Pedro, Economist at The World Bank: Advize Career Interview
A career in economics offers diverse and impactful opportunities, as evidenced by a World Bank economist's journey.
The path began with graduate studies and teaching positions, leading to a twenty-year career at the World Bank, involving policy analysis in various countries, particularly in Africa, and focusing on poverty reduction and economic growth.
This impactful work included convincing governments to adopt effective policies, writing influential books, and extensive international travel.
Success in this field requires strong macroeconomic skills, the ability to persuasively communicate complex economic concepts, and adaptability to diverse situations and challenges.
Entry-level opportunities include internships and young professionals programs at the World Bank, alongside academic roles.
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the positive real-world impact of economic principles on people's lives, highlighting the transformative potential of a career in economics.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Pedro Belli
Economist
The World Bank
Amherst College
University of California, Berkeley - PhD, Economics
Psychology
Government
Consulting
None Applicable
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Career Path Of An Economist At The World Bank
After graduate school at Berkeley, where Pedro was a research and teaching assistant, they began their career teaching economics, first at UC Riverside and then for ten years at a Harvard Business School-affiliated graduate school in Nicaragua. Following a Nicaraguan revolution, they joined The World Bank for 20 years, later consulting and writing an economic history of Nicaragua.
Main Responsibilities Of An Economist At The World Bank
Currently retired and writing a book, Pedro's World Bank career involved initially working as a country economist for Ecuador, "try[ing] to convince the government to improve their economic policies" to reduce poverty. Later, the economist shifted to consulting and authored a book on project analysis, focusing on ensuring projects benefited the country and not just the implementing institution.
A Day in the Life of an Economist at The World Bank
Pedro's role as an Economist at The World Bank involved examining government economic policies in various African countries—"Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, and Malawi"—to assess their effectiveness in promoting "good economic growth and poverty reduction," specifically focusing on foreign trade and industrial development policies. This work entailed extensive international travel and on-the-ground policy assessments.
Most Important Skills for an Economist at The World Bank
For a World Bank Economist, mastering subject matter and conveying it accessibly are crucial, as is "convincing somebody who does not want to change," particularly when advocating for policy changes, a task made challenging by pre-existing ideologies such as Marxist viewpoints. The ability to persuade and adapt communication to diverse audiences is key to success in this role.
Favorite Parts of Being an Economist at The World Bank
Pedro's most rewarding experience as an Economist at The World Bank involved successfully persuading governments to adopt alternative policies that improved citizens' welfare; this success was particularly evident in the Chinese government's rapid translation of Pedro's project analysis book and subsequent submission of "the best prepared projects" to the World Bank.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Economist At The World Bank
Pedro's biggest challenge as an Economist at The World Bank is "convincing people to change if the change is warranted," while simultaneously acknowledging good work and learning from colleagues' successes and failures. This highlights the importance of both effective persuasion and collaborative learning in Pedro's impactful career.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Economics Industry As An Economist At The World Bank
Pedro's favorite aspect of being an economist is witnessing "people getting very interested in economics," believing in its potential to improve lives. The World Bank role further fulfilled him by seeing policies "having success just as [he] had anticipated," demonstrating the real-world impact of economic principles.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Economics Industry, According To An Economist At The World Bank
To thrive at the World Bank as an economist, a strong foundation in development and macroeconomic economics is crucial, as the work involves "improving the way people live" and requires "being convincing" with data-driven arguments. Success hinges on demonstrating expertise and using prior examples to persuade decision-makers.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Economists at The World Bank
For entry-level economists, the World Bank offers internships to familiarize applicants with "all kinds of projects" and "young professionals" programs for recent graduates, with the latter involving mentorship within "a group, which we call the Mission," providing on-the-job training alongside experienced colleagues. Academic paths involve research and teaching assistant roles, progressing to assistant professor positions.
Significant Career Lesson From an Economist at The World Bank
Pedro's significant career lesson is to "be prepared for anything," a principle highlighted by their adaptability during a Nicaraguan revolution which necessitated a move to Costa Rica and ultimately a position at The World Bank. The transferable nature of an economics background provided them with the flexibility to relocate and work internationally, a key factor in navigating unforeseen circumstances.
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