Current position and employer: PhD in Applied Economics Student, Northeastern University

Hometown: Manila, Philippines

Current City: Brookline, MA

Why did you choose McCourt? I chose McCourt because of 3 things: the community, the MIDP program, and Washington, DC. From the beginning, the community of McCourt has been wonderful. The Admissions team have been fully helpful to inquiring prospective students and newly admitted students like myself. The administration and faculty have been very approachable and supportive regarding academic matters or on/off campus opportunities. McCourt embodied a family-oriented community. Furthermore, the MIDP program's curriculum enticed me with its analytical rigor and quantitative-based approach in crafting development policies. Having a tight-knit cohort with diverse backgrounds was also an amazing and enriching aspect of the program that I highly considered. Finally, I chose McCourt because of its location in Washington, DC. The opportunities to learn seemed to abound with all the Government Offices, NGOs, International Organizations, Think Tanks, and Nonprofits right around the corner.

What professional/ work experience did you have prior to coming to McCourt? Prior to McCourt, I worked at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) and Department of Finance, Bureau of the Treasury of the Philippine Government, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

What was the best part of your experience? The best part was the nonstop learning experience since Day 1. New ideas, insights, and opportunities were abundant inside and outside the classroom. Making new friends and meeting new people also made the experience fruitful.

What internships did you have during your time at McCourt?

• Research Consultant, Innovations for Poverty Action, Myanmar (MIDP Summer Internship)
• Research Assistant, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University

Student organization involvement while at McCourt:

• Member, McCourt Policy Innovation Lab
• Treasurer, McCourt Financial Inclusion Group
• First Year Treasurer, McCourt Student Association
• Volunteer, Observe D.C. 2018

Undergraduate University, degree, and major: Bachelor of Science in Management Major in Communications Technology Management, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines.

Hobbies/ Interests: I am passionate about International Development, Poverty Alleviation, and Finance. I am a very service-oriented person who loves numbers, data, and statistics. I am fond of playing sports, basketball, watching the NBA, and exercising regularly. I also love listening to music, reading books, and playing video games. For me, bonding with family and friends is the most important.