from the European Institute's MSc in European Political Economy: Transition in 2003 and returned to work for a management consultancy firm where I spent time working on projects at GCHQ, at the Cabinet Office and others. I'm now working for a leading political and security risk consultancy, Control Risks, based in Dubai.
As a politico-security risk consultant I advise companies on risks associated with investments and projects in emerging markets around the Middle East, most recently on projects in the West Bank, in Syria and in Saudi Arabia. My work entails considering and analysing political economy fundamentals, including economic trends, regime stability, non-state actors such as armed factions and terrorist groups, organised criminals and other factors to determine the nature and extent of risks a particular client is exposed to, and then working closely with the client organisation to develop practical and cost-efficient risk response strategies. My study at LSE was instrumental in securing the role as a political risk consultant with Control Risks initially. The analytical rigour and other skills that I acquired on the degree course has stood me in good stead since."
Alumnus 2002-2003
Melina Vasardani
"I graduated from the MSc European Political Economy: Transition in 2002. In 2003 I joined Shell Oil as a Business Analyst in the Lubricants Supply Chain Europe, working mainly on cost modelling. In 2004, I moved to the Bank of Greece as an Economist in the Economic Research Department, where I have been working ever since. During this period, I was seconded at the European Central Bank in Frankfurt for 2 years (2009-2010) at the External Economic Developments Division. My main tasks at the European Central Bank involved the analysis of cross-border financial flows, the impact of price and cost competitiveness on trade and the macro-economic surveillance of countries in the euro area.
Currently, I am responsible for providing high-level economic analysis to Bank of Greece's senior management on issues relating to: (i) the Greek economy, such as tax evasion and other structural reforms under the Memorandum of Understanding and (ii) the European Union in general, such as the new economic governance framework. Studying at LSE offered me a unique opportunity to interact with high-profile academics as well as actual policymakers. In my opinion, LSE goes beyond the definition of an excellent university that provides the knowledge and practical tools one needs to be employable in the job market. LSE is the place where modern thinking is shaped through leading research and public debate, a dynamic institution that responds creatively and rapidly to a changing global environment. The capacity for adaptability and strong, out-of-the-box reasoning, were the two most valuable assets I inherited from my LSE times. Living in London was also a pleasure on its own!"
Alumna 2001-2002