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Pablo Espinel, MIA 2011: Economic and Political Development/Latin America
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Pablo Espinel is from Ecuador and prior to joining SIPA was an Environmental Engineer. He came to SIPA seeking to change his career trajectory.
What attracted you to SIPA?
“SIPA attracted me primarily, because of its location in the heart of NYC and its great international prestige. Studying in a university located in the center of what some call the ‘Capital of the World’ would give me no chance to miss anything important happening in the world. The headquarters of the UN in the city also contribute to make a degree in International Relations at SIPA more meaningful.”
What has been the best part of your SIPA experience?
“The highly international student body coming from countries as diverse as Bhutan or Uzbekistan. It has given me the opportunity of knowing people from countries I never met before. The interaction with people with such a diverse background and experience (lawyers, US navy officers, economists, engineers) has been amazing.”
Did you choose to attend SIPA to change careers, or to gain experience in a career path you already had experience in?
“I choose SIPA to change careers. As a trained Engineer in environmental issues, I felt I was somewhat limited and realized that the most important decisions were taken in the political arena, mostly internationally.”
What has been the most challenging part of your SIPA experience?
“Being surrounded by very brilliant people compels you to give a 110% of your capacities. The professors are exigent and the classes challenging, sometimes I felt overwhelmed and had very little time to sleep and rest, especially during the midterms and finals.”
[September 2009]